I have been recruiting for over two decades, and there is no question about it; this is a candidate-driven market. The most sought-after candidates don't stay on the market long; they receive multiple offers and counteroffers and, often, significant pay hikes in the process.
Suppose you are a high-performing candidate willing to entertain another opportunity. In that case, the equation appears simple: find a role better than your current position and wait until you see it or it comes along. This is a great market, but it won’t always be this way. Employment markets move in economic cycles.
So you hear from a recruiter who has a role for you that sounds great and is everything you want in a career move. Carefully look at the opportunity and ensure it's not dressed up to be better for you when it may not be.
More often than not, what a recruiter or hiring manager thinks is better for you doesn't matter to you personally. It is essential at this stage to think through what better means to you holistically rather than merely looking at a compensation range and a job description. It may sound pretty good at first, but it may be no more than a lateral move or, worse, a step down from what you have now.
Review the details of your current compensation package and compare. Is the role you are being presented truly better? Maybe the base salary is higher, but the potential for a bonus is significantly lower. When is your following pay-based review?
If the process takes a while and you receive an increase in your current role, how will that reflect what the offer should be? What does the benefits package look like? If relocation is required, will the relocation assistance cover your needs? What is the difference in the cost of living if you relocate to your new area? How does this reflect in the salary?
Dig even deeper. What do you like about your current role? What don't you like? What does a better opportunity mean? Do you want to do more hands-on work rather than scheduling or reporting? You may want to take on more responsibility and feel limited in your current role.
Have you just stopped learning and growing, and that's an integral part of who you are? The company culture is a fit for you. Or it may have more to do with your personal situation rather than your work. Perhaps you have aging parents you are taking care of and want to move closer. Define what's better for you and stick to your guns when recruiters present you with opportunities.
A good recruiter is a good listener and wants what is best for both the client and the candidate. Understanding a candidate's needs and preferences is just as important as understanding a client’s needs and preferences. Armed with in-depth knowledge of both parties, a good recruiter leads to a good match.
The hiring process is a two-way street where both client and candidate are enriched by the change in the way they hoped for and more. Good recruiters know there needs to be a sense of gain from both sides; otherwise, they are at high risk of having a candidate not accept an offer or, worse, accept an offer and find out the move wasn't right for all parties involved.
These are amazing times of change and growth; I have seen many candidates who have thrived by carefully reflecting on what they want in their next career move and taking on exciting opportunities that positively impact their professional and personal lives.
I am in no way suggesting that you should be overly cautious when considering a change. Anything with a reward requires some risk and courage. However, I suggest you take the time to know what you want in your next career move, define your next opportunity, ask many questions, review the details, and seize the right opportunity when it comes your way. Please speak to a Recruiter at Top Quality Recruitment; we would be happy to coach you and clarify your next career move.
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