5 Steps to Take Charge of Your Career
Career

5 Steps to Take Charge of Your Career

It’s natural to start thinking about your next move when something changes.But the strongest careers are often shaped before that point. Sometimes it’s obvious. A restructure. A missed promotion. Not feeling recognised in the way you should be. Sometimes it’s more subtle, a sense that it might be time for something new. Either way, the […]

June 24th, 2025
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Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

It’s natural to start thinking about your next move when something changes.
But the strongest careers are often shaped before that point.

Sometimes it’s obvious.

A restructure.

A missed promotion.

Not feeling recognised in the way you should be.

Sometimes it’s more subtle, a sense that it might be time for something new.

Either way, the strongest careers we see aren’t built in those moments.

They’re shaped before them.

Whether you’re actively exploring, or simply open to what’s next, there are a few patterns we consistently see in people who move well.

How to update Your CV

A CV shouldn’t be a record of responsibilities.

It should show what’s changed because you were there.

  • What improved?

  • What moved forward?

  • What would be missed if you left?

If your CV only lists tasks, it undersells you.

Build your Network

 

The best opportunities rarely come from applying cold.

They come from conversations.

Not hundreds of connections, just a handful of people who:

  • Understand what you’re good at

  • Think of you at the right time

  • Can open doors when it matters

Building that network after you need it is always harder.

Pay attention to signals around you

Careers don’t usually stall overnight.

There are almost always signs:

  • Leadership changes

  • Shifts in direction

  • Reduced visibility or stretch

The people who move well tend to notice these early, and act before they’re forced to.

Finding the ‘Perfect’ Job

A new role isn’t always a better role.

Before making a move, it helps to be clear on:

  • The type of environment you thrive in

  • The kind of leadership you do your best work under

  • What you want more (or less) of day-to-day

Without that clarity, it’s easy to move sideways rather than forward.

Interview Ready

Strong candidates don’t wait until they need to move.

They:

  • Keep their profile current

  • Stay visible in the right circles

  • Have occasional conversations, even when they’re happy

That’s what gives them options.

Taking control of your career isn’t about constantly searching.

It’s about staying ready.

So when the right opportunity comes along,  you’re in a position to take it.

Who We Are

Yellow Bricks hires exceptional temporary and permanent professionals for growth organisations.

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Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
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