Why You Should Always be Job Searching (even when you're happy)

"Always be closing." is a well-known saying in the world of sales... but what about when it comes to job search? Should you always be open to - and chasing - that next opportunity?

Employers, employees, and job candidates alike are all reeling from the past couple years. The pandemic, work-from-home mandates, plus The Great Resignation have so many questioning what's next for them - while also losing faith in the corporate path that used to promise stability. Add on a potential looming recession, and even the happiest of employees are wondering if they should be looking.

So when I was asked for my thoughts on the topic for a recent Yahoo News article, I had a lot to say, plus a bit of a different take on the topic:

"Smart professionals don’t think of a job search as something they need to do every once in a while; nor do they wait for their current work situation to get really bad before taking action,” said?Kristen Zavo, executive coach and the author of “Job Joy: Your Guide to Success, Meaning and Happiness in Your Career."

“Instead, they consider activities traditionally reserved for job search — networking, building and maintaining an online presence, refining their personal brand, updating their career goals, etc. — as ‘career maintenance.’ Even if it’s just an hour a week dedicated to these activities, this is as much a priority as their day-to-day job. In this way, the professional is acting as the CEO of their career, not just an employee.”

Said another way, I advise my clients to not think of it as being in a perpetual job search (that doesn't sound fun, anyway!). Instead, I recommend adopting the mindset of CEO of your career, and acting accordingly.

Here are some ways to get started:

(1) Quarterly Clarity Check-Ins: Take an hour (or an afternoon!) once a quarter to check in with yourself. How is work going? What is going well? What could be better? What changes would I like to make? Is my current work situation still aligned with my values, priorities and season of life?

(2) Make Networking a Routine: Don't wait until you need something to network. Make it a regular practice to connect with new people in your field, and have at least a weekly call or lunch with one person in your network.

Not only will this be good for your current role, keeping you abreast of what your colleagues are up to, but it will also serve to pay into your network bank accounts - so when you do need a favor (or a job!), you can lean on those strong relationships.

(3) Regularly Update Your Online Presence: So many of us don't give our personal brand or LinkedIn profile a second thought until we're in need of a new job.

Instead, I recommend thinking of your online presence as a living, breathing document - that gets to be updated and refined based on where you are, what you've accomplished, and most importantly - where you want to go next.

This might mean a new job or career change, and for rising leaders it could also mean positioning oneself for Board seats, speaking opportunities, or article mentions (just like the one referenced above!).

?? Your Turn: What do you think? Is it wise to always be looking for that next opportunity?

p.s. When you're ready, here are a few ways I can support you in your job search:

1. Download my free LinkedIn Tips to Land the Job guide.
2. Check out Find Your Job Joy, my signature job search & career happiness program, that has my clients landing jobs even during these difficult times.
3. Schedule a call with me to discuss 1:1 executive coaching.