How to navigate the career transition process

Whether you’re consciously planning a career transition, or you’re thrust into a career transition after being made redundant or outplaced, it can be a difficult space to be in. 

Looking for your next executive opportunity can be a long and lonely road, but with the right executive coaching support, it doesn’t have to be.

In this article, Executive Interview Coaching founder Richard Elstone shares his tips for navigating the career transition process and making it as smooth as possible.

Be realistic about timeframes

Transitioning executive roles is a process that takes time. Richard says it’s important for executives to be realistic about how long it will take to find a new appointment, so that they don’t get disheartened.

“On average, it usually takes between four and six months to find the right role,” explains Richard. “That can be frustrating, particularly for people doing career transition.”

Richard says for many executives, the weeks can feel very long, and sometimes lonely. “You make a phone call to an executive search consultant on a Monday and you haven’t heard from them on the Wednesday. When you’re in a job, you’re busy and so it’s normal for you not to return a phone call for a day or two or more because people understand that. But when you’re sitting at home waiting for phone calls, it can be a very lonely experience.”

The key is to understand that it often takes months to get hired. You just need a solid plan and to stay on track.

Treat the transition process like a job 

When you finish up in one role, it might be tempting to spend your weekdays on the golf course or reclining with a book next to the pool. While a short break is a great opportunity for a refresh, it’s important to dive back into the job hunting asap.

“A lot of executives don’t treat this transition process like a job, but the reality is, your job to find another job,” says Richard. “Whilst you’re probably not going to be working eight hours a day, you need to commit to working four hours a day at least on finding a new opportunity. 

“If you’re not spending four hours a day actively looking for a new role, it could end up being nine to 12 months before you land a new appointment. Unfortunately, the longer you’re out of the game, the harder it can be to get back into it, so it’s best to get cracking on the job hunt and preparation as soon as possible.” 

Activate your network 

The reality is that most executive roles are landed through contacts you already know. As such, one of the most important steps in transitioning roles is to activate your network.

Review your LinkedIn contacts and make sure you’re connected to everyone you’ve previously worked with. Next, categorise your contacts. You can find tips on how to do this in our recent blog.

From there, you can start strategically activating your network. Catch up with key contacts, find out how they’re doing, then let them know you’re at a crossroads and looking for a new opportunity.

Be clear about your goals

Transitioning positions is the perfect opportunity to reassess your career goals.

Are you interested in changing sectors? Moving into a new sector can be an exciting career progression and open up new opportunities you haven’t previously considered.

Maybe your end goal is to step up from CFO to CEO? Whatever your ambitions, it’s important to be crystal clear about what it is you’re looking to do and achieve in the next few years.

“One of my clients was a CFO who ultimately wanted to become a CEO,” says Richard. “I suggested she get a role outside of finance in operations to give her some operational experience. She’s now a CEO within one of the subsidiary companies, and she would not have got that role without having had that operational experience.” 

“Sometimes to get a new role and to move up, you actually need to gain other experience. That’s often easier to do in the current organisation than if you’re coming in as an external hire, because people know the value that you bring.”

Don’t take the first offer necessarily

Richard says a lot of executives fall into the trap of feeling like they have to take the first offer, but that’s a mistake.

“It’s very difficult for somebody who is needing to find a new opportunity,” he says. “They start getting disheartened and they apply for everything and anything. As the months tick by, they get to the stage of taking the first job, not the right job.”

Through his executive coaching, Richard will guide you in the right direction.

“I keep clients engaged and on track with their goals,” he says. “When they’re offered a role, we’ll have that big discussion – do we or don’t we go for this role? It’s really important that executives don’t take the first job that’s offered to them, but actually take the right job that’s in line with their career goals and aspirations.”

Don’t go it alone

If you’re an executive who has managed a team, you’ll know the importance of drawing on other people’s strengths to help you achieve a common goal. The same applies when it comes to landing your next executive appointment.

“It’s very difficult to do this all by yourself,” explains Richard. “That’s where I can come in and be that sounding board. I don’t do it from an outplacement perspective, I come at it from a talent acquisition perspective, understanding the hiring market and being able to coach executives, giving them the benefit of 30-odd years’ experience in this space.”

For assistance with everything from your resume and digital profiles to interview preparation and more, get in touch today.