Job Seeking Advice - A Basic Guide

We all find ourselves searching for work from time to time and finding the right role in the workplace is important to most people. For better or worse the “job for life” culture no longer exists in the U.K. and people look for new positions for a variety of reasons. Some people find the process a little bit daunting but others see it as an opportunity. Our view is that job seeking, if managed correctly, can really help you secure your future.

Whether you are entering the jobs market, returning to work, relocating or simply moving on there are a number of paths you can follow. There are also a number of ways of achieving your aims including applying directly to advertisements and registering with recruitment agencies. However the starting point is deciding exactly what you want to achieve.

A good exercise is to write down your requirements and any restrictions that exist and then to map out a plan of action. If, for example, you are returning to work after a long absence, you may feel your skills are outdated. In this case a possible solution might be retraining, perhaps through a part-time course.

Another useful exercise is to create or update your existing C.V. This can be helpful at any time because it reminds you of your capabilities and how your career is progressing. You might consider consulting others during your job search. Professional advice is an option but close family and friends can also offer valuable insights.

Once you have decided your plan of action, it’s a case of following it up and reviewing your progress. Hopefully, you will quickly find the right position but, of course, things don’t always go to plan. For example, there might be a shortage of work in your particular sector and you may encounter problems through no fault of your own.

At times like this patience and a positive attitude are more important than ever. Knock backs are, unfortunately, part of the process for many of us but try not to read too much into one decision. Finding the right role can take time and, although at some point you may need to adjust your expectations, it is often better to stick to your guns.

To summarise, the key factor for anyone looking for new work is attitude. The more you take charge of the process, the clearer you will be about what you are trying to achieve. And the more confidence you have in your abilities, the better your reaction to any setbacks. There’s no secret formula to job hunting but one thing’s for certain: good preparation and a positive attitude can enhance your chances of success.