Let's face it. None of us relishes the thought of looking for a new job. Not only is it hard work - who WANTS to write a CV or spend their Sundays trawling through the job pages - but for most of us it's uncomfortable. Particularly if you've been in your current job for a long time, getting back out there is as attractive as jumping into a freezing cold pond on a nippy winter morning. If you're trying to move into a new career the prospect can be icier still.
Fact. It's not fun.
But it gets better. To use the cold pond analogy again, the first plunge is the worst and takes a lot of working up to. But once you're in it's ok. And if you stay in and keep swimming, it gets better. Next thing you're feeling quite invigorated by the experience, rather refreshed and excited actually. Zingy even. A little smug and very pleased with yourself for having done it.
For all that to happen, you have to pull your swimsuit on over your reluctant flanks and step out into the cold air.
So how to make it easier?
First - Get clear about exactly what you want
Don't just move for the sake of it or simply to get away from a negative situation. Changing work to take you TOWARDS something you want rather than just AWAY from something you don't want is where the power lies. Work out exactly what you want to change and why. If you're staying in the same role or profession, what's the reason you're moving on? More money, a more happening company that you believe in, a step up, more challenge, more scope. What are the key things you need to make sure you're not jumping from frying pan to, well, frying pan. It's the same when changing careers - what does the new direction need to give you for it to be right? Write these down at the onset. It will direct your search so you don't forget what you're doing it for; also so you don't end up accepting the first job you're offered that perhaps isn't really what you need.
Second - Get clear about what you bring
Revisit all your experience. What have you achieved? What difference have you made to the organisation you work for? What are the strengths and talents you want to develop and use more? This is a great confidence booster and is absolutely essential for successful applications and interviews.
Third - Plan it
Adhoc job searches are ok, but, if you're going to work up the courage and energy to get going, you need to capitalise on your own momentum. Strategise your efforts. Sort out a plan. Give yourself targets and stick to them.
Four - Streamline
Use internet job sites and good recruitment agencies to help you reduce some of the legwork. Looking for a new job is practically a full time job in itself and as Tesco says - every little helps. Don't waste your time on interviews or applications that you know aren't really hitting the spot and use it instead for putting your all into the ones that do. Tell your friends what you're looking for. Their radar will go on for you too - when you're searching for the right job there's no such thing as too many satellites.
Five - Persevere
It can take time. A good measure is one month's search time for every £10,000 salary. In other words, if you're on £40,000, 4 months is a workable average. It can knock your confidence if for one reason or another (too experienced, too inexperienced, hired from within, came close and was a difficult decision etc) you seem to get nowhere. Its hard not to take it personally. But DON'T. Use the feedback and experience to help you change and adapt your strategies and keep going. JK Rowling did just that despite refusal after refusal. If she hadn't, 325 million readers may have missed out on the biggest literary sensation of all time. One of our clients sent out 56 applications before getting the job he wanted - no match for Rowling admittedly but lets not split hairs.
Lastly remember the pay off. See yourself in the fantastic new job that you're after. Feel your success. Hear the celebratory pop when you get it. We all need a carrot on a stick to keep us going sometimes. Make sure yours is in front of you where you can see it. Not in the vegetable compartment of your fridge.
Sonia Lakshman is a career transition coach, who helps people discover the work they truly enjoy. Her career coaching consultancy, One Smart Step, has great success with helping people navigate their way to fulfilment.
You can email Sonia at sonia@onesmartstep.co.uk or visit www.onesmartstep.co.uk for help and inspiration.
Copyright © 2007 Sonia Lakshman
