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
*

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.

Join our newsletter

To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
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.
Related posts
What makes a great leader in 2024?

What makes a great leader in 2024?

The business world is constantly changing, and so are the qualities needed to succeed as a leader. If you aspire to a senior leadership role in 2024, you’re in the right place. We understand that navigating your career can be tough. As a talent search firm partnering with leading companies, we have insights to share […]
6 Gender Biases in the Workplace and How We Can Address Them

6 Gender Biases in the Workplace and How We Can Address Them

As humans, we have biases.   They can be deliberate or unconscious and can impact all areas of society 🌍   They stem from stereotypes and assumptions we have about different groups of people.     Why do we rely on stereotypes? We have a conscious and unconscious mind that works in two different ways. […]
The New Architecture of Authority: Why Mission-Led Leadership Is the Only Hedge Against Volatility

The New Architecture of Authority: Why Mission-Led Leadership Is the Only Hedge Against Volatility

 In a 2026 market defined by rapid shifts and “Shadow Liabilities,” hiring isn’t just an HR function anymore; it’s the CEO’s most important strategic lever. The UK business landscape has moved past the era of the “Steady State.” Between shifting regulatory frameworks in Financial Services and the relentless pace of high-growth tech, the traditional “Manager” […]
Your Blueprint to Building a Standout Personal Brand in 2024

Your Blueprint to Building a Standout Personal Brand in 2024

Your personal brand is more than just a catchy tagline; it’s the powerful reputation that precedes you, shaping how others perceive your skills, values, and achievements. In today’s competitive job market, a strong personal brand can make the difference in how promotions and career opportunities play out.   Why Does Your Brand Matter in 2024? […]
Don’t Burn Your Runway: Smart Hiring Strategies for Founders After Investment

Don’t Burn Your Runway: Smart Hiring Strategies for Founders After Investment

Developing A Post-Investment Hiring Strategy That Delivers Securing investment is one of the most exciting milestones in a founder’s journey. Whether it’s seed, Series A, or a later funding round, it signals that others believe in your vision and are backing you to grow. But with investment comes pressure. Investors expect progress, teams expect momentum, […]
Umbrella Payroll Risk: What the 2026 HMRC Changes Mean for Employers

Umbrella Payroll Risk: What the 2026 HMRC Changes Mean for Employers

The rules around umbrella payroll are changing — and the risk may no longer sit where you think. With HMRC increasing scrutiny ahead of April 2026, here’s what every employer needs to understand before engaging contractor or interim talent.
Cracking the C-Suite Code: Insider Strategies for Professionals

Cracking the C-Suite Code: Insider Strategies for Professionals

Reaching the C-suite is a significant career goal for many experienced professionals. While ambition is key, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities involved can make a substantial difference in your journey.   The #1 Secret to C-Suite Success Unlike roles at lower levels, top executive positions are often filled discreetly. This means that many C-suite […]
Remote Work: Is a New Norm Starting to Form?

Remote Work: Is a New Norm Starting to Form?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a seismic shift in the way we work, forcing millions of employees across the UK and around the globe to adapt to remote work practically overnight.   What began as a necessary response to a global health crisis has since evolved into a widespread reassessment of traditional work models, and […]
How to Give Your CV the Edge

How to Give Your CV the Edge

Taking the time to craft your CV has never been so critical.   A CV is often the first glimpse of you that a company has to decide if they want to consider you for a new job opening – standing out as a good match for their organisation is important.   Getting your CV […]
Why Private Equity Firms Underestimate Post-Acquisition Leadership Risk

Why Private Equity Firms Underestimate Post-Acquisition Leadership Risk

The Big Risk That Quietly Undermines Value After a Private Equity Deal Post-acquisition leadership challenges are among the most significant risks in PE. While financial alignment and retention plans are carefully structured, the psychological shift leaders experience after a deal often goes unaddressed. This is where momentum quietly stalls. I have seen this pattern across […]
WhatsApp