Looking for your perfect job and need some career planning guidance? Read our article for tips on how to land a new job.
Most of us never strategically plan our careers. We go through school and university dreaming up different possibilities for work. We get into our first job and hop onto a range of others. We start in one area and often wonder if we have made the right choice. The start of the New Year is a great opportunity to plan your job search and your career.
Clarity is key
Are you thinking about changing your career, but, you are not sure about what else you can do? It is wise to take some time out and reflect on your options. Do make a list of 10 organisations you would like to work for. You could think of local companies which are within commuting distance. Make sure that you do not limit yourself to office-based work. You could search for home-based positions as well as blended roles (a combination of office-based and remote working).
Reflect on your strengths
You could make a list of key skills/ experiences/ strengths you have. Ask yourself: ‘What am I genuinely interested in’? and ‘What would I love to do, if I could get any job?’. You might find it helpful to speak with a trained career advisor. They will be able to help you brainstorm some career options and draft a bespoke application.
Think creatively
Sheryl Sandberg, founder of the ‘Lean In’ movement, suggests that we think about our careers as a jungle gym instead of a career ladder. In the jungle, you are free to experiment, move up and down, and sideways, and strengthen different muscles. In a career ladder, there are only two choices to make: climb up or step down.
Thinking about your career as a jungle gym means that you have the freedom and flexibility to try out different skills. While working in your permanent job, you could set up a small business, take up a part-time role or volunteer for a charity. The more experience you get, the more feet you will stand on. The more diverse your experience is, the easier it will be for you to step into a brilliant new role.
Be proactive
Did you know that not all positions are advertised formally? Do not assume that you need to wait for a job opening before you express interest in a position. You could start by brainstorming who you know and whether they could help you with your search e.g. friends, family, former colleagues, professional contacts. Once you are clear about the type of job you are looking for, do ask others to keep an eye out for possible job openings in the field. Word of mouth can help you to learn about new opportunities. You could also contact the Human Resources department of the organisation you wish to work at and ask about possible openings.
Treat it like a project
Keeping accurate records of your job search will help you with monitoring your progress. You will be able to easily identify which online platforms work best for you. Instead of focusing desperately on the result of getting a job, you will do well to put your attention on the process. Process thinking means that you plan your search as if you were a project manager. It means that you have an organised approach. And it includes celebrating small wins such as crafting well-written applications. You can use a spreadsheet or a notepad to keep records of the below:
- Where you find specific vacancies e.g. jobs.ac.uk
- When you apply
- What is the application deadline date
- Planned interview date (if known)
- Name of the company, role and salary expectations
- Web link to the job advert
- Key search words you use
Consider freelance or temporary jobs
As most people apply for full-time permanent positions, employers may receive hundreds of applications for a vacancy. You could start applying for freelance positions which may be less competitive. Alternatively, you could register with a job agency for temporary positions.
Claire started working in a temporary marketing position for a well-known university located in the Midlands. Previously, Claire had spent months looking for a full-time job with little success. When she accepted the temporary job offer, she did not know that the university was in the process of approving a full-time job in her field. She did a fabulous job in her temporary role, and she was offered a full-time permanent contract a few months later.
Receive mentoring
Mentoring creates an environment to explore challenges and come up with solutions. Successful mentoring does not have to be complicated. Studies show that accountability could increase the likelihood of you reaching your goal. Skilled mentors deeply listen to understand the mentee’s situation. Instead of trying to force a one-size-fits-all approach (their solution), they ask you insightful questions to help you find your best solution. They happily brainstorm solutions and do not shy away from sharing insights from their professional practice.
Be a mentor
Mentoring individuals can be a rewarding experience for both the mentee and mentor. As a mentor, you will gain the experience of advising individuals and helping them grow their careers. You may be exposed to fresh new perspectives and improve your communication skills. You could boost your CV by mentoring others and gaining some valuable interpersonal skills.
Develop new interests
Applying for new jobs can be an emotionally demanding experience. Your confidence can be negatively impacted as you receive disappointing news. Financial challenges may crop up as additional burdens. Make sure that you maintain your physical and emotional well-being. You could take a brisk walk to break up your day or go for a jog in the park. You could use some of the time on your hands to reconnect with old friends. You could join a community group or volunteer locally. You might decide to learn new skills like gardening, playing the piano or learning a new language.
If you are looking for a new job within the Higher Education sector, take a look at the jobs.ac.uk website to learn about new openings.
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