As we approach the end of 2023 and consider potential changes, the professional landscape brings forth new opportunities and challenges.
A May 2023 study found that 58% of workers are looking to make a career change in 2024. Some of the most common reasons stated by people looking to move roles included: poor work-life balance, low or unfair pay, toxic company culture, feeling disrespected/undervalued, and limited advancement opportunities.
The Christmas and New Year break can be a great time to assess your career trajectory and contemplate a career change. With the turn of the calendar, you have the chance to approach the upcoming year with a strategic mindset. Setting clear career goals and planning steps to achieve them can be a proactive way to start the new year.
Where should you start?
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Reflect on the milestones achieved in your current role throughout the year – how do they align with your overarching career objectives?
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Analyse the harmony of your existing skill set and the demands of your current work environment.
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Gauge your genuine passion for your present role – does it fulfill you, or are you looking for something more meaningful?
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Assess the workplace culture – does it provide you with a nurturing environment to grow and thrive in?
If you answer these questions and find that you would benefit from a role change, take some time to reflect and think about what sort of new role would be best for you in the new year.
Evaluate the alignment between your personal values and the culture of your current or potential workplace. Consider the importance you place on factors like teamwork, innovation, work-life balance, and ethical practices. Seek environments that resonate with your professional ethos. A workplace that aligns with your values is more likely to foster job satisfaction and contribute to long-term career fulfillment.
Take time to refine your resume. Make sure everything is up-to-date and reads uniformly. Many people update their resumes piece by piece, so this is a good time to look at your CV as a whole and tidy up the story it tells about you!
Set up catch ups with people in your network and look into networking events in the new year to build out your professional relationships. Networking is an essential step for those looking to develop their careers – a study by HubSpot found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking.
Get yourself interview ready. If you have been in your current role for a long time, it may have been a while since your last job interview. Research and prepare answers for common interview questions. If you have been working remotely in your current role, ensure you have appropriate attire for in-person interviews. Read more of our tips on where to start when you're ready for a new job.
Deciding to make a career move is a big leap of faith and can be extremely daunting. There are many avenues to make the transition more comfortable, and the best is to engage with a recruiter. Collaborating with a recruiter not only provides valuable industry insights but also offers consistent guidance. Having a professional ally who understands your motivations, your goals, and aligns you with the perfect role is an invaluable resource on this journey.