How to change jobs like a boss

Estimated reading time
 5 min

Learn all about

• Identifying what you actually want from a new career
• 3 simple tips to tackle the job hunt with
• Being financially ready for the career change

Switching your job or advancing in your current role can mean a new office window, cute desk figurines, and maybe even a personalised mug!

But whether you want to spice up your work or switch workplaces, knowing how to change career or job and what you want can help you get the best outcome for your work (and finances).

If you’re ready to level up your career, then let’s dive right in.
 

Be clear on what you want

Before you update your resume, apply for work and start the job change process, it’s time to get deep by asking yourself some big questions.

If you’ve ever wondered how to know if it’s the right time to change jobs, working out what may have prompted your change of heart could help you decide if it’s actually the right decision for you.

Grab a pen and paper or open the notes app on your phone, and jot down some answers to these questions:
 

   Whats not working for you, where you are now?

  What skills are being underused?

  What would you like to do more of in a new job? What do you want to do less?

  Do you think your salary is enough for what you do? Why or why not?

  How many days a week do you want to work?

  Do you prefer working from home, on-site, or a mix of the two?
 

This can help you narrow down your options and get a stronger idea of what you want out of your career and future workplace.

Check for the framing effect when looking for a job

After a bit of job hunting, you finally found two jobs that tick all the boxes. One has a salary that ‘starts from $80,000 and is subject to negotiation’ and the second has a salary that’s ‘$85,000 to $95,000 each year’. Even though both salaries might be the same, you gravitate towards the second job because it’s framed in a slightly more positive way.

This positive framing might make the second job seem more attractive than the first job, as it highlights the potential positive (the higher salary range), while you might view the first job less favourably because you’ll have to negotiate for a higher salary, even though the starting amount is considered industry standard.

This is what we call the framing effect, where how information is presented influences our decisions. When it comes to job hunting, try to take a logical approach and apply for jobs based on the facts, not the presentation. This can help you choose a job that fits your desired workplace and role, while also aligning with other personal or financial goals.
 

3 simple tips for tackling the job hunt

1. Give your resume a makeover

Having a resume for your career change is essential for selling the best version of you. Not only will it help you get recognised, but it will also give potential employers an insight as to who you are just from a piece of paper.

Here’s what you can do to get the ball rolling with your resume makeover:

• Check (and double check) that all your contact, personal details, skills, qualifications and experiences are up-to-date.
• Having said that, cut back on anything that’s old or outdated and doesn’t speak to your skills as a worker now.
• Add any new references from recent employers – but make sure to ask if they’re cool with giving you a review first.
• Write a short, one to two sentence bio that explains who you are, what you do and why you’re looking.

2. Network with your connections

Reach out to your personal and professional contacts to let them know you’re looking for new work. You can also update your profiles on networking platforms, like LinkedIn, to show you’re actively searching for a new job. Engage with content from people within your industry or recruiters who are posting about jobs you’re interested in. And why stop there – make your own posts that highlight your skills, experience, and availability to work.

If your industry hosts regular networking events, then see if you can attend them. It never hurts to meet people who might be searching for staff or know a friend or two who’s hiring.

3. Stand out from the crowd

Job markets can be competitive – so it pays to stand out from the crowd. Make a job application that the employer simply can’t ignore by tailoring your cover letter and resume to the specific role.

If you land an interview, consider creative ways you can approach answering questions or sharing stories. For example, you can answer ‘tell us about yourself’ by sharing a story of who you are – where you studied and why, your first gig and how that shaped you into the person you are now. Being your authentic self is something that can help employers understand you as a person and worker.

And follow up on interviews with a thank you email or, if you want to be bold, an offer to volunteer or shadow the role you’ll hopefully be taking on.
 

Be financially ready for your career change

With a new job comes a new income. An entire career shift, for example, might see you lose some income because you’re starting from the bottom and working your way up. Meanwhile, a natural progression in your career might come with a pay rise.

To get on top of the new changes to your income and your career, create a budget to help you navigate this new stage, where you need to reduce spending, and reorient your money situation so that you’re managing your finances smarter (not harder).

Read more about how to ace your work negotiations