HOW YOUR CURRENT JOB WILL ACTUALLY GET YOU YOUR NEW JOB

Whether you’re planning to stick around for a little bit longer in your current job or are already on the lookout for a new one, you need to know this: The job you’re in right now is the link to your new job.

From the things you learn while on your current job to the boss you have, every experience you have currently while working will have an impact on the new job you’re planning to apply for. And it’s not just this current job; if you’ve been working for a while, whatever work experience you’ve amounted to since Day One will contribute to your new job some way or another.

And what are those ways? Here are some to think about which can actually help you get the next dream job.

#1 The Skills
This is an obvious one – whatever you learn in your current job will help link you to your new job by way of skills. That is what you learnt can be applied to the new job and if it is a requirement for the job application, then bonus!

Our advice? Make full use of all learning opportunities you have currently to add to your skills set. This way, whenever you go for a job interview in the future, you can share that you have Skill A and Skill B that would make you the perfect candidate.

#2 The Network
Planning to stay in the same industry? Take full advantage of every networking opportunity – you never know who you might meet during your current job that could be the way in to a new prospect.

It could be a colleague who might join a new company and think of you when an opening is available or a client who is so impressed by your servicing skills that he must have you on his team. Perhaps even your boss who might decide that you’re the person she wants to hire in her new role in a new company.

#3 The Boss Factor
In my first job, I had a boss who was difficult to please. I always had to think two steps ahead of her and made sure I tied up all loose ends before submitting any work. Because if I didn’t, I knew she would nitpick endlessly. Also, she was extremely particular and has her own ways of doing things.

I quit because of her. But in my next role, I realised how much I learnt from dealing with her – I was efficient, organised and constantly on top of things, which allowed me to move up the ladder pretty quickly as I was impressing my new boss. Imagine if I had a boss who didn’t care about the quality of my work; I’d probably be complacent (and still in my current job) and wouldn’t have the chops to impress.

#4 The Salary
More often than not, your new job should pay you more than your current job. After all, you have more skills and experience, so the renumeration should match that.

Use your current job as a benchmark for the next one. If you’re expected to do more but the salary is on par or less, you might want to think twice unless there is a fabulous opportunity you absolutely cannot miss. Don’t forget to consider the benefits as well as this should be a factor on whether to accept the new job or not – and if the company has your best interests at heart by offering similar if not better benefits (why work for less!).

That said, don’t jump from one job to another just because you’ll get a higher salary! Always consider the long-term benefits of switching jobs versus the short gratification of more money. Your next employer will notice the pattern and might not be so impressed.

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash