Quiz: Am I ready for a new role?

We have so many great candidates eager for a new professional challenge. But how many of these candidates are actually ready to move on? Are they moving too quickly? And what about those people who have been ready for some time to move on but never find the nerve to send an application? We ask these candidates to ask themselves “Am I ready for a new role?”

Wherever you are in your career, we have drafted this multiple-choice quiz to help you decide if the time to make the leap is now. Keep track of your responses; you’ll find the answers you need at the end of the quiz!

1.     Do I have a skillset that isn’t (or is no longer) aligned with my role? 

• a. Yes, and I never felt my skillset was being used effectively.
• b. Yes, the skills I have come to value are not necessary for this role.
• c. No, but I don’t enjoy applying this skillset.
• d. No, I feel my skillset is well aligned with my role.

2.     Would I be excited to improve my skills for my current role? 

• a. No, I feel there is nothing I can improve on in my current role.
• b. Possibly, if those skills helped me take on more senior or more challenging tasks.
• c. Possibly, but I might also want to develop a broader skillset.
• d. Yes, I actively look for ways to develop and improve.

3.     Am I prepared for the risks associated with taking on a different role? 

• a. Yes, and I would prefer to find a role outside the company I currently work for.
• b. Yes, but I would be equally happy to find roles inside and outside the company I currently work for.
• c. Maybe, but I haven’t yet taken stock of these risks.
• d. No, I feel the risks would outweigh the benefits.

4.     Am I willing to take feedback from my colleagues? 

• a. No, I don’t feel my colleagues have the skills to help me.
• b. No, I don’t feel that my colleagues understand what drives me professionally.
• c. Maybe, but I’m not sure what kind of feedback I’m looking for.
• d. Yes, my colleagues understand my needs very well.

5.     Do I come into work confident and happy to get on with the day? 

• a. No, every task at work feels like a chore, and I am relieved when the day ends.
• b. No, I complete every task easily and quickly, and this makes me feel bored.
• c. A little, but I feel that I might be happier elsewhere.
• d. Yes, I always feel prepared.

6.     Are there enough professional development programmes available for me in this role? 

• a. Maybe, but I would not be interested in participating in these programmes.
• b. No, I have already participated in all there is to offer.
• c. Not sure; I haven’t really looked.
• d. Yes, and I am looking forward to applying to the next one.

Scoring system

Mostly As

Start applying for new roles. You are ready to take the plunge! Your answers show that you are in a job that is not a good match for your interests, skills, and needs. You also appear to have a strong interest in a different role. We recommend brushing up your CV and sending it to the relevant recruiters in your area. They will advise you on how you can get the job you want.

Mostly Bs/Mix of As and Bs

Your answers show that you have grown out of your role. What once worked for you is no longer exciting, and it is probably time to move on. If you don’t have options to move up the ranks in your current company, or if you no longer feel invigorated by your job, take the time to weigh up the pros and cons, and work on re-balancing the list with a new job. We are a recruiter based in London and would love to help you work through this process! Take a look at our job list for inspiration, or send us your CV and let us know all about the kinds of roles that excite you.  

Mostly Cs/Mix of Ds and Cs

Prepare your CV and portfolio. Your answers strongly suggest that you might be happier elsewhere, but you could need the extra security of doing your research before you jump straight into applying for jobs. Perhaps you are unsure what you want to do; this is a common issue we find in bright candidates who feel overwhelmed by the options out there. We have a number of articles to help candidates get a head start in their search. You can also follow us on our social media channels for more hints and inspiration for defining yourself in your career.  

Mostly Ds

Stay right where you are! From your answers, it is clear that you love your job and are the perfect fit. Remember that situations may shift over time and that moving to new and different roles is all a part of growing and challenging yourself in the professional world. It is great that you are satisfied with your current role; keep note of what drives you. Knowing what makes you happy at work can be an excellent guiding light for your career.

Mix of As and Ds

It looks as if you have the right role but perhaps not in the right company. Keep an eye out for similar roles in your field and apply when you find one that fits. LinkedIn and Indeed offer automated services to send you results targeted to your job search, so we recommend using them. And consider relevant recruiters, too! We are a London-based recruiter with a focus on finance & banking. Sending your CV and profile to us, and we will help you to find a job that suits your needs.

Mix of As and Cs

You likely aren’t happy in your role, but you may also lack the confidence to jump ship. Remember that applying for jobs is a process and that you aren’t tied to taking a job even if you get it. Sometimes, applying for jobs can be a great way to determine for yourself if this is what you want, and it can help you either appreciate your current role or show you that you could be more effective elsewhere.

Mix of Bs and Ds

You may love your current job, but you also show early signs of growing out of it. Keep aware of updates in the company and what roles and opportunities are available. Perhaps a new branch is opening abroad, or a different team is looking for someone with your profile. Update your CV to be ready to go when you find the perfect fit.