Well many have told me they would like to take the next step in their Career in 2015, and asked me my opinion about changing workplaces.

For me it comes back to relationships and workplace culture, what are you looking for?

As you all know every centre/service is different and it’s certainly not all about the pay.

Are you looking for a modern environment, a homely feel, or a great team that has lots of laughs. Or are you looking to work somewhere with the same Philosophy about ECEC as you and the same values and commitment. All of these things can make a huge difference when taking the next step in your Career. I have had many Educators move to a different workplace and later explain they feel like they had come from the frying pan into the spit. It’s important when you go for an interview to find out as much as you can about the workplace and the Educator Team.

Here’s some hints:

v  Check out the Philosophy of the service, does it gel with your own values.

v  Check out the Director how long have they been in the leadership role, how many staff are in the service and what are their lengths of employment.  You will know if the longest serving staff member is under 3 years something is up!

v  Ask what are the top characteristic’s they are looking for in a new staff member, how does that match you and what you are aiming for?

v  Ask about training and support in personal development, often how far they are willing to go to support the staff shows what their workplace culture is like.

v  What will be the induction process, find out how organised they are or is management a bit of a shambles. Not having good Management can be highly detrimental to the whole team.

v  Watch out for consistency, see if you can speak to an existing staff member to clarify workplace culture, if everyone from the service is saying the same thing you’re more likely being told the truth.

v  Don’t be too hasty, ask yourself if the position will let you grow and further your Career or will you be lost in an ocean or dead end, is it better to wait for another opportunity.

And when it comes to what courses you should do to set you up for the next step, well that is going to take a longer article. Happy to have a chat, give me a call and we can set you up with Individual Career Advice package only $110 includes support with application and resume. E debbie@childcarepeople.com.au