Last week, I shared WHY you should quit your job. If you missed it, I encourage you to read here before proceeding with this post. Now, once you’ve reached the decision that it’s time for change, you’re faced with what to do next. In lieu of top nine, I’ve listed my top five successful tips and strategies that will guide you in your journey. As a current recruiter, and someone who has implemented these steps, they have certainly proved to be beneficial and I hope they will do the same for you!

1. Evaluate – take some time to understand who you are and what you really want to do. Look at your skills, what you have accomplished and what really motivates you. Additionally, I suggest taking a free online assessment such as the Myers Briggs. Those types of assessments will help define your personality style and skill sets. It will also suggest the type of industries best aligned with your abilities. Even if you have taken assessments like this one years ago, take it again. Chances are you may notice a different outcome, especially now that you have arrived at this stage in life that desires change!
2. Research – once you target the industry or organizations you are now interested in, do your homework. Take time to not only read reviews online, but reach out to connections that work there. Do not blindly start applying for companies or positions that you are not familiar with. More to come on this later, but the likelihood of that resulting in success is slim.
3. Network – use your resources to seek out opportunities. Regardless of the size of your city, the “good ole boy system” still works. It’s often so resourceful to know someone that can not only give you honest insight, but can also provide a referral. I can honestly tell you that with EVERY job I have had since I graduated college, this has proven to be beneficial for me. I have had some type of referral or connection to each and every position that I have had. IT WORKS!!!
4. LinkedIn – update your profile. According to Google, LinkedIn has over 575 million users with 260 million active users on a monthly basis. Hello online network! Build your connections. Update your picture as well as your background. Employers will notice these items. They are looking for professionally engaged individuals that are open to new opportunities. Do not post your resume. Give a high level overview of your experiences. You want to hook those who are looking and have them ask further questions during an interview.
5. Be patient – stay the course. This will likely take some time. You truly need to figure out what you want, follow these steps then put yourself out there. Give yourself time and you will find where you indeed belong and desire to be!