Leaving too soon

File photo.

"Esil" hates the job she started only four months ago. Should she leave and if so, how does she handle the issue with potential employers?

First up, consider taking action at work to improve things. If overwhelmed or if you don't have the right skills for the job, then ask for training or coaching. If the job is boring, ask your manager for more challenging work. Also, look down the road to assess whether in several months time you could ask for an internal transfer. Does the organisation have a policy of promoting from within? Do new jobs come up very often or has everyone been in their jobs for years?

However, if you truly hate your job and believe there is no hope then start looking for a new one while still employed. Taking some sort of action will make life more enjoyable as well. Take your time to ensure the next move is the right one. A good result is better than an instant result.

How well you explain your decision to move during a job interview will be important so make sure you actually know the reason. It must be an objective reason - don't bag out your current employer. Maybe the job you were sold at interview is vastly different from the job you are now doing. Maybe, as mentioned, the job is too easy or is a mismatch for your skills and experience. We all make the odd wrong move. Where would employers be if everyone were perfectly happy in their job and never wanted to move? Lastly, do thorough research on the role and employers you consider. Be clear about the reasons the potential new job is the right job for you as well as why your current job is the wrong one.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

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