SoFi Blog

By Katie Wolf

Updated 8/14/20

Think back to the first job you ever had, and compare it to the job you have now. You can probably see quite an evolution—over the years, you’ve likely gained experience, confidence, and efficiency in the way you approach your role.

Yet when it comes to the job search, many people take the same approach they did when they first entered the professional world. It’s simply easier to default to the strategies you’ve always used. But that mindset could lead to a frustrating, lengthy search.

Instead, think of how many executives look for new jobs. By that point in their career, it’s no longer about casting a wide net—it’s about knowing what they want and confidently going after it. And that often results in a more strategic, efficient, and fruitful search.

Here’s what you can learn from that executive job search mindset and how to apply it to your own job hunt—even if you haven’t made it into the C-suite yet.

By Katie Wolf

Something needs to change. Maybe you don’t feel fulfilled anymore, you can’t stand your boss, or you’re bored with your industry. Maybe you were laid off, and you have no choice but to make a change. Whatever the situation, you’re starting to plot your next career move.

It’s an exciting place to be—the possibilities are endless! But when you’re not exactly sure what you want, it’s also disconcerting. How can you be sure you’re making the right decision?

SoFi career coaches Alexandra Dickinson and Gabby Bill recommend stepping away from the job boards for a second and taking the time to think about your next move strategically. Start with these six steps.

The SoFi Quarterly Career Trends Report takes a look at job market and compensation trends from the past quarter and helps professionals understand how this data may impact their careers going forward. Heading into the second half of 2015, wages continue to lag behind job creation, making it difficult for job-seekers to find high paying jobs. If your goal is salary progression, you should enter the market with caution.

Here are some highlights from the report:

Each quarter, the SoFi Career Coaching Team sifts through a mountain of employment data in order to identify the latest hiring and salary trends for our Career Trends Report. Our aim? To gauge the demand for undergraduate and graduate level talent, provide insight into hiring practices across industries and regions, and help our members and other early stage professionals make informed decisions about career development strategy.

In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to find and cultivate the contacts you need to bolster your job search and career growth – and networking-focused apps can help. Check out these three great tools — Charlie, Conspire and Contactually — that the SoFi Career Coaching team regularly shares with members.