Job Change Myths

Let’s take a minute and get at the facts behind some of them.

Multiple offers – We have choices everywhere we go.  Why not when it comes to a job change?  It has been known to happen. But, it’s rare.  Mostly, it’s a matter of timing.  Employer A is ready to make an offer before Employer B, who is ready before Employer C.  In the meantime, Employer A has given you a deadline for responding.  You may actually receive multiple offers.  More likely, however, you’ll receive them – and have to respond to them – one at a time.

X% salary increase – While it’s true that the vast majority of job changes include a salary increase and that it’s even possible to calculate an average, you’re fooling yourself by having an expectation about it.  There are some people who, because the opportunity or location, actually make a job change for 0% increase.  And there are even some who accept a new position at a lower salary.  The best way to not be disappointed is to not have the expectation.

“Sears catalog” of jobs – Some people think that, by turning to a recruiter, they ought to be able to simply look at a list of jobs in their particular market and choose the ones they’d like to interview for.  (And, if you think this sounds silly, just imagine that there are employers who think the same thing about a “Sears catalog” of candidates!)  It doesn’t exist, however.  A good recruiter can help you get connected to employers who have openings, and even to some who are opportunistic in their hiring.  That requires time and, most of all, patience.

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter who is truly a specialist in BV, you may have other misconceptions about how a job change might work.  We invite you to tap our thirteen years of perspective.