Ask Sandi

A reader recently sent me the question. “Is it a good time to switch jobs?” She is not happy with the situation she is in, and is ready for greener pastures. At the same time, she is fearful to lose the perceived security of her current job.

According to Manpower’s Q1 report for 2013, 17 percent of employers surveyed expect to add to their workforce and 8 percent expect a decline in the first quarter of this year. This is good news for many people who are looking for jobs.

We are seeing an increase in the number of people coming back into the workforce who have been waiting on the sidelines. This is the reason you see job numbers increase and the unemployment rate increase at the same time. It is because people who are not looking for work are not counted.

Is it time to jump ship? My advice would be to do your research on the company you are looking at. There may be many reasons why you want to move to a new company, but make sure it is for good ones. Do a pro and con list. Is there room for advancement, new projects, or achieving your professional and personal goals where you are? If not, it might be time for a move.

Make sure the company you are looking at is stable. Read press releases and news updates. Look at Glassdoor.com to see how the employees and former employees feel about the company. If the company is public, look at the stock performance. If the company is up for sale, flee! It is better to wait until all the merger details are worked out before jumping on that train.

This should go without saying, but I am going to say it anyway: Please go out on the high road and do not under any circumstances trash your boss or your company.

Best of luck on your search!

If we can help you with your job search in any way, please contact our office at 407-834-4022.

Questions? Write me.

[email protected]

407-834-4022

Fax: 407-260-2949

Mail: Ask Sandi C/O Christian HELP

450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707

Our goal is to answer many of the questions you may have about your employment search, resumes, networking, promotion opportunities, and other employment related questions you may have.

Note to employers: If you email your job leads to [email protected], we will share your job openings with Christian HELP clients.

Until next time-

Sandi

Sandi Vidal is the executive director for Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. She has more than 15 years of recruiting and human resources experience. Visit the website at cfec.org