The New Year is round the corner, and once again, it is time to make those resolutions.
On the list, giving a jumpstart to one’s career would be the priority, doubly so when the job market here is picking up, offering new opportunities.
The war for talent is being waged again - only that it’s a battle right now.
This means that even though the job market is opening up, the opportunities will go only to those that shine the brightest – not necessarily those that deserve them.
In simpler terms, even if you are the best person to land a much better job than what you’re currently in, unless the potential employer with his 30-second attention-span appreciates that fact, you are only as good as your current job.
It is a must to keep yourself updated and in touch with events affecting your career. You should always be ahead of the competition and willing to adjust to an ever changing world.
Here are some tips in order to revive and refresh your career choice:
1. Create a strong but succinct CV
A well-prepared CV is the first step to get hired. Experts at recruitment specialists Morgan Mckinely estimate that it is 10 times harder to secure an interview in the current employment market and, therefore, your CV needs to create an impact.
“Always update your CV and ensure it gives the best impression of who you are and your capabilities,” Jennifer Campori, Managing Director, Middle East and Europe at Charterhouse, told Emirates 24|7.
Even if you’re bursting with information about yourself, don’t write a thesis for a résumé. Most employers are short of time; so CVs should be concise, preferably giving out all the important information in not more than two sheets.
Preparing your CV in reverse chronological order is the way to go about it, giving your details, education and work experience, recent jobs first and work backwards, say Morgan Mckinely recruitment experts.
2. Clarify your goals
Identifying your work values is essential and helps you achieve your targets. “Clarify your vision, mission and objectives and focus on them beginning always with the end in mind,” says Suhail Masri, VP Sales at Bayt.com.
“It is remarkable what you will achieve once you have honed in on your precise goals and can focus on them and visualize yourself achieving them.
Once you have clarified your vision and goals, formulate a detailed strategy for getting there and chart your progress on a regular and on-going basis.
“Breakdown large complex projects into a series of manageable tasks that are interesting and achievable. Reward yourself as you achieve your objectives and/or reach specific important milestones. This will give you something to look forward to, extra drive to get there and a surge of excitement and enthusiasm when you do attain your desired goals. Psychometric and self-assessment tests as well as career articles and guides are a great way to start understanding what your true values and professional priorities are,” he explains.
3. Build a diverse network
Recruitment experts in the country strongly recommend building a strong network of people from different industries, backgrounds, age-groups and ethnic groups.
Your network of people should not be limited to current profession or business, as this may leave a host of new opportunities untapped.
“Make sure your network [is strong enough] and ensure you are around positive like-minded people,” suggests the Charterhouse expert.
Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director at Robert Half International Network, believes networking inside and outside one’s organisation is vital in today’s world.
“[Have you] ever noticed that some of the most successful individuals are the most connected?” he asks.
“Whether you’re looking to build your network with managers and colleagues in your current organisation or looking externally for potential career opportunities, networking will also help you stay current about changes in your industry or profession. And, with online networking sites such as LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to grow your network and keep in touch with your existing contacts,” he explains.
Experts also recommend making your online presence felt. “Build an online public profile so you can be found and contacted by prospective clients, employers and peers alike,” believes Masri.
4. Treat the job search as a full time job
One of the hardest jobs in the world is looking for a job when one is unemployed. That’s why job seeking is a full-time job and people who don’t treat it seriously miss out opportunities.
“Treat the job search with the same diligence and discipline you would treat a full time job. Devote a certain number of hours a day to diligently and professionally perusing job ads on jobsites and applying to jobs you are interested in and qualified for and then following up on past applications and networking within the target industry,” adds the
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5. Keep your skillset sharp and updated
Continually improving your skills and adding new ones can kick-start your career in a big way. It will not only take you to the top of your game, but will get you better assignments and clients, better increments and even a better reputation.
“Get a professional qualification relevant to your industry,” Hasnain Qazi, Middle East Business Manager at Huxley Associates, advises.
“Keep your skills sharp. For those just starting their careers as well as more tenured professionals, keeping your skills current and staying informed about trends within your profession or industry will keep you in good stead. It may even help you gain that promotion or give you the edge on your CV.
Consider online and in-person courses, networking events or even professional reading to make sure you are developing yourself as well as your career,” advises Mettouri.
6. Stay loyal – it’s good for you
Job hopping does not carry the same stigma that it did during the 70s and the 80s, but deep down most employers still prefer to reply on people who they believe are loyal. From an employer’s perspective, a series of short term positions is still a red flag.
Outdated it may seem but loyalty has become a trait that employers look for and can definitely help in shaping up your career.
Your company may give you an additional responsibility, a better position (with it will come a bigger pay) only if they think you are loyal and dependable.
“Don’t move jobs too often – employers do not like hiring people perceived with low employer loyalty,” says Qazi.
7. Advertise your accomplishments
Be your own best publicist if you want to get noticed by the boss. In one of the toughest job markets, perhaps the first time, for many of us, the art of self-promotion will help us stay essential in a current position, or get a promotion that we truly deserve.
“Speak to your boss and put in place a plan, which if achieved this year, would achieve both yours and their objectives,” adds Qazi while commenting on simple steps to kick-start your career in the New Year.
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