A few months ago I shared with womenworking.com the 3 questions to ask when evaluating a promotion opportunity. They were:
Does it give you additional exposure?
Can it help you enhance core skills like strategic planning?
Does the opportunity support your personal career objectives?
Now that the job market in some sectors like health care and technology are beginning to do significant recruiting, you may be asking yourself: Is it time for me to make a move? In addition to the questions above, there are a few other things to consider before you make the leap to what may appear to be “greener pastures.”
Does it position you for long-term success?
When making a move from one company to another, you want to take the long view. Remember your career is a marathon, not a sprint, so you want to make sure that the new role is setting you up for long term success. Ideally the job is a promotion in title, scope of work, and pay. If you are taking a lateral move (doing the same job for a new company) make sure you that you are moving to a more prestigious company with greater exposure and that the role offers significantly higher complexity.
Is it aligned with the legacy you want to leave?
World-renowned coach Marshall Goldsmith often shares that there are 3 things people are looking for: meaning, contribution, and joy. Many of us find meaning and contribution in the work we do and the legacy we are able to leave. As you consider new opportunities, make sure that the legacy you want to leave is possible. Do you want to be known as a change agent or innovator? Make sure the company has the opportunity for you to leave your mark on the organization.
How is the company culture?
It is not enough to read the recruiting brochure. You need to make sure that the company’s culture will meet your needs. Does the organization share your values? Do you see women like you in leadership positions you aspire to? Are people in the organization succeeding using the work/life balance programs you want to take advantage of? Are women advancing at the rate you aspire to move? These are just a few of the questions you will want answers to before you say yes to that new opportunity.
Take some time to reflect on these questions as you consider changing organizations. Remember to take the long view of your career as you plan for future roles.
-Cornelia Shipley, Career Coach
www.corneliashipley.com
