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Do you really need a new job?

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How many times over the Christmas holidays have you heard friends, family or even acquaintances explaining their current job using the familiar, indifferent Irish lingo, ‘Oh, it’s grand’, ‘Oh, it’s fine’ – but is it really? Are these remarks not just a cover up for ‘My job is boring’, ‘I’m not progressing the way I want/should’, ‘I don’t like what I do’, ‘I don’t see myself here’. There are a lot of reasons that keep us tied to these stagnant situations: financial, job security, location, and fear of change.

Earlier this month we discussed the possibility that these feelings were more January blues than a real need to change. However, the vast majority of comments on that piece were people saying they really do need a new job. If you feel the same way, maybe it is time to take the initiative to see what else is out there. There’s no need to rush and hand in your notice but what if you had the opportunity to interview for the dream job in the meantime?

Stay in the loop

It is always a good idea to know what’s going on in your industry and if you’re hoping to make the break into a new one, this is essential. Coming from the pharmaceutical background for example, maybe a new drug is being introduced into a facility or a new law has been passed. Follow companies and bodies you’re interested in on Twitter and LinkedIn. Google News is a great place to get recent news on those companies too.

Get your name out there

It is a good idea to make contact with recruiters in your field and the Talent Acquisition teams of your dream companies. For the most part, recruiter’s receive job applications via job boards and really welcome a personalised e-mail or phone call. Send over a cover letter with your CV that outlines why you are the perfect fit for that specific company. This shows that you have really taken more initiative than other candidates in the running.

LinkedIn tips

LinkedIn has really emerged in recent years as an important venue to sell your professional profile. To make your profile even stronger, mention projects you have worked on and connect with other members of those project teams. Recommendations and endorsements from others in your field will make your profile more credible and back up your CV. Interpersonal skills are important in almost every job out there, and LinkedIn can demonstrate, to an extent, how well you can interact with people.

Using your network

Chances are some of your friends, family and close colleagues may be in a similar role to yourself, similar industry or simply have a contact somewhere along the line that could be interesting for you. It could even be the case that someone you know gets hired via a recruitment agency and has built up a relationship with their recruiter and can refer you for current or potential roles. Keep in touch with your network and make sure to tell trusted contacts that you are considering a change.

If you feel it’s time for the job hunt, be it January, February or whenever this starts to feel relevant to you – be prepared to take the initiative and really make it happen. It’s the only way to avoid another bout of ‘January blues’ in 2017 and make those wishes for 2016 come true!

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