Making a career change is a big decision and a major life change.
I’ve had many jobs in my lifetime, from washing dishes as a 14 year old to recently joining the ETE team. Along the way, I’ve gathered experience and insights that make it easier to find and excel in a new position. Whether job searching, interviewing, transitioning, or training, having a plan reduces stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. You never know what life in a new organization will be like, but you’re better off the more you know.
My advice for job “transitioners”?

1. Find a company you want to work for. I’ve found most jobs in my life without seeking job openings. Pick a company that fits your values, ethics, aspirations, and show them that they need you as part of their team.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter. Research what is important to an organization and highlight the character traits, skills, and experience which fit best. Less is more; use a rifle shot rather than a shotgun approach.
3. Interview while being interviewed. The interview process should be a two way exchange. It’s a key opportunity for you to gauge the culture and environment of the company. It reflects well to have intelligent questions to ask.
4. Resign gracefully. No matter your feelings about your soon-to-be former employer, never burn a bridge; walk across. Get your work in order and prepare notes on anything you’ll leave unfinished. You’ll feel better doing your job well until the finish and easing the strain on your co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. If you’re in a management role, consider coordinating exit interviews with your team members. Your departure will mean a transition for them, too – and there is a good chance your paths will cross again.
5. Set personal time in between. If you can swing it, you and your family will benefit from a week or two between gigs. Finish some projects around the house, do something special with your children, take your wife on vacation, hit the gym, can vegetables, visit an aging relative. You may not have vacation time for a while, and it is better to be consistently available when starting with a new team.
6. Study. Ask your new employer if there is anything you can learn prior to starting. Finish a business book you’ve been meaning to read. Schedule a tour or sit in on a meeting with your new employer, if applicable. Also, get your documents ready for new hire paperwork (social security card, tax info, etc.)
7. Engage early. Enter your new role with an open mind and take copious notes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Work with your supervisor to set daily, weekly, and monthly milestones to guide your training and development. Check in daily and weekly to evaluate your progress.
8. Learn your new coworkers. Names, job roles, strengths/weaknesses. The quicker you can create relationships with your co-workers, the better off you are to learn how things work and who does what best in your new company.
9. Don’t get overwhelmed with details initially. Rely on your good note taking and trust that you will in short time become proficient in the systems, policies, and processes of your new work environment.
10. Be patient and practice continuous improvement. As the new guy/gal, it can feel like you are slowing things down and messing things up more than helping. Don’t freak out. You’re probably used to being the strongest member of your team and the one others come to with problems. The transition will be challenging at times, but you were hired for your passion, skill, and ability.

Even in today’s market, hopping from job to job looks bad on a resume. You’ll be stressed and unhappy if you select poorly and fail to onboard effectively. The start of a new job should be exciting and lay the foundations for future success. Reach your maximum utility and fulfillment in your professional life by keeping some (if not all) of these points in mind. Be confident, work hard, and it won’t be long before you’re a key player on your new team.
photo credit: © kittitee550 / Dollar Photo Club

Being the new guy on any team isn’t a small thing. Just ask our recent addition, Ben, the Sales Cyclist. The success of the leap you take is directly related to how well -or not well – you transition. Show our newest Reman U author some love & leave a comment below. [Or, if you’re painfully shy, share with Ben directly.]