(no subject)

[pearwaldorf]

I find myself in a situation that I must admit I am unequipped for, because it has never happened to me.

For various reasons, I want to find a new job. I don't actually know how to do that when I already have one. Maybe I should back up.

So I've been at my current workplace for six years. It's not a bad job, nor do I dislike my coworkers (I like them quite a bit). But I've been doing more or less the same thing for a long time. I have been given increasing responsibility and I have plenty of things to keep me interested and busy, but I feel like moving on. Not necessarily to bigger and better things (although it would be nice), but different ones. I would like to learn new skills, stretch my stagnant brain a little. 

I have ideas of places I want to work, but nobody has jobs that I would be qualified for right now. This is not necessarily a time-sensitive thing, but in some ways that's as much a drawback as well as a blessing? I guess all I can do is sit tight and wait.

What I'm having trouble with is how exactly to market myself. I have a good idea of all the things I've learned here, and what I can bring to the workplace, but it's hard to convey that in a cover letter or a LinkedIn profile. Maybe it's time to go talk to the alumni career office.

Comments

[lizbee]

May I recommend AskAManager.org? There are a lot of posts covering these questions, and Alison gives good advice.

[contrarywise]

I hear you. The only times I've had to look for another job were either after I'd already left or I was freelancing and could simply let various account managers know when I'd be available for new contract positions. A couple of times jobs came to me, which is always nice when it happens, but you can't count on that.

Marketing yourself is often a challenge. If you have a close friend who knows your skills and interests well, perhaps they would be willing to write a description of your professional self and credentials. At least it would give you somewhere to start. Good luck!