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However, the change to another company or industry should be carefully thought through and planned. A job change to another department, a new company or even to a foreign field of work is part of a normal CV. Regardless of the reasons for the change. In a mobility study, over 70% of the HR managers surveyed assume that today's entrants to the profession change jobs five to ten times during their career. Reason enough not to avoid career changes.
However, too frequent job changes, so-called job hoppers, are often interpreted as a sign of unreliability and lack of stamina. It is important to find a healthy middle ground for one's own career. In the following, we have compiled checklists for you to check your personal chances and risks for a possible job change.
Before changing jobs, you should weigh up the pros and cons precisely. Take plenty of time to analyse and weigh up your initial situation, the advantages and disadvantages of your current position and the possibilities for change.
Checklist "Your job":
Possible answers: very good, good, less good or unsatisfactory.
Evaluation:
After this short analysis, it is easy to find out your personal motives for a possible job change. Even if most of the questions were answered with the two negative categories, it does not mean that a job change is absolutely necessary. Here it is important to analyse in detail whether it is a matter of momentary dissatisfaction, which can be improved by discussions e.g. about salary, further training opportunities and promotion prospects. Or whether it is a permanent dissatisfaction, then quick action is essential.
If you have come to the conclusion that internal changes are not possible at your current employer, and that promotion opportunities and salary increases are also very limited, then you should not shy away from changing jobs. Take a strategic approach. Describe in as much detail as possible what you expect from your new job.
Checklist future perspectives:
The key data for your dream job have now been determined, now it is time to search for the right job in the trade and daily press or in online job portals. Look out for internal job advertisements, listen to your circle of friends and acquaintances and inform yourself in detail about job offers in print and online media. Prepare yourself intensively for the application phase. This may include attending communication training courses, further training events to supplement your personal professional profile, and internal training courses. Continue to get involved in your "old" area of responsibility, because your commitment and work results will later be reflected in your application documents.
You have now made yourself fit for a new job, now you have to check your new potential employer very carefully.
Checklist new company:
Now you are well prepared for the application phase leading up to the job interview. Applying for a job from a position that has not been terminated is an important plus in the interviews. The HR managers can be sure that you are serious about the change and that your interest in the new job is very high. If you then have the new employment contract in your pocket, you have won!
It is not uncommon to be unhappy in a new job. The key is to find out whether the dissatisfaction stems from the settling-in period or whether fundamental expectations are not being met. Talking to managers, seeking feedback, and allowing a realistic period of time for reassessment will help you make an informed decision.
The decision for or against a new job can rarely be made after just a few weeks. It usually takes several months to realistically assess the tasks, corporate culture, and development opportunities. Only if there is no improvement after this time should you take action.
Changing jobs after ten years can make sense if the learning curve is flattening, there is a lack of prospects, or your personal goals have changed. Many employers value long-term service, provided that the change is well-founded and there is evidence of professional development.
Changing jobs at 45 is no longer considered a career break. Experience, stability, and professional expertise are valuable factors. It is important to clearly define your own role and demonstrate the specific benefits you can bring to the new company.
Job hoppers are people who have very short periods of employment without any discernible development. Individual short stints, on the other hand, are not a problem as long as they can be explained in a comprehensible manner. It is not the number of changes that is decisive, but the logic behind them.
A successful career change requires not only courage, but also sound market knowledge and realistic prospects. BESTMINDS supports companies, specialists, and executives in making strategic and sustainable career changes. For over 15 years, our recruitment consultants have been successfully filling positions in the medical technology, healthcare, life sciences / pharma, and IT / media industries. With a specialized network, clear industry expertise, and a fair, discreet approach, we bring together people and companies that are a good long-term fit for each other. Whether you are looking for a career change or targeted recruitment, BESTMINDS is your partner for sustainable decisions in the career and recruiting environment.
