Job-hunting can be one of the most stressful things that we ever have to do but it is important that we all keep our options open – particularly in the current economic climate.
Whether you feel your job is at risk or not, it is still vital that you keep in touch with job opportunities and also conversant with the skills required for successful job hunting.
People often neglect long-term career goals and it can be all too easy to settle for second best simply to avoid aggravation. However it is crucial that you constantly evaluate your current position and ask yourself why you are there. Is it because it is too easy/comfortable? Is your current role still challenging? Take stock of your position and consider whether you see yourself doing the same job in three or four years’ time.
There are a number of ways that you can minimise the ‘stress’ of career management and job change. You should be realistic and devote a little bit of time to career management, but on a reasonably regular basis. Just as most people tend to review their personal financial planning every six months you should be doing the same with your career.
It is also important to build your sectoral knowledge. Do read your trade magazines and do attend industry events such as seminars and exhibitions.
Maintain and build your professional networks and make special efforts to identify companies you would like to work for and build contacts and relationships with them. Even if you have no immediate intention to change jobs you never know when these contacts may come in useful!
And don’t neglect the recruiters. If you have spent time building up a rapport with a recruiter you trust, then keep in touch and keep your details up to date because that dream job could be just around the corner!
