As we end one year and begin another, our minds can often be a whirlwind of possibilities and changes we want to make. Many of us focus on self-improvement and it can either go one of two ways. We either make promises and resolutions in the full knowledge it is what we want to do, or we subconsciously make these changes and efforts without really realising it was what we really wanted in the first place. Whether you are wish maker or a doer, the chances are you have some list be that one thing or several of the changes you want to make and the things you want to do differently.
Surprisingly, after the usual lose a little weight, stop drinking and improve the financial situation, you find that the career can often be a focus for many. It might be that you want to change career entirely, or work for someone new. Or really improve upon your skills in order to give you a wider scale of possibility in the future. But how do you ensure that the change you make is the right one first time round? I wanted to share with you seven ways you can make sure that the change you implement when it comes to your career is the right one for you.
Really think about what you want to do
First of all, you really need to think about what you want to do. This is the ideal opportunity to make sure you make a change in your career that is both something you want to do and feel passionate about. Life is too short for you to spend what can be the majority of your day in a job that you hate. I understand that people have no choice but to work sometimes, and of course, in circumstances like this do a job purely to pay the bills. But if you have decide that now is the right time to make that career change or go for something better in your current job role or industry, then make sure it is something that you want to do. Take some time out to peruse your options. Look at every scenario whether it seems like it’s just a dream or more realistic. Navigate through the pros and cons so you can truly make a decision on the best route for you to take moving forward.
Prepare your resume and tailor it to the job you want
The next thing is your resume. This is your opening contact with prospective employers so it needs to be right. One mistake people always make with the resumes is to leave them sounding too generic. Of course, you need to cover all the basics of a good resume. Your past employment, your experience, a little about yourself and your achievements and any qualifications that you may have. However, once you have covered those areas it’s now time to make your resume stand out from all of the other generic ones this company might receive. Tailor your resume specifically to the job and career you want. Highlighting your experience and making it apparent why that is necessary for the job you want to go for. You amy also want to include a personalised covering letter with your resume to ensure that you cover a few extra angles of why you should be considered for an interview. This shows that you are actually taking the time to read job descriptions etc instead of just firing your resume out to every opportunity out there.
Approach companies rather than just waiting for vacancies to be advertised
When you know what you want to do it is far easier to pinpoint your job search. However, don’t just wait for roles to be advertised. If you know the industry and job you want to do seek out potential employers and email them directly. Most large companies will have a recruitment page and while there may not be specific jobs you want to do, there may be an email contact where you can actually send them across your resume and a covering note asking to be considered if such job roles become available. You never know what they may have in the pipeline and it certainly shows initiative.
Prepare in advance for interviews
Once you have done all the groundwork and landed yourself an interview, you need to ensure that you may the very best impression first time round. After all, while we try not to, everyone can make a snap judgement of someone in those first minutes of meeting people for the first time. It’s a natural human thing to do. This is when you need to ensure that you have researched the company you are going for an interview with. This can help when it comes to answering questions about them or to include relevant answers about the company in regards to how you work. There will always be those standard interview questions that we all get, and this is when you need to try and practice those ahead of time. A potential employer will always want to know why you are leaving your current job, salary expectations may be and what you might know about the job role in which you are applying for. So knowing what you want to say beforehand will ensure that you get every valid point across.
Why not start up on your own?
There is, of course, the option of starting up on your own. If you happen to be knowledgeable and an expert in your field then there is no reason why you couldn’t begin your own business from home. It might be offering up services, or even writing a blog and sharing your knowledge. But all of these tings are viable ways you can earn money from home and finally strike that home and life balance just right. You could easily check out website builders online that could have your business idea online within hours and there are plenty of guidelines online that can help you start something from nothing. Sometimes it is just about taking those risks and leap of faith into the unknown. Being employed gives you security, but running your own business could give you so much more.
Make the right impression with how you present yourself
Meeting people for the first time, be that in an interview or if you decide to set up on your own and try and get your own clients, can be overwhelming. So give yourself a little confidence boost and make sure that you look the part. It might be dressing in a certain way, making sure hair is done. Women may often feel more confident with a little makeup and men can always look professional if they appear to be well-groomed. It helps when it comes to making that impression in people, but it can also help you with your confidence because you feel good about yourself. It’s sometimes only the small things that can make the biggest difference.
Consider a change in attitude
Finally, attitude plays such a huge part. Often we can feel deflated or negative when it comes to things like our careers, especially if it isn’t going your way. But a change of attitude can actually make all the difference if you start to look at things in a more positive way. Changing your thought process to positive thinking and being grateful for what you have and any opportunities that come your way. You can start to feel good rather than bad and it can actually come across better when wanting to get the job you want.
I hope that some of these options help you get the right career you want when that opportunity arises.
