If you’ve looked at any job boards lately, you probably

noticed the abundance of open roles. When this is the

case and talent is limited, it’s referred to as a

candidate-driven market. The U.S. has been

experiencing this type of market for several years,

especially in the sectors that Helbling & Associates

specializes in - architecture/engineering/construction,

facilities management, and real estate development.

Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job and

engrossed in your current one, don’t be

surprised if there’s a role and potential

employer out there that would pique

your interest. As search consultants,

we’ve witnessed this scenario with

hundreds of professionals. After all, the

whole idea behind utilizing a search

firm is to identify, attract, and secure

passive candidates - those who aren’t

actively looking for new jobs but are

open to considering attractive

opportunities should they come along.

Most always, our candidates are satisfied at their

current organizations and in their roles. When receiving

our calls, they either politely decline to continue the

conversation, refer us to another colleague who may

be interested, or give us a few minutes to describe our

client and its opportunity. Regardless of the scenario,

what we typically find is that, even though they are

happy with what they are doing, they still find

themselves naturally pondering the questions of :

• Is there a better role and cultural fit for me?

• Can my employer offer the career progression that

I want? If not, how can I progress my career?

• Do I want to do something different?

You may even be asking yourself these questions now.

Look at the upside. If an opportunity presents itself

when you aren't looking for one, maybe it was meant

to happen and it’s good to keep an

open mind. After all, the best time to

consider a new job isn’t when you

need to do so or when you’re

unhappy with your job. Exploring new

career opportunities should be

exciting and fun. And, you don’t want

to feel “under the gun” when making

such a significant decision. If you do

feel pressured, there’s a greater

chance to make a wrong decision.

Being passive to new job opportunities actually puts

you in the driver’s seat much more so than when you

want or need a new job. You can carefully consider a

role and organization, and if it’s really what you want.

You know that you are truly interested in a role when

you’re pursuing it even though you have a great job

already. That’s always a good sign that you’re following

your gut instincts.

KeepinganOpenMindinThisActiveJobMarket&HowtoEvaluateanOpportunity

Sami L. Barry

Being a passive job seeker actually puts you in the driver’s seat. You aren’t under pressure to pursue an opportunity. It’s an ideal situation.

Helbling & Associates is a retained executive search firm specializing exclusively in facilities management, construction, engineering, and real estate development.

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KeepinganOpenMindinThisActiveMarket&HowtoEvaluateAnOpportunity

As we all know, following your gut doesn’t always lead

you in the right direction, and this can certainly be the

case when considering a new job. That’s why

analyzing your motivations and thoroughly evaluating

a new opportunity before making the jump are critical

to ensuring you’re making the right decision.

Consider these questions the next time you find

yourself pursuing an opportunity, and you’ll be

confident you’re doing the right thing.

The role: • What are the responsibilities and challenges of the

role? Do they intrigue me?

• Do I possess the skills that lead to success in the role?

• Will the role expand my skills and knowledge?

• What are the short- and long-term expectations of the role? Am I confident that I can develop and

implement such initiatives?

• Will I flourish in the role?

• Does the opportunity support my long-term career

goals? Is it a step in the right direction?

• How does the role impact the organization? Will I

have an opportunity to truly make a difference?

The organization: • What are the organization’s values and principles? Do

they reflect my own?

• What are the organization’s short- and long-term objectives?

• What is its corporate culture? Will I like that type of environment? Is it a place I can see myself working?

• What are the traits of its successful employees? Are

they similar to my own?

• What is the immediate supervisor like? Will I be happy

working with him/her?

Compensation and Other: • Is the compensation package attractive to me?

• What are the core benefits (i.e. medical, retirement)?

How do they compare to my current ones?

• Does the company offer other benefits or perks (i.e.

tuition reimbursement, child care, flexible schedule) that are valuable to me?

• Is the commute satisfactory? Are the travel

requirements doable?

• Does the opportunity complement the work/life

balance I prefer?

• Is there any other component to consider?