Job Search Handbook
So You're Ready To Leave Your Job
Changing employers is a natural part of almost everyone's professional life. You're not expected to stay with one company for your entire career. But making the move from one job to the other can be incredibly nerve racking and at times uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to make the transition a bit smoother.
First and foremost make sure you are ready to leave. Some factors that may constitute resigning include, being underpaid, failing to receive promotions, having no work-life balance, not being challenged, being overstressed, bored, without friends, having a bad relationship with your boss, or being easily distracted. While individually these may not be enough to trigger a change, collectively they may signal to you that it's time to start looking for another employer. That being said you'll want to make sure you have another position lined up before leaving your current place of occupation unless you have a lot of financial flexibility in your life. To do this you may want to refer to my previous article "Employed But Looking" which offers some tips about how to job hunt on the sly. If however you are able to be open with your current employer about your job search, sit down with your superiors and let them know that you are looking for work elsewhere. This may be to your advantage as they can then provide you with references and will be less surprised if you end up leaving the company.
Once you've gotten your affairs in order, notify your current place of employment of your decision in plenty of time. To know just how much time is needed check with your employee handbook or human resources department, while two weeks is standard some companies may expect up to six. Once you have figured the time line out create a formal letter of resignation which contains the date, your intended last day of work (in accordance with company policies), and a thank you for allowing you to work there. It is also nice to offer to help out during the transition period. Make sure your resignation letter is concise and respectful, avoid any blame or finger pointing and keep it free of too much emotion other than gratitude. Give this letter to all of your direct superiors and human resources department and keep a copy for yourself. Make sure to complete any additional paperwork your human resources department requires you to fill out. It is important that you notify your supervisors of your decision to leave before discussing your resignation with coworkers as that is likely to create office gossip and paint you in a negative light to your employer.
It is crucial you finish out the last few weeks of your job. Make sure you get projects wrapped up and have notified any clients of your change. This can help to ensure that you leave a positive lasting impression with your prior place of employment. Coworkers and managers may treat you differently but that is not an excuse to slack off. Work with the same ethic you had when you started with the company. That being said they may have you pack up your stuff the day you hand in your letter so don't rely on those last few weeks of employment.
On your last day bring thank you cards for your boss and coworkers, and be especially gracious. Do not take anything with you including client lists unless you brought them into the company as you could be sued for stealing trade secrets. You don't want to burn any bridges as the business world is small and any ill relations are likely to come back and haunt you in the future.
About the Author
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Robert Boroff is the Managing Director of Reaction Search International Marketing Recruiters Sales Management Headhunters a leading sales and marketing Executive Search Firm that assists both U.S. and International firms recruit all levels of sales and marketing experts Globally.
The Executive Search Consultants at Reaction Search International Executive Recruiters Sales successfully placing top performing candidates since 1995.
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Company requires 4 weeks notice?
I am in a very bad situation, I am an entry level programmer who is lookign to change jobs, the one I am currently at is very demanding, 14 hour days, no lunch breaks, call ins on Sundays and after hours etc. I have no time for my friends or family and it is mentally effecting me.
I am currently on a job search and have three interviews lined up, the problem is the employee hand book requires that all exempt employees must give 4 weeks notice in their handbook! My prospective employers may not be willing to wait 4 weeks too fill an entry level position, am I required by law to stick around for an entire month at a job I absolutely hate? Is there anything I can do?
Your prospective employers may be willing to wait. Most companies have a similar requirement for professional positions, so they will be expecting the delay for completion of your notice period. Since they would expect the same professional behavior from you when you leave them, they wouldn't expect you to shortchange your current employer. If they do want you to start sooner, that's a sign of a 'bad' employer - and you should consider your options carefully. You could always leave your job with less than the required notice, but would you want to work for another company that has such disregard for professional practices?
Job Search Handbook
Patra Frame: Cleared Job Fair Job Search Questions
How to Get a Job in Marketing
It's all about promotion
A bachelor's degree in communications or business administration is the first step to get a job in marketing. After graduation focus on what you know, i.e. how businesses attract consumers to buy their products or use their services. Apply this to your job search. Promote the added value of your time with experiences, skills and talents that will help achieve a business' objectives. Some sources, e.g. wiki sites, on the internet can provide valuable tips and information to enhance your job hunt.
1st Objective: Develop criteria
In college get internships, volunteer or work during the summer; it will be difficult to get a good job without any work experience. Businesses need employees who can make the right decision unsupervised. Criterion is not developed by following rules, but by learning from the right people and one's mistakes. Look for challenges that will expose you to different types of problems and situations, and try to learn from every experience. Be objective.
2nd Objective: Express yourself
It's imperative for marketing professionals to communicate well with their managers, team members and clients. There are plenty of handbooks that provide guidance on how to speak and write correctly. Colleges offer writing courses that not only will improve your composition skills but also will inspire you to be more thoughtful of how you speak.
3rd Objective: Build a professional network
Visualize where you want to be in five years and talk to people who are already there. The internet is a great way to contact professionals who can teach you about their job and lead you in the right direction. They also can introduce you to colleagues who specialize in different areas. Become a member of associations and organizations where you can meet other marketing professionals.
4th Objective: Be professional
Think of your resume as your personal ad. Promote your skills, talents and experience with a detailed and factual resume that reflects your criteria. Avoid misleading information and ambiguous experiences; write solid accomplishments you can prove. Hiring managers are usually swamped with resumes and prefer to ask coworkers for referrals. Give your resume to members of your professional network.
5th Objective: Define your target
Work will not only teach you ethics but also what you are good at. Once you have an idea of what you love to do AND do well, get an entry level position in one of your favorite companies. Don't worry if the job is not marketing related; however, be sure the company has a department you want to work in, e.g. sales, advertising, promotion, etc.
6th Objective: Assume responsibility
Successful professionals make decisions that will help the organization they work for reach their goals. After you learn to make objective decisions, assume higher levels of responsibility. Being able to work under pressure is a skill sought by most employers. Make thoughtful decisions, i.e. picture the consequence of each alternative and pick the one that best fits the company's goals.
7th Objective: Continue your education
Marketing is a highly competitive field; therefore it's essential to keep up with the new techniques and trends. Attending seminars and conferences will help you understand new ideas as well as expand your professional network. Some associations certify that professionals comply with certain aspects of the marketing field, thereby reassuring hiring managers that candidates are qualified for specific jobs. A master of business administration in marketing is also a great way to prepare for a management position.
A world of opportunities
A savvied marketing professional's network and tenure can be a great asset. Experts are more frequently promoted to top management positions than pros from other fields. Furthermore, the experience obtained working in different businesses can serve as perfect foundation for professionals to open their own business. Though a job in marketing is demanding, objective-driven professionals may benefit from many rewards once they prove their ability to overcome adversity and challenge.
About the Author
Erich writes for Jobs In Marketing, a top online resource connecting qualified candidates with marketing jobs
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