Deciding whether to start the search for a new job is often the hardest part. Once you’ve made up your mind to take the plunge, looking for a new role can provide you with the boost you need.
Feeling miserable in your current job? Striving for career progression? Thinking of starting a new career altogether? Perhaps it’s time to make a change.
Jumping from job to job is never ideal for a CV, however it’s important to identify when the time feels right to make a move.
Get started
There’s no time like the present. If you’ve decided to look for a new job, then take action before you talk yourself out of it. Job searching can be daunting but it gets easier once you’ve made the first move.
Where do you start?
Before you reach for the mouse, get a piece of paper and brainstorm. Identify your strengths. Write a list of what you are good at, the things that you enjoy most about your current job and the things you would love to do in your next job. What is important to you? Sort out your priorities and come up with a ‘wish list’. Speak to people who inspire you!
What do you want?
Identify what you want to get out of your next job, and what you want to put in. Are you looking for part-time roles? Is career progression your focus? Where ideally would you want to work? Is relocation on the agenda? Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? Start by aiming high but keep your mind open to variations of your ideal job. It might be that your next job is a stepping stone to your ultimate goal.
Improve your CV
Your CV could be a tad rusty or out of date, especially if you have been in your current role for a long time. Jot down all your current responsibilities, your achievements and the things you are most proud of in the previous year or so. Get some help on your CV, ask a friend to look over it.
Tame that inner critic
Procrastination and negative self-beliefs can prevent you from making progress on any job search. So be realistic. It is likely that you will come up against hurdles, delays and even setbacks. Be kind to yourself! Refer back to your list of strengths and accomplishments. Re-visit your long term aims and what is really important to you. Know your truth! If you struggle, reach out to someone you trust who can help rebuild your confidence. Remember the compliments, praise and positive feedback you have received from your boss, colleagues, customers or clients. Write it all down.
Use your resources
Searching for a job can take some time. You may be lucky straight away, right place, right time. Or it may take some soul searching and some patience. Don’t forget to network and attend industry events, speak to people and reach out to contacts you already have. Delve into social media – have a look at LinkedIn, update your profile.
Start again
The process of job hunting can be cyclical – if you get stuck, start from the beginning again; refer back to what’s important to you, do another brainstorm, work out what you want (perhaps that has changed during your job search), update your CV again, tame your inner critic and do some more searching. Good luck!
Don’t give up
You might feel like giving up some days. Try to persist. You never know what will come up next. Don’t forget to have a break, step back and then start again. Good things come to those who wait (and work hard at it!).
But don’t neglect your job
Given that finding your next role could take time, don’t let your job performance slip in your current role. It’s important to stay focused until you’ve got a new job in the bag. If however, you are miserable in your job then some people decide to leave before looking for the next one. See here for tips on how to manage stress at work.
Need help?
If you need help with your job search, we can provide expert advice on your CV and find jobs that suit your skills, experience and aspirations. Our priority is finding the perfect job match for you.
