When is The Best Time to Look at a New Job Opportunity?

Not when you need a job.

I had an interesting conversation with a candidate yesterday that was similar to hundreds of conversations I have had in the past year. I was speaking with an engineer who said he didn't love his job or company but that he was busy, work was plentiful and so it didn't feel like he should be "looking around." 

I don't advocate going out and interviewing to wrack up a few offers to wave in front of your boss with the intent to get a raise. However, I also don't think it's a smart career move to get complacent, comfortable and impervious to the fact that there might be an opportunity out there that could significantly and positively impact your career and your life.

So what do you do when you aren't "looking for a new job" and a recruiter calls you? First, ask questions. Engage in a dialog about what the opportunity is and how it could in any way, improve the quality of your life. Does it shorten a long commute? Does it offer a better quality of life/work balance? Does it provide a faster track for advancement? Does it give you an opportunity to work on different projects that could enhance your professional experience and portfolio? Does it allow you to have a better voice at the table for guiding the overall strategy of the firm?

How will you know any of this if you don't at least ask questions or engage in a dialog? There is nothing wrong with being comfortable or happy. However, when it slides into complacency, that's another story altogether. No one is going to look out for your career except you and we are experiencing amazing times to leverage your skills and experience to insure that you are protecting your career from backsliding.