2019 is just around the corner. As we enter the new year, there’s an opportunity for change in our lives. For many people, this involves searching for a new job. Here, we’re going to take a look at 5 things you should do before you embark on your search for a career change. Let’s look at how to find a new job in 2019!
Tip Number 1: Think About What You Want to Do – How to Find a New Job in 2019
The first step to finding a new career is finding out what you want to do! It goes without saying that, without an idea of where you want to go, you probably won’t get far. For some people, this will be easy. They’ll already have a good idea of what they want to do next in their career. If you’re not so sure, here are a couple of things to think about to get you started:
- Do you want a continuation of your current career, or a completely new path? Perhaps you currently work in sales. You could aim to move to a managerial position in sales, or you could move into a completely different career.
- How do your current skills help you? What skills and qualifications do you already have that could give you an advantage in a different role? For example, being an experienced sales assistant gives you skills in dealing with the public, and providing exceptional service. These are two competencies that are valuable in a wide range of careers, including the police!
Tip Number 2: Sharpen Up Your C.V. – How to Find a New Job in 2019
If it’s been a long time since you went on a job hunt, your C.V. is probably out of date. The new year is a great time to reflect on what changed in your current role over the past 12 months. Think about the following, and add them to your C.V. if relevant.
- Did you obtain any new qualifications? Maybe you went on a course, or simply learnt a new skill in the workplace.
- Where did you improve? Perhaps you brushed up on an ability you’ve already had, or improved your time-management skills.
- What are your new career goals? A lot can change in a year. Perhaps you’ve decided that you want to change your career. So, make sure your C.V. is tailored to this new path!
Once you know what’s changed and where you’ve improved, add the relevant details to your C.V. This will demonstrate growth – a fundamental part of how to find a new job.
Tip Number 3: Improve Your Testing Skills – How to Find a New Job in 2019
Once your C.V. is up to date, it’s time to move onto the next ‘stage’ – testing. Many jobs, particularly graduate and public sector jobs, will include testing in the application process. Find out what your next job will require as part of your application, then spend your time practising those papers. Below you’ll find a list of common types of psychometric testing that you might need to pass to get your next job!
Different Types of Psychometric Test
- Numerical Reasoning Tests
- Situational Judgement Tests
- Verbal Reasoning Tests
- Spatial Reasoning Tests
- Mechanical Comprehension Tests
These are just a few of the different psychometric tests you might need to pass in order to secure your next job. For more, check out our range of testing resources and guides.
Tip Number 4: Practice Your Interview Technique – How to Find a New Job in 2019
If you make it past the initial application stages of your application form and psychometric tests, you’ll likely be invited to a face-to-face or telephone interview. So, make sure that you brush up on your interview skills to improve your chances of impressing the interviewer and securing that dream career!
Tips for Passing Interviews – How to Find a New Job in 2019
- Learn the common interview questions. In many cases, there will be set (or likely) questions that you’ll need to answer. Learn these and think of exemplary responses to each. The type of questions you will need to answer will vary depending on the role you’re applying for.
- Examine and memorise core competencies. A lot of careers require ‘core competencies’ (or core skills) to perform well. If the role you’re applying for has these, then make sure that you understand them fully before attending your interview.
- Undertake a mock (practice) interview. Find a friend or family member who is willing to sit down and conduct an interview with you in a formal environment. This will help you to get an idea of how you’ll have to behave in a real-life interview.
Tip Number 5: Prepare to Leave Your Current Job – How to Find a New Job in 2019
If you get offered a new job in the new year, congratulations! This is a monumental achievement. However, you still need to do the following:
- Find out your notice period for leaving your current job. This is usually 1 month or 4 weeks, but may vary. The notice period can be found on your employment contract. You’ll need to let your new employer know what your notice period is, so that they can organise a start date for you.
- Read through documentation sent by your new employer. This might be your contract, or other information that will tell you your salary, working hours, and so on. Make sure that this is all satisfactory before accepting the offer – and definitely before handing in your resignation letter to your current employer!
- Accept the offer for the new job. This might sound obvious, but sometimes people forget to officially accept the role. At this point, you should let your new employer know what your notice period is so that they can figure out when your starting date will be.
- Hand in a letter of resignation to your current employer. The letter of resignation doesn’t have to be long or overly wordy – it just has to state your intentions of leaving, along with your final day of work. Do this as soon as possible so that you and your current employer can prepare for your departure.
From all of us at How2Become, we wish you a happy new year, and an exciting 2019!
