Jump in, or hold your nerve?
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 01/05/2024
This month we'd like to talk about why you
shouldn't rush into any decision in the job search process.
It's all too easy to jump in and accept the first offer that comes your way as you transition from the military to civilian employment, especially when you feel under pressure to land something new, quickly. But in doing so, there's a chance you'll sell yourself short when perhaps you would've been better served holding your nerve and really considering your options.
Here are three tips to help you make the best decision for you:
Match the job responsibilities to what you want Review and evaluate your strengths and interests, and analyse them in detail against the responsibilities of the role you've been offered. While we understand there can be financial pressures contributing to you needing to land a new role quickly when leaving the military, you'll want to ensure the responsibilities of the job align with those you're good at/interested in. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself back where you started a month or two down the line, having realised the role wasn't right for your skillset.
Always remember your longer-term goals Approach every job offer with your long-term aspirations in mind. While you shouldn't necessarily jump at the first offer you get, there may come a time when you'll have to accept a role that isn't your dream job. If so, look at it as an opportunity to ‘fund your transition’ towards what you really want to do. Whether it's to gain experience in a new industry or simply to provide the necessary income until a better opportunity can be found; as long as there's alignment between your skillset and the job, it's okay to use a role as a stepping stone to your ideal end-goal.
Stand firm on your core values Always be very clear with a prospective employer about what you want and offer, especially on anything that you deem to be non-negotiable. Know your worth and stand firm on these values at all times, as they'll play a key role in determining your fit and potential success in any job or business. This way, if an employer asks you to be unreasonably flexible on things you've said are important to you and is unwilling to negotiate, you'll know the opportunity isn't right and can move onto the next one.
Remember, your time in Service will have granted you a wealth of skills and expertise that align perfectly with what civilian employers are looking for. And while we can’t guarantee how short or long your resettlement will be, we can guarantee that there will be a plethora of employers interested in your specific skillset – so don’t settle and instead, be sure to only accept a role that’s right for you.
The Career Assessment activities in myCareerPath can help ensure you understand your priorities before accepting any offer, while our range of workshops and your CTP Career Consultant can help you navigate some of these difficult choices.