By now you’ve read articles like this (Glassdoor 2017 Job Trends) and this (40% of employers plan to hire full-time permanent employees in 2017). Bottom line — the hiring outlook for 2017 is the best it’s been in a decade, in most cases, across the board.

What does that mean to you going forward? Considering a new job with better advancement and more money? Wondering if you should?

You Are In the Driver Seat

Strategies for Driving Your Career in a Hot Market 

The doors are open. Now is the time to manage your career. Yet real career management involves assessment and a well thought out strategy.

Now is the Time to Ask…. Are You In the Right Job?

Got the two-year itch? Before you succumb to the temptation of a higher paycheck and a fancy title, hit the pause button. The short-term gains may be short-sighted in the long run.

Two important factors to consider…

  1. What’s important to you in your work life (besides salary)? For example…
  • Good health care
  • Ongoing training
  • Internal promotion
  • Cutting-edge technology
  • Flexible work/vacation schedules
  • Values you relate to
  • Innovation and leadership
  • Retirement programs (401K matching, profit sharing, etc.)
  1. Assessing your career
  • Where are you in your career?
  • Are you where you want to be?
  • Is there room for advancement at your current company? If so in what time period?
  • Are you positioning yourself for the long term?
  • Still not sure? The Muse suggests this simple 4-questions test.

Should You Stay?

Even if you’re in the wrong job, you might be in the right place. How likely is your current employer to fulfill your “perfect job” wish list?

  • Is there a logical next step for you in your company?
  • What are you doing to make yourself the most attractive candidate for that opening (What are some of your current “promotable successes”? What would persuade your employer train you?  Do you need to seek training yourself, on your own time?)

Or Should You Go?

If your growth opportunities are limited in your current company and satisfaction unlikely then…

  • Where would your talents and ambitions be better appreciated and rewarded?
  • How would your dream employer rekindle your personal passions?
  • What would make you irresistible to your dream employer?
  • Do you need to consider relocation, personal or career development/redirection?

Take Action

Position yourself for future growth now. In a job market this hot, not actively managing your career is almost like taking a step backward. No matter how hot the market, opportunity is more about hard work and planning than luck and circumstance. As B.C. Forbes (Forbes magazine founder) quipped, “Think not of yourself as the architect of your career but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a lot of hard hammering and chiseling and scraping and polishing.”

Need Help?

Not sure what you want, or how to move forward?

With over 20 years as a recruiter, I’m in the unique position to hear both sides of the employment coin. If you want to advance your career, I know what bosses want from individuals on their team and the type of person who they will do whatever they can to retain. Because of that, I can support you as you strategically build your career, transition from one position or company to another, or grow to become a better and more effective leader. Dorigan & Associates’ new Career Services and Executive Coaching services are here to help you develop the right career strategy for you.

 

What 2017’s Hot Job Market Means to You

Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.

© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.

This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.

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