#AskDesiree: Is now the best time to find a new ecommerce job for the new year?

Oct 24, 2017 4:27:15 PM

Our ecommerce career mentor Desiree returns for her question of the month. Over to you Desiree…

Looking for a new ecommerce job for 2018 – should I start now?

An anonymous/curious panda working in Central London sent me over this question and it’s an interesting one. Their main concern in deciding to move on is all down to timing…is it unfair to leave their current ecommerce role in late Autumn?

It’s a busy time in ecommerce this time of year. With Black Friday and a small holiday known as Christmas approaching, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a terrible time to start your job search if a new job is on your 2018 to do list! Your office is going to be all systems go, believe me.

I can see from this question that you’re quite torn; you want to challenge yourself in a new ecommerce job next year but you also have loyalty to your current company. I can see you’re worried about leaving them in the lurch at such a busy time of the year. First of all, I commend your loyalty and concern for your current team…very admirable. However, I always say people should always put themselves first when it comes to their career. It is a big part of your life obviously!

So this is a tricky one. While I can’t tell you to go for a new job or stay where you are, I will offer a few pros and cons that hopefully give you something to think about.

Why you SHOULD find a new ecommerce job before the new year

  • This isn’t gospel, but quite a few ecommerce recruitment processes that are beginning as I type are for January starts. You can aim to find a job that starts early 2018 so that you still contribute to the Christmas rush in some capacity.
  • ‘New year, new me’…now I’m not a fan of that overused phrase but many people swear by it. If you start searching now, securing a new position, you will be part of the new team when the yearly planning starts. This is a great chance to showcase what you can do, while ensuring you are not joining halfway through a big campaign or product launch. That’s not a bad thing of course but it’s great to get a head start.
  • Quite simply, the longer you leave it the more you delay your goals. If now is the time for a new opportunity, you must find the perfect ecommerce job right NOW!
  • It is the perfect time to meet potential new colleagues, with many Christmas parties and socials underway. Just be sure to behave yourself and go easy on the mulled wine!

Why you SHOULDN’T leave your ecommerce job before the new year

Will you miss out on contributing to important Christmas campaigns? If there are achievements that will look great on your CV to be gained, it can be hard to pull away. Even if you do find a role to start in January, much of your focus will be centred on the recruitment process.

If you receive monetary benefits, such as an end of year bonus, would handing your notice in before the end of the year affect this? You should consider the overall package of your job as you make your decision.

Ask Desiree – here for your ecommerce career questions!

As I said, these are just a few of the pros and cons in your situation. It is totally your decision and I think you will make the right one!

Some closing advice for anyone else experiencing this dilemma: I recommend that every person who has used a recruitment agency, either on a candidate or client basis, to always keep in the know. Even if you’re not searching for a new job or new employee, always know what is going on by keeping in touch. Having a contact who can assist you at any time of the year is so useful & has got me out of a many bamboozle!

I am still looking for ecommerce career questions that you need help with – from job search anxieties to hiring calamities. You can send all questions to me at desiree@cranberrypanda.co.uk! Look forward to hearing from you.

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