Written by Carl Freelove, Marketing Manager, Big fish Recruitment
The arrival of the New Year is the perfect time to commit to finding a new job and an ideal opportunity to refocus and set new career resolutions. So this month we have put together a few ways to make sure your job search is a success in 2008:
1) Everyday, do something for your career
It can be as little as reading an industry article for 10 minutes, to keeping track of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. You can search for jobs in your field, and if you're looking for a change, apply for at least one job a day. Also, look at the job you are currently doing. Are you able to do it better, if yes, how?
2) Set clear goals
Goals should be achievable and realistic and act as the driving force to take you to where you want to be both in the short-term and long-term. Write your short- and long-term professional goals down. Set deadlines and keep them. For example, why not pick a date in the future when you want to be in your new job and ask yourself where you want to be this time next year and in five years time It's easier to manage your own growth and development when your targets are charted out.
3) Market yourself effectively
A good way to think about looking for any new job is to draw a parallel with the marketing of a new product. Your CV is your main marketing tool in approaching recruiters, individuals or organisations so make sure it is bang up-to-date to create the maximum impact. Include recent accomplishments and any projects or initiatives that you’ve been a part of.
4) Networking
Brush up on your networking skills. Commit to expanding your knowledge base and contacts by joining local networking groups related to your industry. Networking is a great way to keep an eye out for new opportunities or developments in your field and meet people who could help realize your career goals.
5) Improve your skills
What’s holding you back? To help strengthen your abilities and gain new expertise, why not take a part-time study course that is relevant to your career (e.g. marketing, business management, negotiation, web designer etc), learn a foreign language or buy some useful reference books.
6) Stay positive
Finally, stay positive about the future and yourself. Being positive brings the confidence to go after the dream career opportunity you always wanted.
Another great tip is pin a picture of your dream goal (flashy sports car, dream house in your ideal location etc) around your desk so every time you hit a slump you can remind yourself why you should work harder to get that bonus or job with the nice pay rise.
Overall, these useful tips should help you figure out where you want to be over the next 12 months, so you can start thinking about how to get there, what you have to learn, and who you should meet to fulfill your goals.
The Big fish team also aim to be of service to you throughout your entire career and have plenty of other useful resources to assist you in getting your next role, so don’t hesitate to drop us a line to discuss your career goals for 2008.
