Tag: career advice

Staying resilient in uncertain times – how to look after your career and yourself

For many of us it feels like the world has tilted on its axis this last few weeks. The routines and norms we previously took for granted have been thrown away and replaced by a blended world of home/work that all happens in the same place.

For others there might be no work at all, with little prospect of securing anything suitable soon. Many of us are worried about our own health, or the health of loved ones and neighbours. It’s a scary time, described by many as our generation’s war. Continue reading “Staying resilient in uncertain times – how to look after your career and yourself”

Four signs you need the help of a career coach

If you’re wondering why on earth you would need someone else to help you make a change at work, here are four signs you need the support of a career coach.

Independent career coaches can provide a safe space for you to explore your work options even if you haven’t decided that you definitely want to make a change. We can help you feel more in control of your career and working life, and to make the right move (not just any move) if you do decide to look for a new job. Continue reading “Four signs you need the help of a career coach”

How work has changed since 2010

I’m not sure I can even remember some of the fine details of 2010, but it’s clear to me that work has definitely changed in the last decade. Here are a few of the major things that have shifted and had an impact on the world of work. Continue reading “How work has changed since 2010”

The benefits and drawbacks of working interim

With one in seven people in the UK workforce now working as a contractor rather than permanent employee, what are the pros and cons of working interim? Can you successfully have a career which includes both types of working, or if you’ve chosen to work in interim roles is there no way back to permanent ones?

Continue reading “The benefits and drawbacks of working interim”

New job – stop thinking, start doing

How do you know you need a new job? Do you dread going in to work every day? Do you feel low on energy and unenthusiastic about the work you have to do and completing even the smallest of tasks feels like walking through treacle? Do you consistently talk about looking for a new role but never actually do anything about it?

If you do, it’s probably time you looked for a new challenge! Whether you want an internal promotion or a new job in a new company, deciding you want another new job and securing one can be pretty far apart, so what’s the best way to get started? Continue reading “New job – stop thinking, start doing”

Career break – grown up gap year or 21st century necessity?

A career break, also sometimes called a sabbatical, is an increasingly popular option with people part-way through their working life.

Like the grown-up gap year, they take some planning and people choose to take the time off for a variety of reasons. So why would you take a career break, and if you’re already thinking of taking some time out of your 9-5, what factors do you need to consider? Continue reading “Career break – grown up gap year or 21st century necessity?”

Your job search is your opportunity to sharpen your resilience and come out stronger

Life requires resilience. We all need an ability to roll with the punches, to get up again when we get knocked down. In two areas of life, that can be harder than in others: dating and jobseeking.

The key with resilience in dating is to not settle. If you’re looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with, it really should be the right someone, not just the available someone.

When it comes to finding the right job, the temptation to take anything, particularly if you’re out of work, can be overwhelming. And the impact of rejection can be soul destroying. So how do you stay resilient and make sure the job you get is one that makes you spend Sunday nights celebrating instead of dreading Monday morning? Continue reading “Your job search is your opportunity to sharpen your resilience and come out stronger”

Time to take control of your imposter

If you’ve ever heard that little voice inside your head saying you can’t do something, aren’t good enough or there’s someone better than you, there’s a good chance you’re suffering from imposter syndrome.

The good news is, you’re in excellent company. Some very familiar faces have admitted to the fear of being “found out”, not least of all Maya Angelou. Her career spanned 50 years, winning critical acclaim and legions of fans. She was awarded multiple honorary degrees and industry awards but still felt “Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”

Continue reading “Time to take control of your imposter”

Three reasons to take a personality test to help you get a new job

The internet is filled with personality tests, but is there any benefit in taking one to help in the search for your next job? And if there is, which ones should you do?

Continue reading “Three reasons to take a personality test to help you get a new job”

Why knowing the difference between responsibility and achievement matters on your CV

As a professional career coach I see – and write – many CV s and you won’t be surprised to read that the standard of them is hugely variable. But one of the most common mistakes – and one that can be the most damaging – is people who only list their responsibilities, rather than their achievements.

Continue reading “Why knowing the difference between responsibility and achievement matters on your CV”

Stop the job-hunting rumours: use LinkedIn all year round

With LinkedIn user numbers close to reaching 500 million worldwide, it always surprises me that people think if they are active on the platform their boss will think they are looking for a new job.

If that’s your assumption, here are my top five tips for using LinkedIn regularly without your boss being suspicious (whether you’re looking for a new job or not!).

Continue reading “Stop the job-hunting rumours: use LinkedIn all year round”