Don't Quit Your Day Job Yet!

If you’re one of the 21% of Americans who made a New Year’s resolution to find a better job, it’s tempting to quit your present position so you’ll have plenty of time to look for new opportunities – but please don’t!

The old adage that it’s easier to find a job when you already have a job is still 100% true. Being employed is a significant advantage in the job search. 
 

In fact, some employers even use their ATS (applicant tracking systems) to view only the resumes from candidates who are currently employed. Others use the ATS to select only resumes from candidates currently working in the same industry, or even with the same job title as the opening. 

If you are working while you conduct your job search, your resume will rank higher in those searches, even though your other qualifications have not changed. 
Of course, there are a million valid reasons why someone would take a hiatus from paid work. Raising children, world travel, health issues (their own or a loved one’s), being laid off, relocating and earning a graduate degree are just a few. 

Sometimes you may not have the option to remain in your current position while you conduct a job search. That can be due to a reduction in force, or because a particular employment situation has become intolerable. If you are being mistreated at work, it may be better for your mental and physical health to give notice and leave, despite the resume drawbacks.

When you are out of work for any reason, there are several strategies that can make your resume more attractive to employers. That includes making the most of any volunteer, consulting, part-time or pro bono work you may currently be engaged in, and making the dates less conspicuous on your resume.

So, if you have the choice, continuing to work while you launch your job search is the ideal solution. If you don’t have that option, you’re not alone. There are highly effective, well-accepted resume strategies to address any resume challenge you’re facing, and that includes not being currently employed.