It's
time to kick yourjob search back into life again. We know it’s hard to get back into it, so here are our top five tips on restarting your job search, and using the extended break to refresh your techniques to find the job that's perfect for you.
1. Rethink your aims
There’s nothing like coming to an existing project with fresh eyes, and you have the perfect opportunity now to re-evaluate your job-hunting aspirations. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of applying for the same types of jobs over and over, but if you find that the first covering letter you write elicits an almighty sigh of resignation, then this is the time to take action. Think about what you really want to do, and aim for different roles if that’s what interests you. If you’re unsure of the leap, then combine this new job search with your old one.
2. New sectors
If a change of career is too big a step for you, then it might be worth trying to identify a more subtle change in the jobs you’re looking for. A similar job in a completely different sector or region could widen your search dramatically, and take you down a completely different path.
As with many of our suggestions, the aim here is to make you feel more enthusiastic about the whole jobseeking process, and prevent you suffering from the dreaded job search fatigue syndrome. If you are looking for work in a new industry, a training course could pay dividends - the Totaljobs Learning Zone will help you choose the right course for you.
3. Spring clean your CV
All being well, your CV has spent a fortnight gathering virtual dust on your computer. Read it through thoroughly – your fresh eyes will identify weak areas and even the odd mistake. Rewrite large chunks if you have to, but even if it needs little more than a quick freshen up, your CV will be immeasurably improved once you’ve weeded out the problem areas and focused on your strengths. Remember, it might be some time before you can look at your CV so objectively again, so make the most of this opportunity.
4. Ditch your cover letter
Applying for a load of similar jobs can often lead to a formulaic approach, where you take a little bit of cover letter 1 and add it to cover letter 3. The result is a decent cover letter, but probably not a showstopper that will make employers desperate to employ you.
To get yourself out of this mindset once and for all, delete your old cover letter templates and start a new one from scratch. You might use some of the same phrases, but we guarantee that you’ll end up with a much better end result.
5. Want to stay where you are?
Of course, returning to your current job after a long break with your batteries recharged could well recover some of your long-lost enthusiasm for the role. If your job is altogether more enticing now, then it’s time to start maximising your potential. We have guides on getting yourself known by the people who count, how to get a pay rise, and how to enjoy your job to the fullest.
