Resumes and job searches often remain off one’s mind until he or she faces the obstacle of unemployment. While unemployment is still a very pressing concern in the United States, not all job seekers have to be unemployed. If you hate your job and are quickly approaching the decision to quit—it is important to first think ahead, get your resume in order and strategize a resume game plan.
While every professional’s job situation varies, it may be worth putting your “resignation” on hold until you have every job seeker tool in your arsenal perfected. When it comes to preparing your resume prior to your departure, here are a few things you may want to consider:
Do You Hate Your Employer or Do You Hate Your Job?
Hating your job and hating the place you work are two completely different things. If you hate your job, it may be simply due to the fact that you have progressed beyond your abilities and are searching for something more fulfilling. In this case, it may be worth going through your resume and updating it with the many marks of achievement you have made throughout your current position. This update could be very useful if you decide to apply for a different in-house position or chase a promotion.
If you are not feeling your current workplace, then it is time to start considering other options.
Will Quitting Look Bad on a Resume?
Quitting a job in the heat of fury or dissatisfaction could feel great at the moment, but some employers may find that voluntarily leaving a job could be a red flag. Specifically, some hiring managers may interpret a departure—and the following employment gap—as a sign that you are easily dissatisfied with work. This could put the prospective employer at risk if they are looking to hire someone with a low turnaround hazard.
However, the fear of quitting should not necessarily hold you back from trying to seek other opportunities. As one Huffington Post guide suggests, “…the longer you stay in a bad job, the more it robs you of the energy, optimism, self-confidence and motivation you need to find something better. Move on while you still can.”
If you can tough it out for a few more months in your current position, do not quit before you have another job opportunity lined up. Use your time in your current job to reflect on how much you contribute on a daily basis and use this insight to boost your resume. Employers who see you are looking to move directly from one place of employment to another will look more favorably upon your situation; it can suggest that you are a planner and are still considered a valuable professional at your current place of work.
Weigh the Short-Term Vs. Long-Term Consequences of Quitting
If you have held your current position for a long time and have been relatively happy up until now, it is important to consider the reasons why you want to leave. Have you lost benefits? Did a colleague get the promotion you were gunning after? Are you unhappy with a current manager?
Some of these issues can just be temporary and may not actually be reason enough to leave your current job. As such, it is important to always approach a career change with a long-term perspective. For instance, a company’s new branding initiative, new policies or hints of downsizing could all point to long-term distress if you try to keep the position.
If you are looking for an out at a new employer, make sure you are looking at companies that do highlight the long-term benefits and perks you are looking for. These may include, but are not limited to, salary increase, projected growth and pleasant corporate culture.
If you are looking for a job that offers long-term security and comfort, it is important to translate these desires into your resume and cover letter—such as by highlighting skills that will assist with future industry needs. Highlighting previous projects and signs of growth are also worth showcasing on a resume to indicate the ways you could help your new employer expand in the future.
Before You Quit—Get Professional Insight
As tempting as it may be to quit your job today, take the advantageous route that patience offers. By working with a resume writing specialist at Chic Resumes, you will have the opportunity to explore your current work experience, skills and what kind of job opportunity you are looking to apply for. As a result, we will produce a resume and a cover letter that will help you get a head start while you lockdown your current position, while looking for an out at the same time.