#TheGoodLifeWithUBA: The Ultimate Checklist Before Changing Jobs.

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It is not uncommon to seek a job change once or twice in one’s career journey. This can be challenging, difficult, lonely, and sometimes stressful. However, it is Important be clear about what your options are, what you want to do, and how to get there.

Leaving your job for a new one can be tricky, even if you’re leaving on good terms. The way you handle this makes a difference. It is important that you make the transition as smooth as possible. This will make sure that bridges are not burnt, and will keep the door open in case you ever want to come back.

In this article we are sharing the ultimate checklist before changing jobs. 

Let’s get started.

Ensure you have exhausted internal options.

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Sometimes what you think may be a need for a new environment might just be a need for a new challenge. If you are feeling the need to change jobs, you should try speaking with your company’s HR to find out if there are any roles available which you have the required skills for and can fit into.

Write your ideal job description.

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Having exhausted internal options, you are certain you want to move on.  You might want to draft out your next job description for your ideal role. This will make your application process easier. 

When putting your job description together ensure you focus on your strengths and areas of interest. 

Ask for recommendations.

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Recommendations are important! 

Before you decide you want to quit, you want to start racking up those recommendations, especially on LinkedIn. Ask people who know your work and also know what you are capable of doing. When asking for recommendations, remember to personalize your message to get the best responses. Try not to get all your recommendations at the same time. Rather, space out your requests so that they don’t seem staged. 

 Create a schedule.

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Categorize your job search into realistic phases - research, selection, application, and interview preparation. Make sure the timeline is realistic else you will be overwhelmed before you begin. Also ensure that all you need for each stage is ready. For instance, your CV has to be updated before you start applying. 

Stick to your schedule to help you stay on track.

Understand the job, the company values and company culture.

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You’ve gone through the process and it is time to make a decision.

To ensure that you are making the best decision, do some more research on the new company. Find out more details of the job and the company in general. Understand the company values and ensure they align with yours. Consider if the company has the capability to grow and expand its market base and if it is one that is built to last. Finally, compare the culture of your current place and the one of your potential new job. This is an especially important factor.

Personal growth.

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Personal growth is very important in self-development. Irrespective of the reasons causing you to leave your current job be sure to confirm that your potential new job is offering you, if not the same, more growth and advancement opportunity. 

You don’t want to regret leaving your old job for a new one that doesn’t allow for personal growth.