New Year – New Job
So, you’ve been back at work for a few weeks now after a great Christmas holiday and you’re possibly thinking about one or more of following:
1.I already need a holiday
2. I’ll eat more healthily
3. I need a new job
If you’re thinking you need a holiday then I like you already. I’ve never understood how people got to the end of the year with holiday allowance to spare. I always suggested they could give them to me but no one ever did!
If you’re thinking to yourself ‘I need a new job’ then I completely get where you are coming from. I loved my ten years in the corporate world but every January I would always have a look at what else was out there.
If you’re thinking you need to eat more healthily then definitely look out for my fantastic guest blogger, Claire Stone, who will be ‘appearing’ here in a couple of weeks time.
Here are some tips to help you get that fantastic new job in 2016 that you absolutely deserve.
1.Be Specific
Start by jotting down these points:
- What new job you want
- Which company you want to work for
- What salary and benefits you deserve
- What your ideal team looks like
- The ideal location.
Then against each point write down why you want it. For example, perhaps you want to work for a particular company because they are known for their leadership training – and this is an aspect that you want to focus on.
2. Experience
Use this year to get as much experience as you can so that you continuously develop your skills and grow your network. Volunteer for projects or secondments so that you get experience and gain exposure to a different division and team. Talk to your HR team and see if they need any help sponsoring any company initiatives or if they need someone to lead a disciplinary meeting.
3. Job Description
Get a copy of the job description of your new role and against each bullet point write down two examples of how you can demonstrate that criteria. If there are any genuine gaps then make a plan on how to overcome that gap or at least be prepared to answer how you will learn it quickly on the job. Then highlight what skills you do bring to the role. Remember that, generally speaking, men will read a job description and think to themselves ‘I match some of that’ and apply. Whereas women will tend to view a job description and think to themselves ‘I can’t do some of what’s being asked for’ and so won’t apply. Stop doubting yourself and apply! If you actually apply you may get an interview and may even get the job. The worst that can happen is that you don’t get the role but at least you’ll have gained from the experience and if you ask for feedback then you demonstrate that you are engaged with the process and they may keep you on their books for another opportunity.
4. Communication
Talk to your manager and HR about your aspirations and how you can work together to achieve that. Don’t wait for your annual appraisal in October – get on their radar NOW. I was a Senior HR Manager in London and it never failed to surprise me how many people didn’t tell their manager that they wanted to succeed in the company.
5. Coach
Talk to your Director or HR and ask if your company has an executive coach. If it does then ask if you can have some sessions with the coach. If they don’t have such a one then consider hiring one yourself as it will make a huge difference. I coach women to change their mindset and become more confident helping them to achieve more rapid career progression. It’s always such a pleasure to see women achieve their dreams. I wish you all the best in your search for that amazing new job that you deserve.
I just gave you 5 tips on how to get a new job, it would be good to hear which one stood out to you the most and why. Please do connect with me on LinkedIn, it would be great to see you there.
Caroline
Caroline Arnold
Executive Coach
M: 07886 794 742
T: @carnoldcoaching
F: Caroline Arnold Coaching