NEW YEAR - NEW JOB
The New Year is historically a time where a lot of people re-evaluate their careers and start to search for their next challenge. However, with the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, changing jobs can easily be put on hold.
However, having a healthy and proactive attitude towards securing your next challenge, being selective about your search and keeping an open mind are all ‘best practice’ when looking at your own career. As 2021 progresses, opportunities will develop and present themselves and if you do feel that you are treading water in your current company, its always advisable to, at the very least, keep an eye on the market to ensure that you don’t risk missing an ideal opportunity.
I suggest the following hints-and-tips that you may want to consider as you decide whether to explore the job market and make 2021 a success, rather than plumping for ‘more of the same’:
1. Don’t dismiss things too early! Remember, you don’t have to accept the role until after you have met with all the key players! You can be pro-active with your search and enter into a process with the view of further exploring the opportunity. If, during the process, you are not convinced that the company is progressive and successful, or the role doesn’t match your ambitions, then you can thank people for their time and walk away. If you never explore the prospects, then you will never know if it's right for you or not!
2. Make sure that you are armed with the right tools! Brush up your cv and make sure that its as good as it can be. A good cv is your ‘foot in the door’. Equally, update your Linkedin profile so people can find you. You don’t need to flag yourself as ‘looking’ if you are worried about your current employer asking questions. However, every senior professional should have a complete Linkedin profile with summary, job titles and duties etc. Be aware that both recruiters and potential employers may well search Linkein and approach you if they match your skills with their requirements.
3. Ask for help! Most people have a couple of trusted contacts in the recruitment world. Ask them for advice on your search. If they have worked with you in the past then you can trust that they will give you the best advice about the specific market that you will be exploring. This should include specific skills that employers are looking for and that you can high;light in your cv.
4. Be positive! Searching for a new role can be frustrating however, don’t allow this to dampen your enthusiasm. It's normal for any search to last up to 3 months, so don’t get frustrated if you don’t secure your new job straight away. 2021 will see the market improve, so stay pro-active and approach every new opportunity with the same energy and drive to succeed. Every job application allows you the chance to revisit your cv and every interview gives you experience and sharpens your performance.
Make it happen in 2021!
