Don't slow down, step up!

The start of a new year is a chance to make changes, and that often includes kick-starting career prospects with a new job. However, a looming recession means that making a change is more daunting than ever.

That said, a smaller job market can actually work to your advantage if you have the right skills, advises Dianah Worman, diversity adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

“There will always be competition in going for jobs and the current climate is going to make things tougher for people looking for work, which means less people are likely to take risks,” she said.

“For employers, it’s always about getting the right talent and keeping it. If you have the right talent for the job you want, now might be the right time to really put yourself out there.”

According to Worman, the first step is to get yourself a PMA: Positive Mental Attitude.

“Be confident. Focus attention on what you have achieved. In your covering letter to a prospective employer, put what you will bring to the job. Tell them about the skills you have which will be valuable to them.”

But she also warns of being honest. “Make sure you’re selling yourself but don’t tell fibs.

If you get found out it could be very embarrassing. It’s also important to have a plan. Don’t be half-hearted. If you’ve decided this will be the year you land your dream job, make that your primary goal.”

While a wealth of jobs are advertised in newspapers, most industries will use websites to search for new employees. It’s also worth checking your local job centre. Likewise, don’t be afraid to write to companies you’d like to work for, or even call them up.

They may not have any positions available right now, but a good CV and a friendly manner go a long way towards making a lasting impression.

Another key tip is research – make sure you learn all you can about the industry you want to work in and the place you hope to work. Make sure you understand the organisation you’re applying to. If possible, talk to people who work there or know about it. 

“If you’re looking to make a progression in the area you already work in, make sure your previous experience is clear in your pitch,” Worman continues.

Additionally, it’s important to keep up to date with developments in the industry you want to work in. For example, if graphic design is your hobby and you want to make it your career, make sure you keep up to date on the latest software and hardware. Behave like a professional and you will become one.

Finally, the most important thing to remember is not to give up.

“If you find it’s taking a while to get the result you want, think about how you can give yourself more of an edge,” Worman says. “Voluntary work or extra qualifications always look good on a CV, but ultimately, getting the job you want means a lot of hard work. Keep at it and you will get there.”

- Sell yourself: Focus on the skills and talents you possess which make you a good candidate for the job you want.  Foreground these in your CV, applications and covering letters. But don’t tell fibs. If you get found out, you’ll look extremely unprofessional.

- Be precise: Get straight to the point. Try to fit as much information into as small a space as possible. Employers expect CVs to be well presented and easy to understand. CVs should not be longer than two pages.

- Have a good strategy: Make a plan for how you’re going to progress your career. Set yourself goals and give yourself realistic time limits to achieve them.

- Be a people person: Make contacts in the area you want to work in. Ask questions and be enthusiastic. Make sure your name is the one that crops up when opportunities arise.

- Don’t give up: Getting to the place you want in your career can mean a lot of hard work, especially in the current climate.  If you’re not getting the results you want, remember you are not alone – many other people are in the same position. Talk to friends and try to stay positive.