Ep. 058: Is it Time to Look for Your Next Job? with Rob Walker

The days of working for the same company for 30-years and retiring with a full pension are a thing of the past. Today, people have a powerful sense they need to consistently consider what their next career or job change will be. There are even employees who are worried about what hiring managers will think about a long stint at just one company.

Guest expert New York Times Columnist, Rob Walker, says hiring managers look more for applicable skills or a major red flag than time on job titles. He says it’s important to stay on top of what is available in the job market and to periodically conduct informational interviews so you know what your value is in the marketplace. Checking job boards can also help a job seeker to understand what additional skills they could acquire before they might need to find other employment.

Keep your resume current if opportunities for growth arise in your current environment. And, be proactive about changes you can make in the workplace.

Signs it might be time to move on:

• Issues in Business Sector.
• Your responsibilities are diminishing.
• Someone starts taking over your tasks.

If you do get a new job when departing your current company:

• Follow the rules of the organization. If they request two-weeks notice, give two-weeks notice.
• Don’t try to settle scores during your exit, no matter how angry you are.

Your skills are valuable! Make sure you know what you are worth.

Rob Walker Bio

Rob Walker writes the "The Workologist" column for the Sunday business section of The New York Times and blogs for Design Observer.  He’s the author of four books and has written for such publications as Slate.com, New York Times Magazine, Money, and The American Lawyer. You can find out more about Rob at RobWalker.net.

Ben’s Job Search Resources:

Ben’s resource this week is the list of The Best (and Worst) Jobs in 2016 from CareerCast. The list is based on factors such as salary, work environment, and job prospects.  It may not be as awesome as puppy watching or Crayola Color Girl, but being a Data Scientist tops the list of the best job on the planet. You may not want to know what the worst job on the list is, just in case it is what you are doing right now.

Jenna’s Find Your Dream Job Listener Question:

Ben, Jenna and Mac respond to Karl Borton’s question — “How do I market myself to employers in states other than my own?”

If you would like the team to answer a job-related question, email it to jenna@macslist.org or call her at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air you will receive a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017). Or if you’ve found a job resource you think everyone should know about, send it to ben@macslist.org and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

Ben and Jenna’s segments are sponsored by the 2016 edition of Hack the Hidden Job Market Course. The course launches November 1st .

If you like this show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!

Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

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