UK 
United States
If there is a single question we are most commonly asked, it is “how’s the market?” No secret or surprise; it is unquestionably ‘up’. Volumes of active search mandates are markedly increased, and pleasingly ‘quality’ candidates are taking ever more challenging career moves again.
With the exception of an election time blip, the market has been steadily on the up for a few years now. Despite this there remains a palpable sense of caution in both candidate and client activities. Recruitment processes are ever more demanding and with increased choice candidates are being ever more discerning.
With stability and growth comes greater choice, and the confidence to exert it. If the last move is beginning to feel like it was a bad one, exerted in a tighter market, here are a few perspectives on how to ensure it doesn’t indelibly stain your career.
- Act decisively not quickly
Remaining unhappy in a role is destructive. It affects productivity and success rates. Focus upon putting ‘scores on the doors’. These are to take to market. Deliver them well, it will boost your self-belief and your confidence at those critical up-coming interviews.
- Audit yourself and your role. Be clear on what you want from the next job
Revisit the drivers and factors upon which you originally evaluated the role. It’s fine to change your mind. Be clear why you have shifted your position. A clear understanding of why you aren’t happy will be crucial to managing difficult interview questions. It will also give 20:20 clarity on the future and prevent you from repeating a mistake.
- Own the outcome
Hold yourself to account. Own the problem and the solution. Who makes the bolder choice; the person who ground out an extra year of service for the sake of the CV, or the person that showed good self-awareness, and acted upon it in a reasoned manner? No brainer.
- Understand your skills
We all go to work to do a good job, but we must understand how we add value. Often the tasks we enjoy are not the things we are best at. Striking the right balance is key. Put yourself in a position that enables you to excel. It could be considered negligent to remain in a position where you are unable to deliver to your best. The market will find your candour refreshing and be assured by it. Don’t suffer for the sake of how the CV might look.
- Consider the full package
Look beyond the numbers. Innumerable surveys consistently show that strong financial reward is only a small part of career ‘needs’. Review the full deal; the company, strategy, culture, team, manager, market and of course the package. Take it all in.
Most careers are non-linear, and hiring managers appetite for ‘length of service’ is often highly elastic. Successful delivery trumps time served every time. The decision to move is governed by a broad array of social, moral, ethical factors and the professional demands of your chosen role. Meeting the issues head on with candour and preparation will ensure you focus upon the value you have generated and delivered. Everyone is allowed a mistake, just don’t make it a habit, a buoyant market is particularly unforgiving!
