If you’re like the majority of people, you will have thought at least a little bit about how things might change for you in 2015. We have!
Here are our suggestions about how to make the most of this time of year if you’re thinking about looking for work.
- Consider whether or not you really want to leave. Perhaps do a side-by-side comparison of your options, giving the most weight to what is most important to you. It may be that your current role is the best one, if you can just iron out a couple of issues. http://www.salary.com/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-7-arguments-for-and-against-leaving-your-job/
- If you are planning to go, decide what you really want to do. The grass is not necessarily greener. Changing jobs just for the sake of it is rarely a good idea. http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/Searching-for-Jobs/Assessing-Career-Options/career-mot-tool/article.aspx?WT.mc_n=HP_top2_FIR
- Give your cv a makeover. You can pay for this service, or you can follow online advice and do it yourself. Always get someone else to check it for errors, always tell the truth, and always have a good covering letter. http://77.104.171.240/~bluespo6/candidates/cv-tips.html
- Use your network. Sometimes the best opportunities come through friends or ex-colleagues. Social networking sites are good at putting you in touch with potential employers, but be careful, as your online activity can make your plans obvious. http://idealistcareers.org/networking-to-find-a-job-focus-on-being-generous/
- Clean up your social media profile. Prospective employers will often try to find you online, and will make a judgement if they see that you have created or referenced inappropriate material. http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/5-steps-squeaky-clean-online-identity
- Take control. We speak to lots of people who are unhappy in their work, and some have felt this way for years. Acknowledge that you are responsible for your own situation most of the time, and take action. http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/takecontrolofyourlife.html
If you do decide to move on, this time of year is generally the busiest in the UK recruitment market. Take advantage. Most of our current vacancies are here, and we expect more over the next few days.
Good luck – and Happy New Year!