2017, a new year, time for change. It is at this time of the year that people consider changing and landing that ‘dream job’, making the leap with a different company into a new role, one that is more challenging and better aligned with your overall career goals.
January is a good time for change and with a little planning you can approach the change with confidence.
Follow these steps and you will be in control:
- Assess the current company you’re in. Are there any other roles that might interest you before you leave? Is there a mentor who would be willing to meet you for coffee or lunch to discuss other openings?
- Ok, you have made your mind up, it is indeed a time for change and you decide you want to leave the company you are in. Next step: do you want a similar role in a different company or a complete change of career path?
- Similar role but different company
- Identify 5-8 companies who appeal to you. Envisage what it would be like to work there.
- Consider your current experience and conduct an analysis of your skills. Where are the gaps? Could a 3-month course provide you with the skills you need? Assess your transferable skills. Which of these skills will make you stand out and add gloss to your CV?
- Form a partnership with a quality Recruitment Consultant/Agency; one that will be able advice you on this career move.
- It is important to that you work with an agency that is professional, helpful and able to advise you accordingly on this next career move. One that that is an expert in that sector and will be able to guide you every step of your journey.
- Rewrite your CV, ensuring that it reads well. Again, your Recruitment partner will be able to guide you in this.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out, ask former colleagues for recommendations etc.
- Do you know anyone with your current network who works in one of the companies that you are interested? This is where LinkedIn is super helpful.
- Find out if they use Recruitment partners to source candidates. Apply for the role you are interested directly or via the Recruitment partner.
- Interview skills: When did you last interview? How will you perform in a 1-1 or panel interview? Ask the recruiter if can they provide any interview coaching.
- Career Change
- Two excellent books that might give you some guidance are ‘What Color Is Your Parachute?’ by Richard Bolles and ‘Do What You Are’ by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron.
- Do a psychometric test, I suggest engaging with your recruitment partner on this.
- What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
- How did you select the career your currently in? Is there any aspect of it you really enjoy?
- What subjects did you enjoy the most in 2nd or 3rd-level education? Could you benefit from doing a course in any of these areas?
“The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change” – Bill Clinton
