Trade Me recently conducted a survey of people who are currently employed and asked what their likelihood of moving companies would be.  Unsurprisingly, despite advertised roles being 40% higher than average, their findings show there is “a significant increase in the number of Kiwis expecting to be in their current role for the next four or more years” 

In my business I chat regularly with engineers, and my sense currently is that there is a hesitancy among this sector for people to look at other job options.  This got me thinking why that would be, considering the new opportunities that abound among my employer clients.  

From what I can see, there has been no better time to review your current career situation and progression, or lack thereof.  Or is it better the devil you know than the one you don't?   

Coming through Covid has been an emotional and financially difficult experience for a lot of people.  There have been jobs lost with people having to review their situation, often retraining or moving into new jobs altogether. For those who stayed employed, there may have been a generalised feeling of we’re all in this together.   

However, now that the market has picked up, how do you feel?   

By this I mean, if you have ever thought pre-Covid that your career is stagnating, why would that suddenly change?  And if it hasn’t, what are the reasons for this, especially during this very busy upswing in the economy? 

Here are my thoughts on what you need to be aware of before making a change. 

When was the last time you had a performance review? 

If you haven’t had one in a year, ask for one.  If you have great, how did it go?  Were there expectations on both sides and if so, how is that tracking for you?  Remember this is your career, you need to be proactive with it if you want to progress. 

Are you chartered? 

If you are six years into your engineering career you need to go about this proactively if you want to progress.  I can tell you first hand; this is something companies like to see – an engineer who is organised and engaged with their career. 

Have you given your career goals a realistic timeframe? 

I know not everybody has these but.......you should!  Now the reason I say this, I know what my clients are looking for, and it isn’t engineers who lack direction.  Just like the early bird gets the worm, the engineer gets the salary, progression and ability to choose if they are realistically motivated and engaged.  However, in saying this, if you are doing this and not getting recognised maybe it's time to look at your options. 

If you want to lead teams or projects, are you aware of your abilities to do so? 

You can have the technical engineering ability but that doesn’t necessarily lead to management.  Are you aware of your ‘human skills’?  By this I mean, how you relate to others and the management of different personalities and needs within a team.  To understand this, you need to know your personality type and how it correlates to managing people. 

And finally.....$$$$’s.  Is this the most important thing to you? 

We all need it to survive and get ahead, but if you are entirely motivated by money, this comes through strongly.  Be motivated by doing well for yourself and others and the money will come. 

There is a high demand for experienced engineers at the moment.  If you are thinking that where you are isn’t providing you with the progression you need after a realistic timeframe, let’s have a conversation. 

Simone Storey 
Simone@mojofit.co.nz