Where to Start? Or Ground Zero:
Before you sit down at your computer to start the job search crawl you need to narrow down a few things:
What are the types of position(s) that interest you? Are you only open to full-time regular part-time roles? What about onsite positions, remote or both? Is a consulting, contractor or temporary role something you will consider? According to Upwork’s article, 2020 Future Workforce Report, “51% of hiring managers would consider using independent talent.” If you are open to one of these types of roles, you may want to look for positions that are at least 3-6 months or more in length. As well as seek those assignments where there’s a chance of your contract being extended.
Sometimes companies use contract roles as a way to try out a new person before they hire them full-time. There is nothing wrong with this practice. It allows the company to see how you work before making a commitment to take you on full-time. It is also good way for you to try the company out as well.
If you’re thinking about changing your career focus, being a consultant, contractor or temporary worker this is a good way to see if the work and industry are a fit for you. These roles are usually handled by staffing agencies who work on the behalf of the hiring company. That being said, sometimes companies may also list those positions on their company websites. There is usually a shorter overall interview process for these roles which means you could interview and be hired and start quickly.
Work Goals?
It’s also important to know why you of want to work.Simply put is it only for a paycheck? Then you can work anywhere. Is it to have a sense of fulfillment?If you want to contribute to the greater or common good, where you work and what you do is something you need tostrongly consider.Is the social aspect of working with others and being part of a team what your seeking?What about being able to expand your horizons by learning new skills?Are you returning to the workforce or wanting to transitioning into a new career area?These may all be things that are vital aspects of your next position and should be taken into consideration for your search and before you accept a new role.
Company Size Matters:
Are you open to a large, mid-sized, or a start-up company?Have you ever thought about this?Each size of company has its pro’s and cons.
Large Companies - conventional thinking has been that big company’s offer stability and a solid chance for growth. Employees are able to move about the company and grow a career there. However, the price for stability is you are often just another cog in the big company wheel works. Also in larger companies there are more internal competitor’s vying for the same opportunities. While it appears there are multiple opportunities for growth, you often have to wait years to be able to take advantage of those opportunities. Positions and departments are highly specialized. Which means you go deep in your experience and knowledge of a role, but your breadth of knowledge in that role is more limited.
Mid-sized companies - also offer some stability because they’ve been around for a few years. The con of mid-sized companies, is if they are successful, these companies are often ripe to be acquired by a big or super big company. Having experienced working at companies that were bought, it drastically changes the great company’s personality you once knew. You no longer have the captain of my fate feeling you had when you joined up. Also usually between 6 months to 1 year after the deal is final there’s a ripple effect of restructuring, downsizing and layoffs. The Pro of joining a mid-sized company is: a good company culture; there is a good chance of being highly visible to C-Suite Executives and be known by your work; and stock options are part of the offer package. Which is a great way to build wealth and they also offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Start-up companies - are different from both large and small companies.They are fast-moving which is typical due to fewer employees, less layers of management and usually very little process and procedure.On the con side their future is uncertain because products are in development or unproven.Funding can also be a big risk. They are high pressure environments where you and your work are highly visible.However, this is also what makes them an exciting place to be.Great risks can also bring great rewards. You often see the product of your work directly and they offer wonderful opportunities for personal growth and development. If the leadership is good and employees are happy they are can be great places to work.