Careers
news
Angie Baker - Dec 08
Is your job on the line?
Six months on from my last
article, I was hoping for more buoyant news on the job front. Sadly, the
view at present is still gloomy.
When discussing career change
with clients in ‘normal’ times, finance is just one area we cover. This is
always an important subject but, when looking at the bigger picture of job
satisfaction, it is not the only one. In a climate such as this, however,
those who are worried about the future will inevitably focus on money; and
that is right. So, a review of spending, mortgages, pensions and
investments is crucial. See the RH123 web site – I have a number of
colleagues who can help with this. If you think you might qualify for
benefits the Citizens’ Advice Bureau is also an invaluable resource.
Not only will an in-depth
analysis of your finances help you to balance your books, it will also be of
huge help when preparing for a change of job. There is typically a
difference, often significant, between what we’d like to earn and what we
actually need to earn.
Knowing the minimum wage on
which you can get by gives you greater flexibility when looking for
something new. If you are willing to accept a lower salary, more
opportunities will be open to you and a lower salary doesn’t have to be a
life sentence. Also, if you want to move into an unfamiliar field it is
often easier to do so at a lower level; with your foot in the door you are
in the best position to learn about the industry and plan the future from
the inside.
If you are in a difficult
situation, or fear you will be soon, the important thing is not to panic.
That only makes a stressful situation worse and it warps your judgement.
Please take stock of your position calmly, consider the options open to you
and draw up a positive action plan. This will help you to retain a feeling
of control which is vital if you are to take a confident step forward.
I wish you all well for the
challenging year ahead.
Angie Baker of Impress to
Succeed is a Gold
Member of RH123 contact
details
Careers
news
from Angie Baker
May 2008
Worried about job security?
In the current economic
climate, it seems certain that, for some time to come, credit will be harder
to get, spending will drop and jobs will go. Might yours be one of them?
If so, what are you doing about it?
The best advice is not to
cross your fingers and hope but to take stock of things and face the dreaded
‘what if’ scenario. You may decide that what you’re doing is still right
for you and that you’d want to find something similar elsewhere. In which
case, start talking to people to keep your personal network active and
growing. Look at your CV – is it up to date? Will it stand out from the
rest?
On the other hand, you might
be someone who is in a job that is no longer right for you. Being pushed,
as opposed to finding the courage to jump, can be a very liberating
experience, once the shock has worn off - and if you’re prepared. So, what
would you rather be doing? Now is the time to undertake some focussed
research, to make new contacts and to re-work your CV so that it stresses
the skills you have developed. Skills, as opposed to specialist knowledge,
are the working tools you can offer ANY new employer.
I have met too many redundancy
candidates who saw it coming, did nothing and who then panicked themselves
into the first thing that came along. Please don’t be one of them – get
organised now!
Angie Baker of Impress to
Succeed is a Gold
Member of RH123 contact
details
Careers
news
from Angie Baker
November 2007
Happy New Year?? Not if
your job is no longer right for you. Making a change should be your number
one resolution for 2008!
Changing your career is a
daunting prospect - but don’t wait until Crisis Time. Think through and
carefully plan the way ahead:
-
Commit yourself to action
– there IS something better out there and you WILL find it.
-
Assess carefully what you
would ideally like to do, what you can do realistically and recognise
where you are prepared to compromise. Find someone who can help you
marshal your thoughts in an objective way – family and friends may well
be too close.
-
Produce an effective CV
which will work for you. It should be concise and upbeat, focussing on
your key selling points and tailored to the needs of the job. Get help
with your CV – you are too subjective to write a really impressive one
by yourself.
-
Prepare fully for
interviews. Practise an interview with someone you trust so that you
can receive honest, helpful feedback that will build your confidence and
improve your performance.
-
Be patient and stay
positive!
All the best for a happy and
successful New Year!
Angie Baker of Impress to
Succeed is a Gold
Member of RH123 contact
details
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