Organisational change and you

The days of a ‘job for life’ are long gone. Major organisational change in the form of mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, restructuring and plant closures, is today a reality for us all. Organisations need to be fluid and responsive, outsourcing projects and services, forming alliances and shifting resources to meet the demands of a complex global market. For the individuals that make up the organisation, flexibility and adaptability are key ingredients to a successful career.

Change brings new opportunities, but also greater risk and more uncertainty. Whether organisational change happens suddenly and unexpectedly or is a future possibility, the best way to stay on track is to be prepared, to expect the unexpected. Knowing ourselves, understanding our true potential and developing a strategy for dealing with change, is the only way to make the most of opportunities arising from unexpected situations.

Career transition presents an opportunity to assess your current position and create a plan for the future that will allow you to reach your full potential. Getting clear on your professional objective and identifying long- and short-term goals is a great way to stay focused.

Lee Hecht Harrison’s career transition assistance incorporates advice on career planning, including an assessment of your current situation, your skills and experience and what this means in terms of your long and short-term goals.

Taking the next step

Organisational change often happens unexpectedly. Major change can require moving from a position that feels stable and secure, into a period of uncertainty. Finding yourself at a career crossroads raises many questions about the path you should take. Should you:

find a similar job elsewhere?
change your profession or occupation?
pursue your passion and start a business based on your interests?
take the opportunity to retire from full-time work?

How will you know what you can actually achieve without serious evaluation of your abilities and options? And what skills will you need to develop in order to achieve your goals?

For some people, changing jobs may simply mean a continuation of their existing path. For others, it may mean reinventing themselves, learning new skills, creating a portfolio career, or easing into retirement. No two people are the same, and no two career paths are the same. Having a plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs and focus your energy on achievable goals will help you more quickly achieve your objectives.

Career transition assistance from professionals who understand the process and have helped others through similar experiences is invaluable. Lee Hecht Harrison understands that each person is unique and the options available differ according to skills and circumstances. Our career transition services are tailored to help individuals affected by downsizing, restructuring, closures, and mergers and acquisitions realise their full potential in a new role. Your career transition assistance program will follow Lee Hecht Harrison's AIM methodology.

The AIM methodology

AIM (Assess opportunity, Implement search, Manage transition) is a Lee Hecht Harrison project management approach that assists individuals affected by organisational change to identify and achieve their career goals. The AIM methodology comprises ten milestones covering each phase of the career transition process, and can be mixed and matched according to individual needs. Better outcomes can be achieved by working through a structured plan, supported by skills development workshops and one-on-one professional advice and consultation. Career transition assistance includes:

Job search skills. If you have not had to look for work for some time, you may need a refresher. Everyone can use some help putting together a resume, writing a cover letter, meeting selection criteria and presenting well in interviews.

Networking. A large percentage of jobseekers find work through people they know: their network of friends, family and business associates. Networking is a skill that often needs to be developed. LHH will show you how to make the most of your own network as well as the global business network available to you through Lee Hecht Harrison.

Technology. The LHH Career Resource Network connects you with jobs and networking opportunities and provides you with valuable business information and specialist resources.

Self employment. For those with considerable experience and skills or a passion for a certain industry, self employment in the form of starting a business or working as a consultant may be an option. Clearly, not all business ideas are viable and LHH can help you decide if self employment is the right option for you. LHH consultants can also assist with developing a business and marketing plan to ensure that you have the best start.

Retirement. If you are at a mature stage of your career, retirement may be an option. Retirement does not necessarily mean leaving the workforce altogether. Depending on your life and career goals there are many options available to you, including developing an investment portfolio, working part-time or as a consultant. Assistance from experts in career change will help you make educated decisions and select the best option.

Relocation. Changing jobs may present the opportunity to relocate interstate or even overseas. With a global network of offices, LHH can assist you wherever you decide to move.

Job search skills assistance

Lee Hecht Harrison provide job search skills support and training to meet a range of career transition needs including resume writing, networking, using research tools for information and job leads, addressing selection criteria when applying for a job, communicating with recruiters and employer organisations, and developing interviewing skills.

Online career transition support

Career Resource Network (CRN) is a powerful, comprehensive Web portal to help individuals going through a career transition explore their options, define their objectives, conduct a job search, pursue business ownership, or consider active retirement.

Click here to learn more about our all new Career Resource Network.

Back to Top