Provisional Blog

So how can you tell if it’s time to move on from your current Seattle job? Here are some signs to look for:

1. Your job is beginning to impact your health.

You’re so stressed about work that you’re suffering from symptoms such as:

• Weight gain or loss
• Frequent illness
• Sleeplessness
• Depression
• Chronic fatigue

2. You feel bored and uninspired.

Everyone goes through natural cycles in their jobs where they may feel motivated and excited one week, and uninspired the next. However, if you feel consistently bored and unchallenged, you may have outgrown your position.

3. Your job is interfering with your family responsibilities.

Most companies, nowadays, understand that employees who lead balanced lives are ultimately happier and more productive. However, if your employer is not among this group, then it may be time to move on.

4. Your potential for advancement seems limited.

Your company’s management may have pigeon-holed you as an expert in one area, though you know your skill set exceeds that area. It’s therefore up to you to convince them that you can take on new tasks and responsibilities. If they’re not open to the idea, then you may want to start looking for a new job.

5. You keep thinking about changing jobs.

If the thought of changing jobs is always on your mind, then it’s time to start asking yourself some questions, such as:

• What don’t I like about my current job?
• Has something happened in my work environment that is causing my unhappiness, such as a change in management or industry downturn?
• Are there any steps I can take to make things better?

LinkedIn offers a variety of advantages to job seekers. It provides invaluable networking opportunities, it’s a great way to promote your skills, and you can even search for jobs in Seattle, Spokane, and throughout the Northwest.

So if you’ve never used LinkedIn before, here are 7 tips for getting started:

Tip #1: Create a profile.

Your LinkedIn profile is similar to an online resume. On it, you can list your employment history, education, and other skills and qualifications. When creating your profile, make sure you include keywords – like “Seattle accountant” – so that prospective employers can find you easily. Also, if you have a professional looking headshot, consider uploading that as well to your profile.

Tip #2: Develop a network.

The larger your network, the more potential opportunities you’ll have access to. With that said, don’t try to connect with everyone out there. Keep it simple and connect only with those professionals that you already know and trust.

Tip #3: Reach out.

Contact the people within your network to let them know you’re searching for a job in Seattle. Many job openings aren’t advertised to the general public, so you may find some interesting opportunities this way.

Tip #4: Ask for recommendations.

Recommendations are like testimonials. They can truly position you in the best possible light and are therefore invaluable. Ask a variety of your contacts – former bosses, colleagues, and subordinates – for recommendations for your LinkedIn profile.

Tip #5: Use the “Find Jobs” section.

In the “Find Jobs” section, you can search for Seattle jobs that may interest you using a title, company name, and other keywords.

Tip #6: Get involved.

LinkedIn has a section entitled “Answers.” Here you can post questions you may have about your job search or about your professional field. You can also respond to questions other LinkedIn users may have. Doing so will not only increase your visibility among potential Seattle employers, but it will also help you build your credibility.

Tip #7: Check company profile pages.

Many Seattle employers have their own profile pages on LinkedIn. So if you have a company in mind that you’d like to work for, see if they have a page on LinkedIn. If they do, check out their “New Hires” section. If you notice a lot of new people have recently joined the company, then that company may still be hiring.

Also, review the company’s list of current employees. You may know someone on the list and be able to make a connection. Ask them the scoop on getting hired at the company and to forward your resume to the hiring manager. A hiring manager is more likely to review a resume that comes from someone he or she already knows.

Searching for a new Seattle job can be both challenging and discouraging. Therefore, you have to use every tool available to you – including social media – in order to get positive results. And if you’d like some additional help in finding a job in Seattle, or anywhere in the Northwest, please don’t hesitate to contact Provisional. As a leading Seattle employment firm, we can give you access to a variety of exciting and rewarding job opportunities.