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Do
you ever get frustrated with the amount of time it
takes to get ahead at work? Do you find yourself
surfing the major job boards looking for a quick fix
to your stationary career? News flash - you may
actually be putting the brakes on your corporate
climb by taking a job with another organization.
The
latest generation to enter the workforce is building
a reputation as chronic job changers. Although the
employment situation will never be as it was in
generations past, with the majority of employees
classified as "lifers", there are benefits to
working your way up one corporate ladder as opposed
to several.
Commitment is often rewarded, and the business world
is no exception. Most organizations will take a
chance on internal candidates that they wouldn't on
an external one. Candidates with a proven track
record hold a lot of appeal to those making the
selection decisions. The ability to access past
performance appraisals, speak with the employee's
current manager, and see the candidate in action are
substantial benefits that can't be duplicated with
an external candidate. Often, the only information
available for an external is his or her employment
dates and recommendation letters by references of
the applicant's choosing. Everything else being
equal, the majority of hiring managers would select
the internal.
One
major downside to changing jobs is that you have to
start over again. A great deal of time is wasted
job-hopping. There is a pecking order in every
organization, whether it is publicized or not - and
the newest person automatically goes to the end of
the line. As you prove yourself and new employees
are hired, you slowly climb back up to the same
standing you had when you left your last job.
Sometimes cliches are right on the money and when
you change jobs - the grass isn't always greener. In
fact, you could be jumping out of the pan and into
the fire. Who's to say that you are going to move up
any faster in the new company than you would in the
old? Just as candidates are on their best behavior
during the interview process, so too are the
companies doing the hiring. Interviewing is a lot
like dating - both parties accentuate the positive
and minimize the negative. There are challenges with
every job and in every organization. If you have
clear goals and priorities, it will be much easier
to make the right decision.
Expecting your employer to provide you with a sense
of accomplishment sets you up for disappointment and
changing jobs becomes a habit. One too many job
changes gives potential employers the impression of
instability - even if what appears to be instability
from the outside is actually frustration and
dissatisfaction. Even though frequent job changes
are becoming more accepted, the rising cost of
recruitment and turnover prohibits many recruiters
from pursuing candidates with an erratic work
history.
Although there is usually a salary increase involved
with a job change, make sure to consider how much
money you could be losing before you leave. There
can be tremendous financial gains to be had by
building tenure in one organization. Leaving before
you are vested can result in a major financial loss,
including matching contributions to 401(k), employee
stock purchase or retirement plans.
The
cure for sluggish career advancement isn't always
changing jobs. The answer lies in action. Go after
what you want instead of waiting for someone to hand
you success on a silver platter. What motivates you?
What steps can you take to alleviate the
dissatisfaction you are experiencing with your
career advancement? Even if your organization
doesn't offer career development programs, you can
take the initiative to create your own plan of
action. No one ever accomplished their goals simply
by wishing.
According to Careerbuilder.com, forty-one percent of
workers will change jobs by the end of 2007. Through
planning and skill development, you could be
promoted into a position created by that turnover,
putting you on the fast-track to achieving your
career goals and rising one rung higher on the
corporate ladder.
Jill Frank is "The Promotion Coach." Get her FREE
report, "7 Unintentional Actions That Will Slow Your
Climb Up the Corporate Ladder" and FREE advice on
corporate advancement at Corporate Advancement
Coach. Copyright 2006 Jill Frank. All Rights
Reserved.
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