by Charlotte Gurney
Often, we have an instinct that the time has come to make a professional change. However, working out what to do next and the steps that are required to get you to a new role can be tough. If you’re beginning to feel like you’re ready for the next challenge, these are our top tips for finding the right job for you.
If you could create the “perfect “ role, what would it look like?
It’s unlikely that any job will ever be “perfect” but it’s often useful to ask yourself what your ideal role would actually look like. Write down 10 attributes that your dream job would have, from the day-to-day responsibilities to company values and culture. When you start job hunting, try to match the roles you find to at least 6 of these values.
What have you got to offer?
Understanding your skill set is crucial because it’s this that will enable you to find a job that is a great fit. This isn’t just about qualifications and experience but also the attributes you have that will make you stand out from other potential candidates. It’s always a good idea to start collecting evidence of skills, experience and activities so that you can back up any claims that you make.
What do you find satisfying?
Start by looking at what you enjoy about your current role – is it the public facing element, the academic side of the job or being part of a team? Look back through previous positions and identify which elements of all your experiences have given you satisfaction. This is a much more effective way to identify where you find satisfaction in a job than to sit down and take a test.
Don’t narrow your options too quickly
The right job for you might not look like the right job at first glance – it’s easy to dismiss opportunities because they aren’t what you’re used to. However, keeping an open mind when it comes to the potential roles available could lead you down a path to something more exciting and satisfying than you ever thought possible. So, before you say “no” to an idea or an offer, explore it fully and establish whether or not it’s for you.
Search based on the job, not what it’s called
When you start communicating with recruitment agencies, describe the job in terms of what you want to experience and get from it, as opposed to simply what the job title is. You’re more likely to find a role that is a better fit this way – and it could broaden out your options too.
Smarten up your elevator pitch
Although you don’t have to do it in 30 seconds, it can be useful to be able to present a quick summary of your skills, experience and attributes. Make sure you know what you have to offer so that you can quickly communicate this to others too.
Finding the right job involves effort – but it’s always worth it, especially if now feels like a good time for a change.
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