How to Change Jobs

Just pause for a moment and reflect ...

Is your present Career ticking all your boxes?

If the answer is no, we can show you . . .

How to change your job ... to the career you'll love

At some point you might make one, two or more career changes in your life. But how often will it be a step in the right direction?

Now is the time to ensure past career mistakes have no place in the future.

The problem is, the idea of taking time out to actually plan a career can be just too overwhelming. People very often just fall into the next role and let things just happen!

Reasons given for not taking creating a structured career path include ...

I haven't got the time
I don't know where to begin
I'll stick it out here for a bit - things could improve
I think the job market is too complex ... and so on

Sounds familiar? Then you're in Comfort Zone!

The result? - A job that is not the right fit

Consequence? - Boredom, frustration, discontent - even anger

The result? - A rush into yet another job - and the cycle begins again!

It really does not have to be this way.

If your job is stressful
if your performance is suffering
if your morale is at rock bottom
if you're your motivation is weak
the Top Tips below will help you reach your goal
an interesting, rewarding, fulfilling, exciting career

Follow this 5 Step Solution to a career that fits you perfectly

Step 1 - Understand your likes and dislikes

Examine and focus on the work activities you enjoy the most
Research and list those jobs with work activities that match your likes
Assess your skills, strengths and needs to ascertain the different types of job right for you
Improve your offer - consider updating your skills to be competitive in a new career field. The Open University is just one of a many organisations offering 'learner-friendly' part-time training programmes
Consider your values - money v. job satisfaction - and remain flexible. Changing career for monetary gain alone won't overcome your dissatisfaction with your present role

Learn more about our professional Career Advice - including expert skills assessments

Step 2 - Brush up on all aspects of job-hunting

Explore the work environments most suited to your personality - where you would feel most comfortable
Don't restrict yourself to similar jobs and careers - keep an open mind and look for different careers that require your particular skill-mix, qualifications and experience
Read newspapers articles and subscribe to specialist trade magazines -The Grocer, Marketing Weekly, Nursing Care - and professional journals
Social Media - start networking with family, friends, colleagues, social clubs and business contacts via LinkedIn - a huge number of jobs don't even reach the advertising stage through these channels
Search the web for recruitment agencies that specialise in your field
Be specific - target your key word carefully or else you'll find yourself in a minefield. Example: PR marketing job agencies, London
Check out the 'job vacancies' section on the web sites of companies that interest you the most
Find out as much as you can, assess their cultures, size, market position and level of stability
Short-list and send your Resume with a cover letter those organisations that offer viable career options (follow these links if you need help writing a Resume or covering letter
If a recent graduate on the wrong career path, revisit the university sites - they are a rich source of information on careers and where to find and how to apply for training contracts
Offer to work voluntarily, job shadow or take an interim position to gain a direct insight into the company - the atmosphere, people, culture - before making a commitment

Step 3 - Market yourself strategically

Reassess what you have to offer in terms of skills, experience and accomplishments
Make a list of your strengths and most marketable, transferable skills
Create a compelling Resume - highlighting your skills / capabilities
Ensure the document is explicit, yet succinct - focused objectively on work-related results
If a student, include examples of products that demonstrate planning, teamwork, analytical thinking and problem solving
Note any problems you have overcome, initiatives that have added value and contributed to the organisation's improved performance
Write a brief cover letter that highlights and matches your skills to the job profile and captures and retains the recruiter's interest

Step 4 - Make a winning impression at interview

Preparation is key to success - building confidence, self assuredness
Research the job role and identify the likely focus of the interview
Practice your response to potentially difficult questions
Get to the interview early and observe - this is an excellent opportunity for you to asses the organisation, the culture, atmosphere and how people interact - and consider whether this is the environment for you

If you would like help in making an excellent impression at interview, read more about Interview Advice - including sample questions

Step 5 - Persevere and Act Positive

Don't expect instant results. Be realistic. Be patient. People who succeed are often those who persevere until they reach their goal
Remain flexible - review new ideas and keep an open mind to different career options
With just a little planning, it really is possible to get a job you'll love and wake up in the morning to with enthusiasm

If you need help in mapping out a new career,
learn about our Career and Outplacement programmes

A Perfect Career specialises in career advice, writing professional Resumes,
cover letters, interview skills, redundancy support and much, much more ...