Right now in the United States, the power is in the hands of the employee, all thanks to the Great Resignation. If you’re unfamiliar with the Great Resignation — also known as “The Big Quit” — it refers to the phenomenon that began in the spring of 2021, when employees all across the country started quitting their jobs at a historic pace. Since last spring, over 33 million Americans left their work for greener pastures, forcing many companies to offer incentives and pay raises.
If you’re considering a new job and wanting to level up in your professional life, right now is maybe the best chance. Our recruiting agency has spent a lot of time analyzing the Great Resignation in attempt to help the Arkansas workforce find the best opportunity.
Here are 5 of the best ways to use the Great Resignation to maximize your next career move.
1. Pick your job target. Before you do anything, it’s crucial that you identify your next job role. The reason why you need to do this first is so that you can approach recruiters and potential jobs with your expectations for your next role. For example, it’s best to say something like “I am looking to move up to a Senior Analyst role.” Clarity and a firm direction will not only impress potential employers, but will also make it quicker for you to find what you’re looking for.
2. Study yourself and your strengths. Since the power is in your hands, now is the best time to really hone in on your strengths. Write down what you are good at in the workforce, and how you can help a business achieve their goals. If you want to maximize this part of the process, it’s best to speak with a professional recruiting agency, because oftentimes an extra set of eyes can help you better analyze your strengths and also your blind spots.
3. Inform your networking circle of your intentions to find a new job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 85 percent of jobs are filled by networking. Additionally, a CNBC study claims that 70 percent of jobs aren’t even posted online. While applying for jobs and doing your own research is also important, it’s even more important to inform your already-existing network of your plans to move up in your professional life. If you have a LinkedIn profile — which you absolutely should if you consider yourself a true professional in 2022 — make an announcement post, and message everyone you can think of in your work circle.
4. Don’t just ask for a raise. Ask for other perks. While acquiring a raise is of course paramount in this situation, that isn’t all you can get out of this new job opportunity. Many companies all across the country right now are offering better salary and benefits than ever before, and many more are willing to accommodate extra benefits to acquire experienced talent. Start by researching the average salary in your job market and position, and then also inquire about additional benefits from your potential employer, or current employer if you’re looking to stay at your current company.
5. Find a way to take on more exciting and new projects. For many workers, they often feel stagnant and creatively uninspired at their job if they’ve been performing the same tasks for too long. Whether you are staying with your current employer or actively exploring the market for a new job, put emphasis on trying to find new responsibilities that excite you. Right now, companies are looking for fresh ways to not just keep their employees happy, but also to stay competitive. If there’s ever been a time to shake things up at the office, now is the time.
There are plenty of other strategies that you can implement in order to see career-best results from the Great Resignation, and our employment agency is more than happy to help. Our team has decades of experience in assisting professionals in Arkansas and all over the United States with their career goals. We’ve spent a lot of time researching the best ways to assist workers move up in 2022. Get in touch with us here.
Carter Recruiting and Associates is one of the largest independent recruiting and outplacement companies in Arkansas. Our headquarters, located in Little Rock and our satellite office in Conway, both service accounts nationwide. We have satisfied clients and references from some of the largest companies in the state. With over 50 collective years of experience in the recruiting business, we have a vast amount of resources and knowledge to ensure a job well done.
Cherie Richardson
President
Cherie is the owner and president of Carter Recruiting and Associates. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Mississippi and has over 30 years of experience in the recruitment of executive and manufacturing professionals. Cherie’s work has been instrumental for new plant start-ups, as well as building and maintaining relationships throughout the region and state of Arkansas. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives and the National Association of Women Business Owners.