​As Recruiters, we’ve placed thousands of people into Construction and Engineering roles who have been successful and gone on to do great things. Unfortunately, however, there are also occasions where we see people go through the whole recruitment process, only to get to the end and pull out because they have not thought their decision through. 

If you’re thinking that it’s time for a new job, there are a number of points for you to consider before starting your job search.

What is Motivating You to Start Your Job Search?

Firstly, consider why you are thinking of looking for a new job. There are many reasons why people are ready for a change and it’s important to be aware of your motivations.

Are they personal? Are they to do with the company? The role? The team? Pay? Location? Or maybe you feel you’re in the wrong career, or simply need a new challenge.

There are a number of factors to job searching and it can be easy to get disheartened or tempted by other variables. Be clear on what your reasons are and remain focused – this will be sure to set you up for future success.

It’s important to consider whether a change of job is actually the answer or whether you need to explore a change in your current role. For example, if it’s to do with the pay, determine whether a pay rise in your current job would make you happier or if it would simply postpone your initial thoughts of leaving, as there are other factors in play.

Also, think about your future career goals and priorities. Look at where you want to end up in your career and work backwards to find out the steps you’ll need to take. Maybe you’ll want to try and find a role where you’re working with a smaller team, or for a company that can provide international secondments. Your goals will help act as a reference guide for you to analyse opportunities and job offers, so you can assess which moves will be helpful.

What do Others Think?

It can also be helpful to check what other people think. It’s likely that someone who has been through similar decisions will have some relevant advice. You might like to speak to someone you currently work with, an ex-colleague, or perhaps someone you studied with. If you decide to use a Specialist Recruiter, you should find them helpful to talk to, and they can provide advice that is right for your situation.

There’s no harm in speaking to someone that you trust but regardless of what they say, remember that it’s your decision at the end of the day and sometimes you just need to trust your gut.

Are You Completely Sure?

Job searching is a time-consuming exercise. It can require time away from your family, your current role and other activities. You need to make sure that you are prepared and that the timing is right.

If you’re unsure, then don’t start looking for a new job, even if you don’t initiate contact with a potential employer. Going through the recruitment process and turning down a role at offer stage can be harmful to your reputation, with both your potential employer and with your current one. Rejecting the employer late in the process makes it likely that you’ll also ruin your chances of being employed by them in the future, when you might be really interested in the opportunity.

We always recommend putting serious consideration into your options before resigning. Resigning isn’t an easy step to take and you should always ensure that you’re 100% sure of your decision before doing so. Picture the scenario of handing over your resignation letter and consider whether you would actually be able to do it when the time comes. If you have hesitations about it, perhaps it’s not the right time for you to move on. 

Would a conversation with your Manager about how you’re feeling be more appropriate? Perhaps you’ve already done this but giving your employer the opportunity to rectify the situation is always beneficial. If it remains unaddressed, then this can be a strong sign that it is time to move on. It also means that when you do resign, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise to your employer.

Update your CV & Check Your Personal Brand

If you’re ready to start your job search, the next step is to update your CV and check your online social presence (such as LinkedIn). It’s likely that they will be the first things a potential employer will see, so it’s important that they are up-to-date and in professional shape. Remember to check your privacy settings on your social media profiles so that you’re happy for a potential employer to see your public information.

It’s often the case that your CV and social profiles won’t be updated unless you’re looking for a job, so make sure that all your details are up to date. Go over your experience. Can you list your main achievements? What skills have you learnt? What experience is relevant to your next employer? Ensure that they are aligned and that they are representative of your experience, achievements and career goals.

For further advice on designing a great Construction and Engineering CV, take a look at our blog on the topic, here.

Closing Thoughts

Before looking for a new job, be honest with yourself. Be absolutely sure that you’re ready to move jobs and remain focused on the reasons why.

As you go through the process, refer back to your job analysis template. If you deviate from this, ensure that there is a logical and valid reason for doing so.

We always recommend finding a credible Construction and Engineering Recruiter to help you with your search. An experienced Recruiter knows the industry and will be able to assist you during the process.

If you’re considering whether it’s the right time to start your job search or if you’ve already started, please feel free to contact us here at RobLawMax.