“Employees move jobs more frequently than ever before. Whether the changes are voluntary or involuntary, employees should actively future-proof their careers by taking personal responsibility for continually developing their knowledge and skills,” said Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, an eLearning consultancy.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that 23% of jobs will be significantly transformed within the next five years due to new technologies. This highlights the importance of employees taking charge of their own career development by continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, emphasizes, "Knowledge and skills will be your superpower in this ever-changing job market. Be prepared for job transitions, planned or unplanned."
Here are ten guidelines to help you manage job transitions smoothly:
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Control the Narrative: Announce your departure to key people (team leaders, HR, colleagues) first, then inform others. Focus on positive aspects of your current role to maintain good relationships.
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Professional Notice Period: Follow your employment contract or provide more notice if possible. This facilitates a smoother handover and reduces stress for you and your team.
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Effective Knowledge Transfer: Create a detailed handover document with processes, contacts, and institutional knowledge. The goal is to set your successor up for success.
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Manage Time and Energy: Changing jobs requires time and energy. Maintain healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and recreation to manage the stress effectively.
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Update Your Network: Update contact information for colleagues and professional associates. Maintain connections; you never know when you might need a referral or advice.
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Learn from the Experience: Reflect on the lessons learned from your previous role. This will help you identify areas for development and future career planning.
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New Role - Clear Expectations: Before your start date, avoid taking on new tasks. Get clear expectations about your responsibilities and how your performance will be measured.
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Continuous Learning: Take advantage of onboarding resources and eLearning courses. Actively seek additional training opportunities to expand your skillset.
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Build Relationships: Network and nurture relationships with your manager, team members, and "wisdom keepers" with valuable industry knowledge.
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Welcome Feedback: Be open to receiving constructive feedback from managers and colleagues. Learn from your mistakes and continuously strive for improvement.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate job transitions effectively and build a successful career in the ever-evolving job market. Remember, "being intentional about how you plan for and transition to a new job is a key skill every adult should learn," as Gullan concludes.
