According to a recent survey by monster.com*, 70% of people questioned planned to start job hunting in the new year. If you are one of them, then we have a word of caution: WAIT! Whilst January is traditionally the time of taking stock and starting over, getting the job you want requires patience, planning, consideration and strategy. “It’s very much a case of resign in haste, repent at leisure so if you’re considering a new job or career path, our advice is simple: be prepared,” says Suzannah. Ask yourself the following: Are you absolutely sure that your decision to change career or secure promotion is the right route for you? The talent crunch means that if you’re good at your job, your current employer should be open to negotiating terms in your favour, perhaps agreeing a role change or investing in development or training. Don’t be afraid to ask. Keep a diary for a three month period assessing the highs and lows of your current job. If the negatives outweigh the positives in the interim, you’ll know that your decision to move is considered and justified and not simply a knee-jerk emotional reaction. The process will also more clearly inform what you want and don’t want in your next job. Have you raised your profile? Make it your priority to spend time networking, particularly if you are looking for a promotion. Remember: not all jobs vacancies can be found in the classifieds – often it’s a case of who you know, not what you know when securing your next position. Increasing your visibility will boost your confidence as well as your chances of career success. Are you fully prepared? Vacancies can present themselves at any moment so you must be ready to respond when opportunity knocks. Is your CV simple and up to date? If you went for interview, are you sure you’d make the right first impression? Chapple can help set you on the right track for career success, including CV surgeries, psychological assessment and a free career check-up. Call us on 020 7384 3092, e-mail us at mailto:theteam@chapple.ltd.uk or visit our website at www.chapple.ltd.uk for more information. *Survey conducted by monster.co.uk