The new year is often associated with reevaluation. We look at the year gone by and begin to wonder if we can do better. Somehow it feels as if we’re perhaps more likely to succeed if we decide to turn over that new leaf in January.
With the weeks leading up to the festive season often challenging, racing to complete projects or striving to meet year-end targets, it’s no wonder many people wonder if there isn’t a better job out there for them.
Finding a job can take time though, and in this final countdown to our Exit from the EU, many organisations are in a ‘wait and see’ mode when it comes to engaging new members of staff.
For job seekers and aspiring career changers, it can often feel like a never-ending process, trawling job adverts, continually working on CVs and online professional profiles.
What could be better than turning to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for a few tips on job seeking? After all, the CIPD is probably the most reliable source of information on all things job-related.
Last year the CIPD published a ten-step guide to job seeking, and we’ve summarised the main points below https://www.cipd.co.uk/new-hr-learning-development/job-guides/ten-step-plan-for-job-hunting
Step 1
Be clear on the type of role you want and how near or far you are prepared to travel. Find the right balance between to0 broad or too narrow a range because you may end up either overwhelmed or simply with nothing to consider.
Step 2
Think about where you could work based on your skills and desired new career path. Have a look at the organisations within your radius, ask around and do some research online.
Step 3
Start with your list of ten companies with job opportunities that would suit you. Then delve a little deeper and narrow down the roles that you’d like to apply for.
Step 4
Read the job description. Job titles alone can be misleading unless you are fully aware of the role. There’s a vast difference between a Government Secretary, Company Secretary, Executive Secretary and Personal Secretary. Job adverts are just that, adverts designed to attract the best candidates.
Step 5
Note the important information in the job advert, such as the company name, contact details and application deadline.
Step 6
Start applying for the roles with the nearest closing date.
Step 7
Ensure your application is tailored to every role. Make your application relevant.
Step 8
Keep adding to your list of ten as you apply for roles and make notes of which companies you’ve applied to and for which roles.
Step 9
If you have made it through to the next stage, you should hear from the company within a few weeks or earlier if it’s an online application. If you’ve not heard from a particular company after this time, it’s OK to follow up.
Step 10
If you are not getting very far, then review your applications and profile. Are you accurately describing yourself and what you have to offer? Talk to people and ask them to take a critical look at your applications/profile. If you do get feedback from a company, make a note and use the feedback constructively.
Job Seeking Resources
The CIPD provides a whole range of resources for job seekers and those wishing to return to work after say a career break. You can access their resources here. Keep your CPD up to date , attend learning and networking events and use your network.
Good luck with the job hunting!
CIPD Manchester Branch 