Is a Change Good?

As recruiters we often receive resumes from star candidates who are veterans in the collection industry. They may be inquiring about a new opening for an agency sales position, but they have no background in collections sales. Or a resume comes in from a sales executive looking for an operations role and they have never managed a group of employees. In instances like these, the thought often crosses my mind, “why do you want to make this change?” “Is now the right time?” “Is a Change Good?”

At this point, some soul searching might be necessary. Why do you want to make the change? This can be a chance for you to explore different facets of the collection process and groom for a senior role. However, prior to doing this you need to consider the other side of the stick. A sales role might require a great deal of travel, while an operations role might enlist you in heavy overtime hours. Sales positions can often avail you the opportunity to work from home. Operations positions often have the stability of a solid base salary. Does it provide you with the potential bonus/commissions that a sales role might? Experience in multiple skill sets will improve your marketability, but these things should be considered prior to looking to make a change.

Is now the right time for a change? Timing is everything. Having a career plan and analyzing the management of your career goals is very important. By staying in the same role you might be able to attain those goals.

If you are looking to try a different role perhaps your present employer who knows your capabilities will allow a change into a new area. Who better to provide you with this opportunity than the people that have seen your performance and know what you are capable of? Exhibit how your current responsibilities and skill set will help you to transition into the new role.

For those who would like to dive into a new role in the same industry but with another employer, be prepared to support your argument! If you are looking to pursue a different role with a new employer you will need to explain what you have already accomplished and what you would like to accomplish going forward. Introduce a business plan using your knowledge in the field.

If you do not have strong evidence to support your desire to change over to a different role, perhaps sticking with the same role is best for you. All things considered, do what you do best. How better to succeed than to show that you have “been there, done that” and can offer knowledge and growth to your employer?

Is a Change Good? The choice is yours. Be confident of your qualifications and never over sell what you might be able to provide in a new role for a career you have taken years to establish.

Susan Burden is a Vice President at Executive Alliance. Executive Alliance, an international recruitment firm, is the leading provider of human capital (recruiting) services to the Credit, Collections and Call Center Management industries. Our clients-major financial institutions, telecommunications companies, utilities and service organizations-have chosen to partner with Executive Alliance because of our proven ability to attract, identify and recruit exceptional talent. Additionally, clients and candidates alike can expect the highest level of industry knowledge, customer service and ethical conduct. Executive Alliance is the exclusive staffing partner of insideARM.com.