For most people, this typically entails starting to look for a change in career or another job. Below we will discuss 5 things you need to consider before you start searching for your next job or career change. Let us dive into the top tips you will need to secure that next job in 2020!
Number One: Consider What You Would Like To Be Doing
The initial step involved in finding either a new job or career is to establish what you are interested in doing according to Steven McConnell, the Director of Exceptional Resume Writers. It is obvious that if you haven’t thought about where you would like to go, then you probably will not get very far. For certain people, this step is easy. They may already know exactly what they need or want to do in order to advance to the next level of their career. If you are unsure at this stage, here is a list of things you need to be thinking about, to help you get started:
Would you like to continue in the career that you are already in, or are you interested in a new path? For example, if you are already working in sales, you might be interested in progressing to the next level, which would involve a management position. Or you might be interested in trying something completely new.
How do the skills you currently possess help you? What type of qualifications or skills do you have already, that could provide you with the upper hand in a role that is different? For instance, if you are a sales assistant with a lot of experience, you probably already have the necessary skills to deal with people and the public, while providing excellent services. These two competencies are regarded as valuable across several types of careers, which even includes the police!
Number Two: Polish Up Your C.V. and Look Good
If you have not looked for a new job in a long time, then your C.V is most likely outdated. Going into 2020 is an excellent time for you to look back on anything that may have changed in regards to your career over the last year. Here are a few considerations, and then make sure you have added them into your updated C.V. when relevant.
• Did you acquire a new qualification? Perhaps you learned new skills on the job, or you attended a workshop or course.
• Did you make any improvements? Maybe you refreshed the skills you already have. Or your time-management skills have improved.
• What are your goals for a new career? Over the course of a year, many things can change. Maybe you have made the decision that it is time to try a new role or career. You need to ensure that your updated C.V. reflects the changes you are after.
Once you have affirmed what has improved or changed, add these important details into your C.V. This demonstrates growth, which is one of the important parts involved in finding your next job.
Ensuring your online CV is up to date is also important. Update your LinkedIn and double check on your social media privacy settings, as well as what is seen when your name is searched for and if needs be take action
Number Three: Enhance Your Testing Skills
Once you have updated your C.V. you are ready to advance to the next step, which involves testing. Many of the jobs, especially the public sector and graduate jobs, are going to include testing when it comes to the application processes. Make sure you know what your new job or career path will require when it comes to the application process, and spend time practicing these papers. Here are a few of the most common psychometric testing examples that you may be required to pass in order to secure your new job.
Psychometric Test Types:
• Spatial Reasoning Tests
• Numerical Reasoning Tests
• Mechanical Comprehension Tests
• Verbal Reasoning Tests
• Situational Judgement Tests
These are a few of the examples of psychometric tests that you may be required to successfully pass in order to get a new job. If you would like more information on this, be sure to refer to our list of testing guides and resources.
Number Four: Go Over Your Interview Techniques
Once you have progressed past an initial application stage of psychometric tests, and the application form, you will usually be contacted to attend a telephonic or face-to-face interview. You need to ensure you feel confident when it comes to your style of interview skills in order to maximize your chances to win over your interviewer, as well as securing that dream job.
Tips On How To Pass Interviews
Find out about the common questions you will be asked in an interview. In the majority of cases, there is going to be a set of questions that you will be required to answer. Find out what they are, and then determine how to respond. The question types will obviously differ depending on the type of role or career you are applying for.
Memorize and examine core competencies. Many careers and roles will require “core competencies” also known as core skills that you need to be able to perform. If the roles you are applying for requires these, you need to ensure you fully understand them well before the interview.
Practice mock interviews. Ask your spouse, a friend or family member to assist you by pretending to be the interviewer. This may help you with getting a feel on how you need to behave when it comes to your real interviews.
Number Five: Be Prepared To Depart From Your Current Job
If you manage to secure a new career or job in 2020, well done. This should be regarded as an achievement that is monumental. However, it is important that you have done the following:
Find out what the notice period is when you decide to leave your current position. In most cases, it will be 4 weeks or 1 calendar month, but this could vary. Look over your contract to find out about the required notice period. You will also need to inform your new boss about this notice period, to assist them in arranging your start date.
Carefully read the documents that the new employer sends you. This may be your employment contract, or information about what is required of you, your working hours, and salary information. You need to ensure that you are satisfied with these terms before you accept the offer, and before you decide to hand in a resignation letter where you are currently working.
Make sure you have accepted the offer for your new career or job. This may sound obvious, yet in some cases, people may forget to accept the position officially. Once you have accepted the offer, you need to inform the new company about the notice period you need to honor with your current company, so they can work out a starting date for you.
Hand your resignation letter to your employer. This letter does not need to be overly wordy or long. You do need to say that you intend to leave, and the date that you plan on leaving. Make sure you hand in the letter as soon as your new position is secured so that your current boss can start preparing to replace you.