6 ideas to get a fresh start this summer
15 July 2008
Read by 1782 persons
Summer is one of the best times to recharge and boost your career. Here's a checklist for a successful September return.
Jean-Claude, 49, who spent twenty years working in various administrative departments of a large Parisian bank, will long remember his summer of 2001. "It was mid-July when I decided to become a horticulturalist in Gordes, in the Luberon, a region I had discovered with my family a few years earlier," he says. But before giving it all up, he took the time to visit a few recruitment agencies to explore potential opportunities. "I simply didn't want that life anymore, despite a comfortable salary. My wife didn't work, our son had just landed his first job, nothing was keeping us in the Paris region anymore."
Like Jean-Claude, many people question their job or career progression after June. "It is indeed a good time to reflect on your professional journey and how you'd like your career to evolve. During the holidays, you meet other people, discover new horizons. You can discuss with family and friends, exchange ideas. All the conditions are there to take stock," explains Marc Puyoulet, Deputy General Manager of the recruitment firm Michael Page-France.
"Whether it's questioning your progression, reconsidering your career by looking for opportunities elsewhere, or starting a complete career change and sometimes a life change, employees should use their holidays to prepare for their return," adds Françoise de Parcevaux, mobility consultant at the Association for the Employment of Executives (Apec). This could involve a skills assessment, taking on more responsibility, or simply requesting a meeting.
1 Skills assessment, to take stock
"Most companies operate on a six-month basis. Therefore, doing a skills assessment at this time is a natural step," says Martine de Maintenant, consultant at Mercuri Urval. It can be done within the company, if it has the appropriate structures, or independently. "Executives can do this assessment completely autonomously. It's self-reflection. But you must first ask the right questions. First, and most importantly, do I enjoy my job? Then, do I feel good in the company? What do I want to do tomorrow? Do I comfortably handle the responsibilities I've been given? Could I handle more? And at what cost? Does my job allow me to fulfill myself and thrive? Are my professional projects compatible with my family life? All these questions need answers. It's easier to act accordingly afterwards," says Marc Puyoulet. Generally, if the executive thrives in their company, they find answers to their questions within the company itself. It then remains for them to prove that they can handle new functions and that they would like to see their position evolve.
2 The meeting, to show yourself
Whether with direct management or human resources, a meeting before the holidays allows you to clarify your intentions and position yourself if an opportunity arises. "Requesting accelerated training during the summer, in English or IT for example, is also advisable. On the one hand, this shows your motivation. On the other hand, it can give you an edge over your colleagues, who are also competitors, if a position becomes available in the fall," emphasizes Martine de Maintenant.
3 Checking out the competition, just in case
If doors close within the company, the solution might be elsewhere. For Marc Puyoulet, "the summer period can allow you to make contacts with competitors, to assess offers in your sector of activity. To take the temperature, so to speak, in case there is an interesting way out."
4 Asking for a raise, tactfully
This desire to evolve can also translate into a more assertive approach towards management: asking for a raise. "Whatever time of year, it's always wise to ask for a raise! But there's a golden rule to follow: the request must be justified by objective reasons. If your duties or status have changed without a change in position, for example. In this specific case, the request is acceptable," says Marc Puyoulet. "It's better to avoid a showdown during the holidays. It's preferable to clarify your intentions and wishes rather than rushing things. Caution is advised. You need to know your added value, whether you are below or above market salaries. If the company is experiencing difficulties, being a lone wolf is not advisable. Sometimes you need to show solidarity with your employer. A flat refusal can be embarrassing and detrimental for both parties," acknowledges Marie Tresanini, director of MT Conseil.
5 Taking on responsibilities, now's the time
The summer period can also allow some to demonstrate their adaptability. "As there are fewer people around during the holidays, it is often possible to expand your skills and temporarily take on new responsibilities. Making suggestions and working more autonomously than usual is always well received. The employee demonstrates that they are adaptable and responsive. This is a plus when it comes to renegotiating their contract," acknowledges Martine de Maintenant.
6 And rest, to make the best restart
Finally, a last piece of advice, and not the least important, is to take the time to rest. "It's absolutely necessary to be able to start the fall semester in a good frame of mind. Don't put too much pressure on your management before the holidays. This period is essential to rest, to clear your head and think about other things. If the executive spends the summer questioning their career progression, expecting immediate answers to their questions from September, the holidays will not have served them well. And they will start the fall stressed and anxious, therefore less effective," assures Marie Tresanini.
Fabien Piliu
Published July 3, 2003
Posted online July 15, 2008
lexpansion.com
Jean-Claude, 49, who spent twenty years working in various administrative departments of a large Parisian bank, will long remember his summer of 2001. "It was mid-July when I decided to become a horticulturalist in Gordes, in the Luberon, a region I had discovered with my family a few years earlier," he says. But before giving it all up, he took the time to visit a few recruitment agencies to explore potential opportunities. "I simply didn't want that life anymore, despite a comfortable salary. My wife didn't work, our son had just landed his first job, nothing was keeping us in the Paris region anymore."
Like Jean-Claude, many people question their job or career progression after June. "It is indeed a good time to reflect on your professional journey and how you'd like your career to evolve. During the holidays, you meet other people, discover new horizons. You can discuss with family and friends, exchange ideas. All the conditions are there to take stock," explains Marc Puyoulet, Deputy General Manager of the recruitment firm Michael Page-France.
"Whether it's questioning your progression, reconsidering your career by looking for opportunities elsewhere, or starting a complete career change and sometimes a life change, employees should use their holidays to prepare for their return," adds Françoise de Parcevaux, mobility consultant at the Association for the Employment of Executives (Apec). This could involve a skills assessment, taking on more responsibility, or simply requesting a meeting.
1 Skills assessment, to take stock
"Most companies operate on a six-month basis. Therefore, doing a skills assessment at this time is a natural step," says Martine de Maintenant, consultant at Mercuri Urval. It can be done within the company, if it has the appropriate structures, or independently. "Executives can do this assessment completely autonomously. It's self-reflection. But you must first ask the right questions. First, and most importantly, do I enjoy my job? Then, do I feel good in the company? What do I want to do tomorrow? Do I comfortably handle the responsibilities I've been given? Could I handle more? And at what cost? Does my job allow me to fulfill myself and thrive? Are my professional projects compatible with my family life? All these questions need answers. It's easier to act accordingly afterwards," says Marc Puyoulet. Generally, if the executive thrives in their company, they find answers to their questions within the company itself. It then remains for them to prove that they can handle new functions and that they would like to see their position evolve.
2 The meeting, to show yourself
Whether with direct management or human resources, a meeting before the holidays allows you to clarify your intentions and position yourself if an opportunity arises. "Requesting accelerated training during the summer, in English or IT for example, is also advisable. On the one hand, this shows your motivation. On the other hand, it can give you an edge over your colleagues, who are also competitors, if a position becomes available in the fall," emphasizes Martine de Maintenant.
3 Checking out the competition, just in case
If doors close within the company, the solution might be elsewhere. For Marc Puyoulet, "the summer period can allow you to make contacts with competitors, to assess offers in your sector of activity. To take the temperature, so to speak, in case there is an interesting way out."
4 Asking for a raise, tactfully
This desire to evolve can also translate into a more assertive approach towards management: asking for a raise. "Whatever time of year, it's always wise to ask for a raise! But there's a golden rule to follow: the request must be justified by objective reasons. If your duties or status have changed without a change in position, for example. In this specific case, the request is acceptable," says Marc Puyoulet. "It's better to avoid a showdown during the holidays. It's preferable to clarify your intentions and wishes rather than rushing things. Caution is advised. You need to know your added value, whether you are below or above market salaries. If the company is experiencing difficulties, being a lone wolf is not advisable. Sometimes you need to show solidarity with your employer. A flat refusal can be embarrassing and detrimental for both parties," acknowledges Marie Tresanini, director of MT Conseil.
5 Taking on responsibilities, now's the time
The summer period can also allow some to demonstrate their adaptability. "As there are fewer people around during the holidays, it is often possible to expand your skills and temporarily take on new responsibilities. Making suggestions and working more autonomously than usual is always well received. The employee demonstrates that they are adaptable and responsive. This is a plus when it comes to renegotiating their contract," acknowledges Martine de Maintenant.
6 And rest, to make the best restart
Finally, a last piece of advice, and not the least important, is to take the time to rest. "It's absolutely necessary to be able to start the fall semester in a good frame of mind. Don't put too much pressure on your management before the holidays. This period is essential to rest, to clear your head and think about other things. If the executive spends the summer questioning their career progression, expecting immediate answers to their questions from September, the holidays will not have served them well. And they will start the fall stressed and anxious, therefore less effective," assures Marie Tresanini.
Fabien Piliu
Published July 3, 2003
Posted online July 15, 2008
lexpansion.com
