Maximize Your Current Position

You made the decision to change jobs and your search is well underway. Even if this goes quickly, you will still be in your current role for at least a few weeks.

How do you stay engaged in your current role as you look for a new one?

You do not have to go into maintenance mode when you decide you are leaving a position. Use this time to continue improving yourself and your skills.

This article will cover ways to maximize your current role including:

• Evaluating the changes you are looking to make
• Building skills
• Networking

Identify the reasons for your job search

Identify the areas of your current position that are causing you dissatisfaction and driving the desire to change roles.

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Having a better understanding of the why can help you decide how to address the situation while you look for other opportunities. In many cases, there are things that can be adjusted to make the role a better fit.

This could mean that you need to set better boundaries or engage with difficult situations. Engaging in some healthy conflict may make the job a better fit long term if you enjoy the work itself.

All job changes are not motivated by lack of fit though. You may be trying to increase your salary or benefits. In these cases, a lateral move to a different company could be a great option.

Connect to the big picture

Capitalize on opportunities to hear from senior leaders, reacquaint yourself with your company’s mission statement, or seek out ways to engage with customers.

Investigate ways to build additional skills while you are job searching. Doing this will help you master your current job even more while also being useful for your next position and your resume.

There are also thousands of free trainings available online which could help you build your skillset.

You can also participate in on the job training with colleagues both inside and outside your department.

What skills have you always wanted to have?

Who do you know that exemplifies these?

As you participate in trainings, make sure that you contemplate ways to use what you learn on the job. It’s always a good idea to identify at least one way to implement what you are learning.

Volunteer for Special Projects

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If you are changing jobs because you want more challenge, volunteer to lead or participate in special projects. This gives you an opportunity to be exposed to new people and utilize new skills.

Special projects also give you an opportunity to test out a more challenging role even while you are looking for a more permanent position. This can help you refine skills you already have or develop new ones.

Volunteering for an extra challenge shows initiative and that you’ll go the extra mile. It may even lead to a new job within your current company.

Networking within your organization or industry will not only provide you with exposure to new job opportunities, but it could also help you be more engaged in your current role.

Volunteering for projects which we talked about earlier will normally give you exposure to other departments and roles within the organization.

Stay in contact with people you know from other departments. How can you engage with them to add value?

Also look into joining industry organizations or attending industry conferences. This can be in a formal capacity or even through engaging on LinkedIn with others in your industry.