There are all sorts of reasons why you might be thinking about making a major change in your professional life. Many people feel like they have hit the ceiling at their current place of work and want to look for opportunities to progress elsewhere. Many decide that they want a change of career completely having realised that they are not finding anything resembling the kind of satisfaction that they were looking for in their current role. And of course, many more are forced to find a new position having lost their job due to redundancy or other issues.
Over the last couple of years, a huge number of people found themselves in a position of being out of work or coming very close to it. And over the last couple of months, we have seen what has been referred to as the Great Resignation. Indeed, enough people have decided that they want to change their professional situation that a whole movement has been named. In an ideal world, we would all have time on our side when we are looking for a new role. Whether you are in urgent need of a new job or you are job hunting while carrying on your day job, here a few tips to help you make sure that you find the right situation for you.
Avoid storming out
This first point is for anyone who wants to leave their current role for a new one. Depending on the situation at your work, it can be very tempting to drop everything and make a dramatic exit. However, it is best to avoid this if you can. Remember that finding a new position may take longer than you think. With things the way they are and with prices rising all over, it is best to give yourself as much financial security as you can. You also need to think about your references. The more glowing recommendations you can provide your new prospective employer with, the better. If you leave under a cloud, then your previous boss may not be inclined to give you a good reference.
Think about what it is that you want
When you are thinking about a career change, it definitely helps to have a clear idea of what you are going after. Do you want to stay in the same industry but find a different working environment? Have you decided that you are not earning what you deserve? It can be a little trickier when all that you know is that you want to make a serious change. If you find yourself in this position, then set aside some time for yourself to consider it carefully. Talk the problem through with the people who are close to you. Think about what it is that you enjoy in your current role, and what you feel has been lacking. Brainstorm some ideas about where the skills that you already have could take you, and do not be afraid to think big. You may just surprise yourself.
Use your network
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your network when you are hunting for a new job. Remember that we have all been through this process at one time or another. Even if your contacts can’t offer you a job, they may be able to offer you some advice about the best places to be looking or the best things to put on your application. It is also good to remember that using your network is about more than telling professional contacts that you are open to new opportunities. It’s about talking to your friends and loved ones about how you are getting on with the process. Remember to keep taking care of your mental health at this tough time and avoid burnout even when you’re searching for a new role. We all need to take better care of ourselves right now.
Don’t put yourself down
Putting together a great CV and covering letter is one of the most important parts of any successful job application process. If it has been a little while since you last dusted off your resume, then it is probably time to start from scratch. One of the most important things to remember is that a CV is no place to be modest. Now, you do not want to lie about any skills or experience. There is nothing more embarrassing than being found out during a job interview or an aptitude test. However, you are not helping anyone by playing down what makes you a special candidate. No prospective employer is going to read between the lines of your accomplishments, all they know about you is what is on the page. With the job market the way it is right now, do not give them an excuse to move onto the next person. Own your skills and your achievements and get it on paper.
Know what you are worth
How many times have you looked at a job advert and been unable to find any kind of pay information? How many times have you had to write what you are currently earning on an application without any indication of what the employer is expecting? This lack of transparency is hugely frustrating, and it leaves a lot of us feeling like we are being exploited. If you are just starting your job search, you want to know how much your time is worth and that the roles you are applying for are going to match it. With Check-a-Salary, you can find out the UK average salary for your industry and job type. They also offer advice and CV templates to help you find the perfect role for you.
Create a timetable
The process of job-hunting is rarely a simple one and it can be easy to become discouraged. You can spend hours and hours combing through the various job sites without finding anything that feels like the right fit. You can go for several different job interviews without making it all the way through. One of the best ways that you can avoid burning out while you are on this journey is to create a daily timetable for your job hunt. Give yourself an hour or two for the search and make sure that you take regular breaks. If you aren’t having any joy, then spend the time working on your CV.
Think about learning some new skills
If you have found yourself out of work during your job search, then this is a great time to think about adding some new strings to your bow. There has been a massive boom in online learning recently and there are so many great options out there for online university courses, for example. Whether you work in graphic design or social media, data analysis or human resources, you can boost your skillset by finding the right online course for you.
There are several different reasons to do this. The first, of course, is that they will stand out on your CV. The second is that prospective employers will see that you have been proactive during this period of unemployment. Gaps in your employment history may not always count against you but it is always good to be able to show that you have been working on something. Finally, the third reason is that it will give you something to work towards. It can be so easy to drift through these days but having a daily target that includes an hour or two of learning will really help.
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