The Paralysed Candidate- 10 Things you are missing

My colleagues and I have been in recruitment in one form or another for long enough to know there are some people who we simply can't help. Why? They aren't willing to help themselves. Qualifications have nothing to do with it. I know they could do anything they want. The truth is however that deep down they don't want to make a change.

Within the industry these are called "Paralysed Candidates". I am not talking about physical capabilities. In any walk of life people get comfortable and are scared to make a change. You can clock in and clock out and you know what to expect every day. You have a salary that you are comfortable with, and you know when you are going to take time off for your holiday every year.

Despite all that somewhere deep inside, they are unhappy. Unhappy with the direction of the company, the management, the salary or their colleagues. Possibly they don't feel challenged anymore. How do we know you all of this? Because we hear it from candidates all of the time!

Our advice to the Paralysed Candidate. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! If it doesn't work out, at least you can say you gave it a try. You can always go back if you stay on good terms or look for a new role somewhere else.

Here are 10 Things you are missing if you are the Paralysed Candidate.

1) Happiness. Can you say you love your job? Most of us can say we do. Is your job consuming your daily thoughts where you dread waking up in the morning? Life is too short, the grass is greener on the other side.

2) Challenges. For the first time in a long time, you will be tested. Things may not be easy, but that isn't a bad thing.

3) Meeting new people. Your network will be expanded and you will be exposed to different ideas and views that you haven't thought of if you stayed with your current company.

4) Learning new technologies. In today's very rapidly changing world you will be a dinosaur if you don't learn new software and expand your technical expertise.

5) Potentially more money. Have you hit the glass ceiling with your current company? There’s a company out there could use your skills that you aren't being recognised for doing.

6) Career advancement. People get stuck! Are you at a company where you simply can't move at all? You joined a company that offered absolutely no movement? Your manager has been in the same role for 30 years and he/she isn't leaving anytime soon. So why are you staying at this company?

7) Better Hours. Are you working 3rd shift or weekends? Sounds miserable to me. Do you travel 7 days a week? Want your life back? Take control.

8) Shorter Commute. Do you spend hours in your car commuting? Is it affecting your family life? There’s no reason to spend half your life in a car.

9) Better work life balance. Do you know some companies offer a flexible workforce, even telecommuting? Yes it is new, and more and more companies are offering than ever before.

10) You could be a part of the next big thing. There are some companies out there with some really great ideas. They could change the future. Would you like to be a part of the team that started Google or Facebook or Twitter? The next great idea is around the corner and you could be a part of it!

If you have evaluated all of your options and come to the conclusion that the company you work for is not fulfilling you, stop complaining and do something about it. You will be a different person. The above advice is something you actually already know and have known. Be brave, take a deep breath and do something about it on Monday morning.


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