#CareerCounsel: Careers in 2017, Part 1

What will your career hold in 2017? Since 2015, #CareerCounsel has been working hard to help you with the bumps in the road you might encounter within your career journey.

With 2017 just around the corner (where has 2016 gone?!) we thought it was appropriate to look back at our previous #CareerCounsel sessions to determine what might change in 2017. We have plenty to cover, so here is part 1 of our #CareerCounsel throwback!

Surviving your notice period

The notice period is a tricky part of leaving a role as you transition from one part of your career to the next.

There can be mixed feelings; from wondering if your team are unhappy with your departure to excitement for the next step in your career. Despite these mixed emotions, there is still a job to do until your very last day.

As seen in our 2016 Ecommerce Salary Survey, notice periods vary on company and the level of your position within that company. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differing lengths for the notice period provided by our salary survey respondents…

While one month is the most common length for notice periods, it’s interesting to see how long the notice period can be (up to six months for some senior employees.) Whatever the length, your attitude must be the same – to help everyone transition as smoothly as possible. Set out a notice period plan so you know exactly what you must do and when…this will help lessen the stress.

Perhaps you’re a manager who will have an employee working their notice period right now. One of the most important things you can do is organise a ‘debrief’ of sorts – gather some feedback from them, let them know how they’ve contributed and keep that professional relationship intact.

Notice periods are becoming increasingly more negotiable in the sense that, if the employee does what they need to do, employees do not always have to work the full notice. This comes down to the individual, if they are willing to complete a handover well in a shorter space of time and to maintain a gracious attitude to towards their employer. Any early finish negotiations should be approached professionally. There is also the possibility of using any remaining holiday dates you may still be entitled to.

#CareerCounsel takeaway: When it comes to the notice period, behaving just like an existing employee is key. Be professional, courteous and keep all work relationships strong. The new job probationary period

Surviving the probation period in your new role…the exact opposite of the notice period and perhaps even more nerve wracking!

Job application processes are more competitive than ever so getting the role is a massive deal, but you now need to put your skills into action. Remember to arrive armed with ideas, questions and enthusiasm…you will soon make your mark and fly through your probation period.

If you’re welcoming a new member to your team, you of course want to see them in action and how they handle their work, their team skills and potential challenges that come their way. This doesn’t mean throwing them in at the deep end… having new starter processes is so important as the more they are used, the more the whole team can come together and know exactly what to do when welcoming a new colleague. Having a new starter feel comfortable will bring the best out in them and their abilities.

#CareerCounsel takeaway: The probationary period is the beginning of an exciting new adventure…enjoy it and this will reflect in your output.

That’s all for now…

As we said, there’s a lot to cover so we’ll let you have a quick breather! Don’t rest for too long though as we will be back with a look at work-life balance, team management and making a difference in your career in 2017!