To feel fulfilled at work, think about the type of environment you want to work in. This could be as simple as whether it's a competitive or collaborative working environment, but also more complex as regards the sort of attributes that you'd need to bring to the organisation, or the values they work to. Where do you get the greatest buzz and satisfaction? Doing what sort of job, in what sort of organisation? It's also worth thinking about the environments where you're more likely to flourish and to avoid those which would make you bored or miserable.
– Clare Whitmell, Guardian contributor and qualified business communication trainer
To keep your new year career resolutions you need to: first, write them down and stick them to the fridge or in a prominent place so you can see them easily. Second: have a plan. How are you going to turn your resolutions into reality? Third, find a friend who can support you along the way and keep you accountable to your career plan (and you could do the same for them).
– Sarah Archer, co-founder, CareerTree
To break into your chosen sector, here's what you do: go to your local library as much as possible. Stay there everyday from open to close. Learn as much as you can about what you want to do and move forward with it. Stay motivated. Obtain a skillset that you want and can use for the role. Network with people (in person and online) and doors will begin to open.
– Drew Roark, certified professional resume writer, Career Igniter
If you're looking to change career, go out and talk to the people who already work in that type of role. Ask them how they got there, ask them what the work is like, ask them what makes them good at their jobs. Really build up your insight into what's involved in the work in that field and then make sure you have those skills when opportunities arise. (If you don't, build up that experience.) Obviously, along the way, you'll be building up a range of highly useful contacts inside the organisations you ultimately hope to work for.
– Jon Gregory, job search, application and interview coach, win-that-job.com
When writing a CV for a career change, state your desire for opportunities that utilise relevant industry experience. Then provide information on your skills and experience and qualifications in that field. Next, complete the CV with your work experience in chronological order (with your most recent first). Go into more detail with any of your more relevant experience.
– Matthew Shaw-Cotterill, regional sales manager, ReThink Recruitment London
For the application process, getting better at psychometric tests requires careful planning. Dedicate at least one hour a day for practice tests (there are a lot of good free ones online and some high-quality paid for ones). Numerical tests tend to test basic maths skills and speed of thinking – the former you have proven at the interview and the latter is simply developed by everyday practice.
– Dasha Amron, founder and managing director, Career Coaching Ventures
Changing career isn't impossible. First, start getting some voluntary or work experience in the sectors you are interested in. This will help you make connections, new skills, and beef up your experience to add to your CV. Second, start connecting with people who work in these sectors. Attend any relevant events, ask to have informal chats with people who work in relevant organisations about their sector, even suggest to help out on a campaign or short-term project. This can help you make useful connections, find out about job opportunities, and can be a way to keep you in their minds should a potential opening come up.
– Sarah Byrne, online editor, Careershifters
To capture the attention of a recruiter: first start with a well-crafted cover letter that highlights how you match the required skills and experience and your long-term interest in the area. Second, a CV with a strong career profile at the start and a key skills section below that demonstrates both the value your previous experience brings as well as the transferable and relevant skills from your experience. Then a chronological career history again focusing on outcomes and where you have added value rather than responsibilities.
– Jo Thurman, regional director, Personal Career Management
How to stick to your career resolutions in 2015: let those closest to you know your plans. By spelling it out for family and friends, you are making a firm commitment. Second, break down your career resolutions into smaller pieces. Put dates next to your actionable items. It's okay to change them later, but this will get you started. Third, don't be too hard on yourself. It's very easy to get mired into negativity or just give up. Give yourself some slack to redefine your goals as part of your personal growth and advancement.
– Lynn Taylor is a career author, blogger and chief executive, Lynn Taylor Consulting
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