8 Steps to Getting Your Career Back on Track

We know that a lot of the jobs we like the look of online are over applied to, probably phoney, in reality unsuitable, or were filled months ago with no one bothering to take them down.  

In some sectors, the hiring markets are weaker than they have been in decades. Trying to navigate through can feel like venturing into an abandoned city. I hear so often the approach to getting a job compared to the apply to everything, in it to win it mentality. Where this method can come good in the end, it could be a long and treacherous journey. This means that when you do actually get the job you want, you might feel a bit frazzled, therefore risking success at your new job.  

It’s clear the job market has taken a hit. As the UK’s unemployment rate shoots up to 4.8% of the working age population with redundancies in the last three months alone reaching over three hundred thousand, it’s no wonder people are feeling the pressure. So how can you get to your goal without being beaten down on the way? Let’s break down how you can help yourself to get your career back on track.

Stop. Just stop and take a breath.

Think about your situation, check in on your CV and business social profiles. Where are you at, have you seen any success? How did you end up here? What’s the plan? 

It often starts innocently.

We believe in the application process and feel that the best person, mainly us, will be selected for interview.

But let’s take a look at the other end of that apply button.

When we see internal or agency recruiters being laid off, recruitment agency suppliers being cut, recruiters over worked, it is possible to see a huge discrepancy in fair treatment to every applicant. Especially when the company is receiving a huge volume of applications.

Put it this way, if I gave you a bucket of 100 apples in different conditions and asked you to pick out the best one, would you take time to look at each one to find the best apple in the bucket?

Or would you go for the easy reach one at the top that is good enough?

Bear this in mind if you are not getting very far, try applying for jobs during working hours for a better chance of someone reading your application right away. 

Organisation is important

After a few weeks of believing in the process, you start just hitting the apply button barely reading the advert. You start to have no idea what you applied to. Over a call back you can’t for the life of you recall what job the person is even talking about. You try and blag it but you can hear in their voice that they know.

I get it that a lot of people just need to make money to pay bills and do not have the luxury of being ‘fussy’, but this approach can cost you if you’re not organised and realistic in the jobs you have applied for. Of course, it could come good in the end, but it could be a long and harassing journey.

Best thing is to have a notebook dedicated to your job search. Write down every job you have applied for as well as the source and the date. This will help you to track your progress. When you do get a bite, you will be able to zone in on it; make a good impression and start the process right. 

It’s okay to ask for support

If you are someone who maybe hasn’t experienced the online job market or ever had an issue finding a job, it is bound to hit you in a different way because this is new territory.

You are grieving your old life and just need some help but are not sure where to turn. Losing your job, your way of life, your control is a form of grief. It’s more than okay to ask your network to support you. A direct message will do the trick. Try to avoid regular negative posts on socials, you might regret them later.

Why not try reaching out to people that you know within People, Recruitment, and HR? Career coaches or people you know who hire others are great to ask for advice around finding a job, interviewing, and navigating the market. Try to do this over the phone so that you really have their attention. You are guaranteed to feel boosted and reenergised in your job search by reaching out when you need to.

There is a way to change tactics

Get control, feel strong and empowered by becoming mindful.

If you are acutely aware of the impending shit show and have taken yourself off to hatch a plan, you are half way to winning.

You might have some savings. Be that scraping through by reducing outgoings and lifestyle, or having to work part time in what you consider to be a transactional pay the bills / side hustle type of job. You regularly speak to a small network of people who keep you on your path, make you feel supported and re-energised, allowing you to enjoy living in the moment for what it is. You do your best not to pay much attention to the news and avoid distraction as much as possible.

Whatever you are doing, you have accepted it, and it is leading you to strive harder for the right job or perhaps explore the possibilities of setting up a business. You are focused on working on you and have a structured approach which makes you feel in charge and powerful. You write everything down in one place, set daily goals, and reward yourself on the small gains. Where you see an opportunity, you circle round it, considering and planning how to make the best impact at the right time.

It’s not easy but during times of uncertainty, you have checked out of the chaos and are building strength for their relaunch. 

So, let’s summarise

1. – Enlist the support of a great recruiter, listen to their advice carefully 👂

2. – Reflect on where you are and set goals on what you want next 💭

3. – Dedicate a notebook to your career goals, keep it updated 📓

4. – Revive your CV and check your socials represent the true you 📄

5. – Get accustomed to the job market and the people advertising roles 💼

6. – Reach out to people in the know, join networking groups, ask for help 🕸️

7. – Plan your interview approach so that you are prepared 💬

8. – Remain positive and believe in yourself always 🌟

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