To move, or not to move - that is the question.

Excuse my homage to the great, I just couldn't resist ;)

When it comes to changing jobs, knowing when to pull the trigger and apply is critical. Here are 10 things to factor into your decision.

1. The market: Is it a good market to look for something new? Is the economy doing well? Are there lots of jobs in the area you wish to practice? What is the global outlook? Looking in a hot market can be beneficial and you may have more options that you would normally. Also, it is worth remembering that recruitment decisions are often effected by who else is applying at a particular time. Going for roles when there are few peers applying will ensure you the greatest chance of success.
2. Your level: Are you at a level that people want to hire? Having all the enthusiasm and ambition is great but if you haven't got the amount of experience people want it might be better for you to delay your plans by 6-12 months to ensure you hit the market when you are top of everyone's wish list. You only get one shot at a first impression and ensuring your Cv is sent at the time it will make maximum impact is key. Worth remembering that when you are a lawyer with less than two full years of experience you will have fewer options as most big firms have their own graduates at this level and are less likely to hire. Note: it isn't impossible to move with less than two years experience but roles for those under two years are rare and hard to come by.
3. Length of tenure: If you are moving it is worth thinking about how a move at this time might look on your CV. Future employers will want to see a solid and stable track record. Likewise I always recommend only accepting a role that you see yourself enjoying for 12-18 months (the bare minimum tenure). Ie- If you plan on going overseas but you want to move first, you only want to move if you can commit to 12-18 months in the new role.
4. Relationships/ burning bridges: The Australian legal market is small (relatively). If you are intending to have a long legal career in Australia there are going to a finite number of future employers for you to consider. I always recommend that you consider moving very carefully. I would avoid moving unnecessarily or just because you are bored or because your friends are moving. I would encourage all candidates take a careful and considered approach to their careers and think less about any short term gains with a move and more about the medium and long term impacts. Your career will be a marathon not a sprint.
5. Declining offers: If you look for a role, chances are in this market you will get some job offers. Given you can only take one role if you receive more than one offer, thinking about how you plan to handle any decisions is something to consider upfront. Being aware that how you decline an offer is important. It is ok to meet lots of people (and I encourage people to consider lots of options especially in a hot market) but do be conscious of people's feelings along the way. Try to treat people kindly at all stages of the process, avoid ghosting agents or law firm partners, send thank you emails for offers, try not to negotiate too many special things if you have no intention of excepting something and be nice to your recruiter. Remember- you want to leave a positive impression on all those you deal with in the process.
6. Medium and longer term objectives: Before moving jobs have a think about what your medium term objective is. Do you want to go in house down the track or overseas? Do you want to be a partner sometime? Then ask yourself- does this role help you get closer to that medium/ or long term goal? Or will the move push it further away? Ie- If you want to spend part of your career overseas, spending longer in practice will likely help you make the move internationally so we wouldn't recommend moving in house until you have returned from any international stint you wish to take.
7. Time of year: When you look for a role is important. There are particular times in the year where recruitment ramps up and other times when it winds down. You should look at the right time to maximise the opportunities open to you and as a very experience agent I am happy to give you a bespoke assessment. Some rules of thumb though- In Australia, I would typically avoid applying from mid December to Australia Day as partner availability can be a challenge. Also, school holidays can slow a process as can end of financial year. In the Northern Hemisphere, avoid August applications.
8. Probation: Do you have any other big life stuff happening in the next 6 months which may effect probation ie purchasing a house, pre booked travel and/or family plans weddings, babies etc? Will probation effect your plans? If any of the above apply it doesn't mean now isn't the right time but it might be worth considering.
9. Reimbursements/ notice period: It is a good idea before applying for any new role to review your current contract and confirm any existing obligations that you may have to your current firm for study or relocation. It is also worth confirming what your notice period is so you can tell anyone who asks you during your process.
10. Finally- What if it doesn't go to plan: If you change jobs there is a small chance that it won't go to plan. It doesn't happen often but being cognisant of what you may do if it does can sometimes be beneficial. Ordinarily I advise, that unless there is something fundamentally not right about the new position you should see out your probation period (if only to make sure that any future employer will not have any underlying question marks about if you completed the period successfully). However, do remember if a new role is not working, causing you undue stress, hardship or any other discomfort, you should seek advice as soon as practicable.?

If after reading this, you decide the time is right for you to pull that trigger we would love to help. Please get in touch, I can be reached on +61 413 823 687. Kensington Parry would love to assist you find the perfect role.