Planning ahead for your next job before you're ready to look for it

If you are doing well in your role, happy with the team and organisation, cultre fit is great, and you are learning and growing… It’s probably not the obvious time to be thinking about your next role.

But it’s also not the worst idea.

This isn’t about taking premature action, being worried or thinking the grass is greener elsewhere, but you just never know what can happen. And even if things continue to be great in your current workplace and you won’t be ready for a new job for 3,4,5+ years down the track, like most things, it’s always better to be prepared than not.

The best way to stay in control of your career is to plan ahead for the position you’d like to reach next, even if you have no intention to go after it yet. Taking proactive steps now can set you up for future success. Here are some practical tips on how to plan ahead for your next job before you’re ready to actively look for it.

CAREER PLANNING AND SETTING GOALS

Take the time to define your long-term career goals. What do you want in your career, what do you enjoy, what is important to you? Where do you see yourself in the future? Setting clear goals can help you make strategic decisions about your career path, such as which projects to take on, what skills to develop, and when it might be time to seek a new role.

Even if you are not ready to look for a new job, going through this process is so valuable to ensure you are on the right track, adding value and getting the most out of your current role. Then, when you are ready to jump into job search mode, this is a great reference to ensure your job search is focused and targeted towards your career goals.

SKILL ASSESSMENT: IDENTIFY SKILL GAPS

Start by evaluating your current skills and identifying areas where you could improve. What skills are in demand in your industry? Are there certifications or additional training that could enhance your qualifications? By assessing your skills early, you can plan for professional development opportunities that will make you a more competitive candidate down the road.

TRACK YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AT WORK

Make it a habit to keep notes of your key wins and achievements at work, as well as learnings. Do what works best for you, it might be weekly or monthly, but the key is to just be consistent and make it happen, put reminders in your calendar to do this. When you’re ready to start the job search and interview process, you’ll have a quick and easy reference to  your key successes. When taking notes for yourself, give a brief context and then more detail on what you did, how you did it and the result. When the time comes, this will be so beneficial in helping you prepare for behavioural based interview questions. Through this process, you will also likely gain good insights and understanding of your strengths.

Since you are already doing this, why not share it with your manager. Make your achievements visible, and also share your key learnings or highlights with whoever feels appropriate in your team, or more broadly (blogging, LinkedIn, etc. – this then builds your personal brand and profile also).

BUILD YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS

Networking is a valuable asset in any stage of your career. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and connect with professionals in your field. Building a strong network can open doors to future job opportunities, as well as provide insights into the skills and experiences that employers value most.

You don’t want to be starting new relationships or reaching out after long stints of silence just because you then need something. Keep in contact so that when you are starting your job search, you can reach out to your network to let them know what you’re looking for and ask them to keep their ears open or make an introduction.

Don’t limit your networking efforts to external contacts. Building relationships within your current organisation can also lead to exciting opportunities. Seek out mentors, coaches and peers within your organisation who may be able to help you on your career journey (and think about it from the other way too – are there colleagues you can help or mentor?).

Networking is a skill that can be developed. Keep working on it and remember it’s all about building and maintaining mutually beneficial connections.

DEVELOP A PERSONAL BRAND

Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the professional world. Consider how you want to be perceived by colleagues and potential employers. Update your LinkedIn profile and regularly share industry-related content to showcase your expertise. Building a strong personal brand can make you more attractive to future employers.

KEEP YOUR CV AND LINKEDIN PROFILE UPDATED

Even when not in job search mode, it’s a good idea to look at this at least every 6-12 months (or every few months for LinkedIn). That way, when you are ready to look for a new job, it won’t be such a big job to update all your documents and profile, and you’ll be ready to send your CV out there quickly if opportunities are presented as soon as you decide it’s time.

Hiring managers and recruiters are looking at your LinkedIn profile all the time, so if you want to be noticed, keep it relevant and up to date. If nothing else, it gives you good intel – when people are contacting you, notice the types of hiring managers and recruiters that are reaching out and the types of roles they are contacting you about – this tells you how you are currently being perceived and what your profile is saying. Even if it’s not time for a move, it’s good information to know so that you can adapt if and when you need.

Planning ahead for your next job before actively searching for it can be a game-changer for your career. By continually improving your skills, nurturing your professional network, and setting clear goals, you’ll be well-prepared to seize future opportunities and make strategic career moves when the time is right. So, take the initiative today, and start laying the foundation for your future success. Your future self will thank you!

This article was originally published at Gembridge.com.au