If you feel like you are stuck in a dead-end accounting job where your skills are under-appreciated and the subject matter leaves you craving something more engaging, then it’s likely a good time to brush off your resume and sharpen up your interview skills. There are times when almost anyone can say they are bored with their job. But the truly successful professionals know when it’s time to look for something more engaging. This post will discuss how it’s important to be proactive in your job search to help you find the best fit for the next step in your career.

Why Be Proactive in Your Job Search?

Job searches, especially really productive ones, require a significant investment on the part of the candidate. You might have an idea about what your ideal accounting job would be, but doing the leg work, making the professional connections, and timing your applications to coincide with the right opportunities can take some time. If you are feeling the itch to find something better, it is always a good idea to start looking before a bad situation becomes worse at work. You don’t want to go into a job search desperate to find work, because this can leave you with limited options. Getting a jump on the situation will help you keep a level head and make good decisions based on your career goals and interests.

Seek Out Engagement                                                                                                        

While you are testing the waters of the job market proactively, it’s important to think about why your previous job, or jobs, have left you feeling unfulfilled. Do you crave more responsibility? Is the industry or market you work in simply uninteresting to you? Do you feel isolated or wish you could work more closely with a great team of professionals? These are all good questions to ask when you consider what you want from a new job, especially as an accountant. Know what sort of work excites and engages you so that a job feels more like a passion. Then go out there and get it.

Consider Changing Industries

Accountants looking for the next step in their career should seek a position that excites them rather than simply bringing in a paycheck. If boredom has been an issue for you, perhaps the problem is the industry you are working in? Ask yourself what you are most passionate about. Would a fast-paced consulting firm be a good fit for your skills and interests? Would you feel more valued working for a small but conscientious nonprofit? Accounting skills carry over well across a number of different industries, so really it’s up to you what you want to do.

While it can be difficult to break into a new industry as an accountant, it’s absolutely possible if you approach the change in a systematic and strategic way. Be sure to start your job search early, evaluate what skills you might need to improve on or build in order to be a competitive candidate, and focus on building your professional network. Working with a staffing firm like Search Services can really give you a leg up in situations like these.

For help in finding the next step in your accounting career, contact the experts at Search Services today!