Finding a new job that you really want depends on you putting in the time and effort to do a personal audit of your :–

  • likes and dislikes
  • ambitions and frustrations
  • skills, abilities, experience and achievements
  • what you want to get from work and what you don’t want!
  • practical considerations from work

The result of thinking about these things will give you the information you need to put in your CV and/or complete an Application Form.  It will also help you to talk easily and confidently about your skills and achievements in an interview.

Think about working conditions, type of organisation, type of people, and the tasks you are doing as well as practical aspects such as travel and how the job fits with the rest of your life.

What do you want to do? If there is a gap between what you really want to do and your current level of knowledge or skills, plan how you can get some experience, training or qualifications to bridge the gap but also be realistic.  This might mean taking a ‘stepping stone’ job to gain you experience or earn some money whilst you do some training.  Voluntary work can also be useful in gaining valuable experience that you can then use to get the job you want.

Our needs change with age and domestic circumstances, so you may be surprised by what you identify; you may also want to talk this over with partners, family and/or friends.

Top Tips to manage your job search campaign – To adopt an organised approach to your whole job search process, you will find it helpful to think about: –

  • how to plan your time effectively to find another job as well as do your current job, attend to family and domestic responsibilities and relax, look after yourself and have a social life
  • your job search strategy, including the relative merits of being selective in your job search and targeting specific jobs as opposed to applying for all possible vacancies, some of which might not be really suitable
  • developing a system for logging and tracking interest in advertisements, jobs applied for, agencies that you have sent your CV to and other actions you have taken
  • planning ahead for interviews, such as what you will wear and how to get there
  • deciding how you will cope with possible rejection. Ask for feedback on why you were not offered a job – it is important you get this information so that you can use it for the next time. You will feel disappointed – how are you going to pick yourself up again to apply for the next job/attend the next interview?  Plan ahead to help you start thinking positively again
  • use your network for information, general support and pointers to other information and sources of advice
  • acquiring temporary work whilst you search for a more suitable longer term post

And finally think about: – 

  • How are you going to keep yourself positive and motivated until you secure your new job?
  • What treats and rewards will you give yourself to keep you motivated along the way?
  • Who will you turn to for encouragement and support?
  • How you will celebrate when you get that new job?

Good Luck and good CV preparation!  Look out for Seven Steps to CV Success….