There was a time, many years ago, when it was perfectly acceptable to stay either in the same position or the same company for your whole career. So many people in my father’s generation got stale and disheartened, because even if they were unhappy in a job, it wasn’t acceptable to leave and find a new one. In fact, it was frowned upon.
Times have changed dramatically. Today, many career decision makers think just as negatively about you staying with one company for more than 10 years, and definitely in one position for more than four years. (What does raise red flags is job hopping –moving jobs every year or so, so avoid this if you can.)
You need to adapt to this new age and eliminate the chances of being pigeonholed within one company or position. Managing your career must become an important element of your daily life, so you can be ready for every opportunity that you are offered.
What are the positive sides to transitioning between companies? Many, many, many, for both you and the employer. To an employer, you can bring new blood, new ideas, new concepts, and new energy. A change in corporate environment also stimulates you. It encourages both career advancement and development, and is a chance to enhance your skill set.
Society now embraces career change, and no one has to feel pigeonholed any more. To optimize your chances you should have a strategic career plan ready, supported with an up-to-date resume that meets the criteria of both the human eye and the ATS applications that are so prevalent today.
Put your best foot forward and be on the competitive edge, ready for change. Sharpen your skills by taking new designations, certifications and courses, which are encouraged in today’s competitive environment and raise you above other candidates during the screening process.
Are you proactive? Do you manage your career? Is your resume up to date? Are you ready for change? If not, what is holding you back?
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