standaard

Action plan

Searching for a new job can be a daunting and confusing task. The first step should be to analyse the placement of your current career and ultimately what you want to achieve. Once you're clear about the direction you wish to head in, you can then focus on the type of roles and organisations you would be interested in. Look at job descriptions or requirements to give you a better idea of which jobs you may be suited to.

If you are interested in a specific role in a particular location, give yourself a time frame in which to find and secure your ideal position. You may find you have to enlarge your search criteria or include other related options. Keep track of all your applications and request feedback where possible. If you are invited for an interview, be prepared and thoroughly research the prospective company and role. You want to impress the employer with your knowledge and enthusiasm.

 

What stage are you at in your career?

I am looking to change my career. 

I am looking to return to work after a career break. 

I have just graduated and looking for my first role.

I am looking to climb the career ladder and secure a job with better long-term prospects.

I have been made redundant and need to find a new job.

 

Whether you are looking for a clear career plan to accelerate your progress, need support to find another job or simply not sure of the options available to you, take action and select from one of our bespoke Career Consultation Programmes tailored to suit your needs and your budget.
 

Career Change

When contemplating a career change you should know your preferred industry by researching and understanding what prospective employers are looking for. Find out what qualifications and transferable skills they require. Use your cover letter to explain why you are seeking a career change and your interest in the new area. If you have no direct experience of the job you're applying for then a functional CV is the best option. This places emphasis on your skills and achievements you have gained throughout your career. Alter the sections on your CV around this so your skills are the first thing the reader sees.

Be sure to include a career objective and explain what you're looking to achieve in your next role. You should appropriately highlight any relevant experience and explain what motivated you to seek jobs like the one you're applying for. You may need to re-write sections of your CV so it has broader appeal. Make sure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and consider training or courses before applying for jobs in a new field. This will give you an insight into the industry and providence you with valuable experience. Developing a wide range of skills will also enhance your employability in the future. 

Returning To Work After A Career Break

When returning to work after a career break it is important to know how to write your CV so prospective employers can identify the skills you've gained whilst you've been out of work. If you have unexplained gaps in your CV for long periods of time, employers are going to want to know what you've accomplished. Be honest and explain why you decided to take a break and show the employer that you are now keen to commit.

If you have gained extra qualifications in your time off it will show the employer that you are eager to learn. Your CV projects your professionalism and is a great way to tell potential employers that you want to find a job in which you can grow. 

Returning To Work After Maternity

Returning to work after maternity can be a difficult and stressful time. If you are returning to the same company it is likely that procedure will have changed so the best advice is to be prepared. If you're applying for a new job the key thing to remember is that you need to match your skills with those that are advertised in the job description. These skills do not necessarily need to have been overdeveloped from previous work experience as transferable skills may have been gained outside the workplace. 

Just Graduated

The current state of the economy is leaving recent graduates with the difficult task of securing a job. The amount of jobs advertised has dramatically decreased and many employers are recruiting only those with relevant experience. As competition for places intensifies, it is now more than ever important that your CV communicates and connects with potential employers. A professionally written CV is one which stands out from the crowd, impresses employers at first glance and significantly improves your chances of securing that all important job role. A gradate should include a section at the beginning entitled 'Relevant Skills' and show the potential employer you have the skills required for the job. This could be communication, time management, teamwork, organisation and confidence. If you have little or no experience, show employers how you have demonstrated skills like this at university.

The achievements section on your CV is extremely important if you are lacking in experience. This section gives you the chance to show employers essential skills you have gained that will be transferable to the job, for example, you may have been the captain of a sports team, which demonstrates leadership and teamwork. To help further improve your chances of obtaining work you could consider volunteering or a summer internship. These are good ways to gain experience, make contacts and show potential employers that you are serious about the field you want to enter. With the amount of graduates entering the work place it is important that your CV portrays a professional and mature image to increase your chances of being selected for interview. Our professionally written CV service will help you make the most of what you have achieved at university and prepare you for a long and successful career. 

Climb The Career Ladder

If you've been with a company or in specific job role for a number of years, the time may come to progress to the next level. Alternatively, you may have done well in your current job role or relish the prospect or increasing your responsibilities and so wish to climb the career ladder. If this is your goal, you need to continuously market yourself and keep learning new skills to maintain your marketability. Moving ahead in your career requires you to continually update and enhance your skills, so ensure you keep a record of what you've accomplished.

If you're happy at your current company your first step is to look for internal vacancies. To increase your chances of progression within a current organisation you need to perform outside your job description duties and go the extra mile by displaying initiative and competence. However, if you feel your current employer cannot offer you the right opportunities, you should seek employment elsewhere and explain your decision. Whatever you decide your CV needs to be updated to show the new relevant skills and experience you've gained. Showcase your accomplishments in a career portfolio that contains a sample collection of suitable work and achievements. Use your portfolio during performance evaluations and interviews to show what you've accomplished. A professionally written CV is essential if you are looking to secure a higher level job as the design and layout will have a direct impact on your entry and salary level. 

Redundancy

Being made redundant can be a worrying and stressful time but try to remain positive and keep a list of things you have accomplished and skills you have gained. If you are unable to find a job straightaway you may wish to take time to retrain or improve your skillset to help you increase your career prospects. A good way of getting back on your feet is finding temporary work as it ensures you receive a regular income and that your CV is consistent.

When you're ready, search online for new jobs and use networking opportunities to your advantage by joining sites like LinkedIn. When applying for new jobs make sure you tailor both your CV and cover letter for each application. If you had been in your previous job for a long time you may not have had to write a CV for a number of years so are unsure about formatting, layout and design. If you need assistance writing a new CV, check out our advice under the careers advice page on this website.

 

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Experts in recruitment; specialists in publishing 020 7048 6223

Adam Phillips, Business Development Director - Rotolito Lombarda

Adam Phillips, Business Development Director - Rotolito Lombarda

I would not hesitate using Redwood and Theresa for any future recruitment drives. You will not be disappointed!

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