The Second Resignation

There has been an interesting trend that we’ve identified recently. After asking a lot of questions about this to a number of people we’re starting to build a picture which I thought was worth sharing. I have never, in 15 years of recruitment, seen so many people move jobs and then within 6 months want to leave. (Not people who have got their job through Mix obviously!). Don’t get me wrong, we all have at least one mistake in our career. That is not uncommon. What is unusual is how many are experiencing this right now.?

For employers, in the most candidate tight market I’ve ever seen, the information below is also important for you to think about to make sure you don’t just find someone, but find the right one.?

Yes, you need to make sure your salary offering is current and meets market expectations but, if you have the time to read this and understand why we are seeing people leave their new jobs, you can do your best to have a good recruitment process to mitigate the risk of having to recruit twice.

The Great resignation’ has received a huge amount of attention (rightly so) but has created a ready to jump mentality in everyone. Again, not necessarily a bad thing. It’s flattering when you are shoulder tapped and told that someone else wants you, and they are prepared to pay $10 -$20k more for you! And with today’s cost of living, that’s not just? a nice to have, it's essential.?

However, money should not ever be the only reason you take a new job, ever. There are so many other factors that are being missed in recruitment processes lately and that is ultimately the reason so many people are landing and finding the ground is not what they expected.?

1. Money is not the answer to happiness. Don’t get me wrong, it absolutely helps. But the main answer I’m given when I ask people why they’ve stayed, or what they’ve enjoyed, is almost always the people. You need teammates you trust, have the same work ethic and same sense of humour. And you need a manager who can mentor you, stretch you and support you. What I call ‘the click’.?

2. Office environment. Sounds a little redundant right now, but if you are in a dark, dingy office, it will 100% have an impact on your happiness and productivity. Of course at the moment, there is a significant chance you are working from home, at least a couple of days a week, but long term the office you are in will make a difference to your overall happiness. And if you are working from home, what is being done to make sure you do still feel part of the team.?

3. The work. Is it the right level? Will you be stretched? What was the reason for the role? Is what they are saying it is actually what it will be. Job descriptions to me are always very boring bits of paper that I don’t really ever read! Ask questions of the hiring manager. More than ever, if you are interviewing remotely, you need to ask more and more questions to give you a true feel for the position to determine if it’s the right one.?

So many interviews currently are video interviews – you never meet the people in person and you don’t see the office. The money is blinding, the multiple offers on the table can make it hard to work out which one is right. How to handle this so you too are not having to make a second resignation!?

1. Work with a consultant you trust. They should be giving you the good, the bad and the ugly (as much as they know) Heck, I’ve even been describing the office and the colour of the couches where I can!? At Mix we are happy to be your sounding board. We may not have you in a recruitment process but if you need a third party view, from people who have seen many different careers progress, we are happy to be there for you.?
2. Ask questions. Lots of questions! Things like, what will be the greatest challenge for me in the first six months, should hopefully give you some indication of what you are walking into.
3. Try to have a final interview at the offices. If you can’t as they can’t risk essential staff being exposed, meet offsite somewhere for a coffee. Find the click.
4. Think about what is REALLY important to you. If it’s just money nothing else really matters, but that is a very short term view and ultimately it’s probably not going to get you to your career pinnacle.?

And as an employer, put yourself in their shoes. Think about all the other offers they have, think about your team, the role. How do you best put that information forward, to make sure they understand what they are getting into and what you can offer to provide them a new long term home. Be honest and realistic, but also do tell them how you can support them and work with them on their career journey.