How To Create A Fresh Start in 2017

January is a time when a lot of people look for a new job role. The break over the holiday season gives time and space for re-considering what is important in life and that often spurs us on to making changes. So January is the time of year when more people make changes than at any other time. If you are looking for a fresh start in work, what are the important things to consider? Unhappy? If you are unhappy with your current role, ask yourself the following questions. The answers will give you guidance for the things you want to avoid in a new role.

1. What elements of your role to you not enjoy and why?
2. Do you want a change because of the behavior of certain people?
3. If so, what traits do they have that you do not like?
4. Is your current role stretching enough?
5. If not, what is missing that would enhance a new role for you?

Are you being stretched? Life is about continuously learning and growing. How could a new role give you opportunities for learning new things, challenging you intellectually and pushing your innovation and creativity? What Culture? We are happiest in the work environment when our personal values are met and also respected. If we work in a culture that is contrary to our personal values, over time that can cause personal stress.

1. What are your personal values?
2. What things are important to you?
3. How would you like to be treated in the work place?

Answer those questions and you will have the foundation stones for the culture of the next organisation you would like to work for. Get Ready Looking for a new job role is a mini project. Get organised. Get your CV up to date:

1. Use a clear format that is accurate, error free and easy for recruiters to read.
2. Have a professional, personal email address and telephone number and check them regularly.
3. Start your CV off with a short, personal statement highlighting your professional attributes.
4. Make your CV achievement focused. Don’t just list activities, focus on accountabilities and achievements.
5. Be unique and include your key skills and experience.

How to search Get yourself out there and widen your search.

1. Search for roles and also register your CV with online recruitment such as Glassdoor.
2. Register your CV with headhunters and agencies.
3. Review the vacancy sections in newspapers and professional magazines.
4. Ask friends and family if they know of any vacancies or can recommend you to others.
5. Review Company websites for vacancies or send in your CV with a speculative letter to organisation's you are interested in.

Prepare Start your interview preparation early.

1. Prepare examples of your experience that will demonstrate your behavioural competence.
2. Prepare to answer ‘tough’ questions. Things like ‘what is your biggest failure and why’ can knock your confidence in an interview if you a scrabbling around for an answer.
3. Research the organisation so you can answer questions and also prepare any that you would like to ask your interviewer.

Make sure you are making changes for the right reasons and be clear as to what you are looking for in a new role and with a new employer. Get your reasoning and preparation right and you won’t be jumping from the frying pan in to the fire! Good Luck!