I am fortunate and grateful to work as a recruiter in this business. The way I see it, while insurance is a vast, complex mix of companies and functions, at its core is people. Every day I get to interact with a diverse, interesting array of individuals, both company and candidate alike. While there are too many to describe here, if I narrow my focus to candidates, specifically those whom I speak with often, they fall into a few select categories.
The first category is what I describe as the “urgently-need-to-make-a-job-move” camp. While each person’s situation is as unique as they are, there are usually some common themes. For one, this candidate wants out of their situation as quickly as possible and they’re turning to us for help. I absolutely understand and get it, I hear where they’re coming from. Who wants to be in a negative professional situation, day-in, day-out? I wouldn’t, so I try to lend a helping hand where I can.
When someone is in a role that’s a bad fit, it’s completely natural to look for the nearest exit:
“I don’t care where I go, as long as it’s not here!”
I’ve certainly heard that one before. And this is the important part: the pitfall is to avoid jumping from one undesirable situation to another. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself falling into the same trap or line of thinking that landed you where you’re currently at, whether it be money, the promise of large bonuses, a fully remote work setup, promised growth, or grandeurs of a large company. You’re so desperate to get out, you don’t care where you go, because it couldn’t possibly be this horrible somewhere else, right?
Unfortunately, moving too hastily can result in making the same mistake choosing the next role, increasing the odds of another unfavorable selection.
Avoiding this is critical, as it could make a sour situation worse.
So, what to do instead? I gently emphasize doing the opposite of their initial emotions and feelings: slow down. I know this may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. It gives you the space and time to really reflect on why you want to leave your current role, what kind of environment you’d prefer, and what your long-term vision is.
Sitting down with your own thoughts can be hard, I know, but it can also guide future conversations, including shaping the kind of companies and cultures you prefer, and what questions you’re asking about a prospective role.
By taking stock of where you are, and what your next steps are, you increase your odds of finding a better, more fulfilling role for yourself. Sometimes all it takes is a little time and talking it through with someone who knows the industry and sees a variety of roles, companies and cultures.
As I said earlier, dealing with people is my favorite part of being a recruiter. I come across so many types, including those who want out of their current job ASAP. When you’re in this situation, it’s easy to make the same mistake twice. I recommend slowing down to reflect on what drove your prior decisions, what’s motivating you now, and most importantly, what do you desire in your future company and role. Doing so offers a better understanding of how you arrived where you are and a clearer vision of where you want to go next. Being in the wrong role or difficult environment is never easy, we get that. When you’re looking for that right place, we’re here to help you find it.
By Matt Nickens, Partner, Coleman Search Group
