How mid-career professionals can find their next job

Newly minted college graduates often utilize career placement services at their colleges and universities as they seek to land their first job in their chosen field. Such services typically are not utilized by mid-career professionals, who are generally those individuals with ample experience but who are still many years away from retirement.

But it’s not necessarily easy for anyone to find a new job in the digital era, so mid-career professionals can utilize some strategies to increase their chances of finding a job that allows them to advance to the next step in their careers.

Identify your priorities.

Mid-career professionals who are working but want to move on to a new opportunity have the luxury of looking for a position that aligns with their priorities and should take full advantage of that position. Identify what you like or don’t like about your current job.

Variables that merit consideration include the job itself, but also company size, workplace culture and benefits and perks. Make a list of these priorities and identify which are most and least important to you, and then allow that list to inform your search for a new job.

Determine if your next job will be your last job.

Many mid-career professionals looking for a new job may be looking with the intention that their next employer will be the last company they work for. If that’s the case, then it’s important to keep that in mind as you begin your search. Opportunity for professional growth and advancement should be available within an organization that you envision being the last firm you work for.

If you enjoy the challenges and excitement that comes with switching employers, or even careers, then you may not need to prioritize advancement opportunities over chances to beef up your experience.

Practice interviewing.

Mid-career professionals may not have interviewed for a job in many years, and the process of interviewing has undoubtedly changed since individuals were offered their current jobs. For example, initial interviews are now often conducted over conferencing apps like Zoom, so mid-career professionals may want to study up on how to master such interviews.

Everything from lighting to backgrounds to how you sit during the call can affect interviewers’ impression of you as a candidate. So preparing for interviews may involve more than traditional steps like studying up on the company and preparing responses to questions interviewers may ask.

Utilize a recruiter.

Mid-career professionals can benefit from the services of a recruiter. Recruiters can provide pointers on constructing a resume and how to answer interview questions with the goal of emphasizing your experience and accomplishments. Such insight can be invaluable for established professionals.