Are you contemplating a career change?
Start with You.
Before reaching out to recruiters, jumping into job boards or polishing up your resume, take a moment to check in with yourself. A smart job search doesn’t start with “What’s out there?”—it starts with What do I want?
Ask yourself:
What matters most to me at work? Is it flexibility? A team you actually like working with? Clear growth potential? Knowing your values helps you find a company that aligns—not just one that hires.
What are my non-negotiables? We all have them. Whether it’s salary, location, work-life balance, or leadership style—be honest about what’s a deal-breaker.
What are my strengths (beyond my job title)? Think bigger than your resume bullets. What do people rely on you for? What energizes you? These are the skills you want to bring into your next role.
What do I want to do long term? How will this next move fit into the bigger picture – is that an executive level role, starting you own, switching industries, or finding more meaning in your work?
Why am I looking to leave my current role? This one’s important. If you don’t dig into the “why,” you risk landing somewhere that feels too familiar—or if you receive and accept a counteroffer, it could be for all of the wrong reasons and you are back to looking for a new role 6 months later.
At PRTNR, we believe the right job isn’t just about checking boxes—it should get you excited to show up, not just clock in.
2. Research (Then Reality-Check) Your Options
Once you’ve got a handle on what you want, look at potential opportunities with focus. This isn’t just about scrolling job boards—it’s about evaluating what’s actually a fit.
Who’s on the leadership team, and what’s their track record?
What does the company value—beyond what’s listed on their website?
Does the role, team, and responsibilities match your skills and interests? What are the key performance indicators for this role, and do they seem realistic and motivating?
Don’t get distracted by flashy job titles or brand names. The best opportunities are the ones that align with what you’ve already said matters to you and that you have experience doing.
3. Plan Your Exit—and Your Next Move—with Intention
How you leave one role—and step into the next—matters. A thoughtful transition can protect your reputation, strengthen your network, and set the stage for long-term success.
Refresh your professional presence. Update your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio to reflect your most relevant work and what you're targeting next. Tailor each application to the opportunity—generic materials won’t cut it.
Reach out to your network. Quietly let trusted contacts know you’re exploring new opportunities. Thoughtful outreach often leads to conversations—and opportunities—you won’t find on job boards.
Exit professionally. Once you have an offer in hand, approach your resignation with care. Give appropriate notice, wrap up responsibilities, and aim to leave on strong terms.
Much of this may sound familiar—but it’s worth repeating. You spend more time working (and with the people you work alongside) than just about anyone else in your life. You spend more time working, and with the people you work alongside, than almost anyone else in your life. Having clarity on what you want—and what you're not willing to compromise on—can make all the difference. The more focused you are, the more likely you are to land somewhere that fits.
