Some of the best Tokyo accounting and finance professionals I speak with these days are hesitant to consider new roles right now. Of course, this is completely understandable considering the coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected the global economy. A lot of people want to put their career plans on hold, get through the next year with their current company, and then maybe start thinking about a change in 2022 if things are better then.
The hesitation is understandable, but it’s not helpful. In fact, for most people now is actually the perfect time to start planning their next move in the world of Tokyo accounting and finance.
Theworsttime to start thinking about a new job is when you need one. People who have just lost their jobs are in poor bargaining positions with new employers, and they are under financial pressure to find a new job in a short time. This often results in people interviewing at companies they’re not really interested in for jobs they don’t really want, and it makes interviews more stressful because there is more pressure to get the job. If your company is going through a tough time, it’s important to start thinking about your future now.
For people with stable jobs in industries that are doing well, now is also a good time to start thinking about your future. For example, a financial analyst who specialises in supply chain finance in the healthcare industry might say “my company is doing well, the economy is weak, and I’m too busy with work right now to think about new jobs”. I understand that these professionals are busy these days. I understand this because I regularly speak with hiring managers in healthcare companies, and they tell me that they need to hire more FP&A people who specialise in supply chain finance. Certain skills are in very high demand right now, and there are huge opportunities for some specialists to capitalise on their rare skill sets.
I often meet finance professionals who are ‘not actively looking for a new job right now’, but who are always open to a new role if it ticks important boxes for them. These could be things like a location closer to their home, a chance to develop skills in a new area, an opportunity to manage a team or work in a new industry, or a much higher salary. A good recruiter will take the time to clearly understand what specific things are important to you, so if a job like that comes up your name will be top of his list of people to call. That way, you won’t miss out on your dream job just because it’s not the perfect time to leave your current job.
This is why it’s better to talk to one or two good recruiters and develop a long-term relationship when you’re not looking for a job, rather than talk to ten transactional recruiters when you’ve just lost your job, or have decided you want to find a new role “before the end of the year” etc.
If you’re not actively looking for a new job right now, email me at cian@focuscoregroup.com and let’s talk.
