The extra time people have had at home during the pandemic has allowed them to sit and think about what’s important in their lives.
That’s confirmed in a report by The Guardian suggesting that over three-quarters of people in Britain have contemplated moving house, changing relationships, and even leaving their jobs for new pastures. Some have already done the latter, too, as there’s been an increase in the number of job vacancies. According to the Office for National Statistics in this post-pandemic climate, the number of vacancies has risen in the UK to a record of over 1.2 million.
So for those still considering their options, it could be said there’s no better time to make that leap into a new position than right now. While the wealth of options gives the impression that it seems a simple case of walking out of one door and into another, things aren’t always so straightforward.
Hence, if you are considering your options, here are some handy hints to get you on the right track.
Consider your current role
It may sound crazy to some, but what makes you want to leave your current position? Do you not work well with certain people in your team? Or do you feel you’ve got more to give and aren’t being given a chance to shine? If you’ve been at a company for quite some time, it will likely be that you are valued, although you may not feel like that’s the case. Why not speak to your boss if you can? Ask if there are options to move to a different department or if there are any progression opportunities. It may be that the new career path may have been staring you in the face all along.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you
Maybe you’ve decided that you want to make a change but aren’t entirely sure what your next move could be. One option to help you decide is to visit a job fair. At events such as the Warrington Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair, prospective employers will be there from various sectors; there are also training opportunities to explore. These will allow you to get the chance to look into any options to retrain if you want to pivot and go in another direction in your change of career, and see how that fits into your longer-term plan.
How do I look to prospective employers?
Your first impression with a prospective employer is not made as you walk through the interview door, but instead arrives in the form of your CV. It paints an immediate, albeit basic picture of who you are, what you’ve done and what you can offer. In many instances, applicants may not get further than that due to having a weak CV; that’s something you have to seek to avoid. It is mentioned in a piece on Covid career progression by LHH, that it is important to make your CV stand out from the others, especially as you’re seeking to change roles. Yes, they will need to see your experience and professional history, but you’ll also need to sprinkle it with other qualities; possibly hobbies and voluntary work, and a thorough ‘about me’ section outlining why you hope to change industries. Try to be concise though; the employer won’t wish to thumb through reams of paper for that one vital piece of information that could set you apart from everyone else. With that in mind, churning out a generic CV for every role might not be the best approach, so bear that in mind when choosing what to say about yourself.
Preparing for interview
The best way to prepare is to place yourself in the employer’s position and think of what they may want to learn about you. This is key, especially if you’re looking at moving into a new sector for your new job. How is that experience you’ve gained already transferrable into this new role? You need to quantify why you want this position and demonstrate why you’re the right choice above other candidates. Write down your answers and practice them by saying them out loud in front of a mirror. It will help develop self-confidence and help stave off those dreaded pre-interview nerves.
Whatever you choose to do, we wish you good luck with your career choices and hope our list of handy hints and tips goes some way to help you achieve your goals.
