You’re sitting at your computer, writing the same email, answering the same questions, and daydreaming about something else: a big change, a total overhaul of your career. But is that possible? Can you really make a fresh start, completely rearrange things, and do something that you love?
At Mwah., our core work is mapping, measuring, and understanding organisational culture. We get to know (and love) the organisations, their work, purpose, impact, results and of course, the people in them! While many review organisations in deficit, our positive psychology approach sees us often asked to partner on the implementation of our recommendations with internal teams to support strengths, and build sustainability into organisation culture.
Some of the support we’ve been asked to provide recently includes existing clients asking us to support culturally additive executive search processes to replace critical roles in their organisations, and leadership coaching.
In each unique case, we’ve seen an overwhelming response of truly excellent candidates and a distinct pattern. Many executives are taking the chance to make a change—sometimes a small shift to something similar, and at other times, a monumental transformation that completely alters how their day-to-day life looks and feels.
Whether jumping from government to corporate, stepping up from management to an executive role, moving away from a long-loved industry to try something new, or revisiting a long-forgotten passion – all present fantastic ideas and opportunities for growth.
Along with that growth and talent pep talk, any recruiter will next mention the caveat – what will you do in this moment of change to break through and stand out when competing in a market of exceptional candidates?
Here are our tips for making a significant change and coming out the other side better off:
- Open your mind / Expand your thinking.
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- What are you looking for? Why? What joy will that bring you and your circle (friends, family, etc.)?
- Remember, you don’t know what you don’t know.
- Critique your CV. (Look good to the right people, on paper)
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- Does it read like a list of position descriptions, or have you broken down your tasks into the skills and strengths that can be applied elsewhere?
- Does it reflect your personality and working style? It should read like a conversation with you; it might feel uncomfortable, but it should feel like looking in a mirror.
- Be honest, open, and real – share your motivation and passion for change, and clearly articulate your reasons for taking the chance.
- Keep it clear and concise; get straight to the point and leave out the jargon
- Put yourself out there!
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- Talk to people; put away the keyboard and get out into the real world. Connect with those who are in your new dream job. Find out what they love, where they hang out, and what challenges them.
- Put it out to the universe and explore opportunities with curiosity; the greatest options can come from the strangest places!
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- Use your network; roles are rarely filled from a job ad on seek, so make sure your network knows you’re looking and be open to the opportunities that come by!
- Get help; you don’t have to do it alone; the right coach, a mentor, or even a trusted friend, having a different perspective and space to consider can make a world of difference.
