|
A New Year's resolution on the career front can be converted into a brand, spanking new job a few months from now. Use these tips from our experts and fellow jobseekers to make a fresh start and change your life.
If the thought of turkey makes you queasy and you're developing bedsores from being a Christmas couch potato, you're probably glad another year has begun. It's a time for new beginnings and chances are you've made a bunch of New Year's resolutions.
Like Sex and the City star, Sarah Jessica Parker, you may have resolved to stop chewing on the inside of your mouth (yes really). Or, you may have decided this is the year to get a new job. In which case, you've picked the easier option because there's never been a better time to job hunt.
Shop around
The economy is growing at 2.1% and employment is the highest it's been for years. This means there are loads of jobs to choose from - and lots of places to look. "Traditionally the New Year is a great time to look for a new job and the best thing for job seekers is that job vacancies are really transparent now", says Philip Jones, Marketing Manager with totaljobs.com.
If you've set your sights on working for a particular company, check its website. Job boards like totaljobs are advertising thousands of jobs throughout January across all industries. Don't forget to register with a couple of reputable recruitment consultants and your local job centre. Some regions even offer a financial allowance for jobseekers - has to be worth checking out.
Bounce back
Getting the job you really, really want calls for persistence though. And staying motivated is tough during the dark winter days when it's easier to have a duvet day than hunt for your new job. If you're suffering from S.A.D. syndrome try these motivational tricks.
Ask trusted people to list your strengths. Then write them down, recommends Bronja Szczgiel, a trainer with the Impact Factory. Keep your 'star qualities' card on you and refer to it should you receive a rejection - it'll help you regain perspective.
Visualise yourself in your ideal job, the conversations you'll have, what you'll wear. The fantasy is fun! And it'll help you stay focussed.
Take a vitamin pill everyday" - it'll give you more oomph.
Join other jobseekers
Another tip comes from Sulayman Manjang who has just received two job offers after hanging out for his dream job. A graduate in finance, "I was tempted to give up and go down other avenues", he confesses. Instead he joins a private sector finance department in the New Year.
A turning point was registering with Elite, a jobseeker's centre in the London Borough of Newham. The advice and financial assistance were welcome but best of all was the chance to network with other jobseekers. "You realise you're not on your own. You can talk and learn from other people".
Be prepared
Every project stands a greater chance of success if the groundwork is done up front. So, have a wish list of your ideal job; an up-to-date CV; be able to talk fluently for three minutes about your skills, achievements and aspirations - and you're halfway there.
Most important of all, never give up!
Helen Beckett
| 