These ten tips will make sure that you stay on the right track.
1. Develop a job search plan
The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" holds true. If you know the job you want, it is easier to get it. So split your job search into short- and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order to reach them.
For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find a job: The Internet? Newspapers? The better you identify your goals and the more ways you search for your next job, the greater your chances of getting where you want to be.
2. Give evidence of your achievements
Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are looking for because they need to determine "What can this person do for my business?" They want to see evidence of things you have done that went beyond the basic requirements of your job.
Look back over the last year and pick out any notable successes or special projects that you were involved in - these can then be used to impress an employer at the interview stage. After all, if you have a trumpet to blow then blow it.
3. Revamp your CV
Your CV should be designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV, which means that you need to make an impression quickly.
Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables employers to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key to attracting their interest. Writing a winning CV can be a challenge, but by putting the mileage, in you will have a document that will make potential employers invite you for an interview.
4. Decide the type of company you want to work for
You spend almost 70% of your time at work during the course of a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture that you can enjoy and thrive in. And, that means targeting organisations that match your goals and career values.
Many of the advertised jobs on Virgin Media's job search feature a link to the recruiting company's profile which will enable you to get an insight into their working environment. After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on the same exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in haste.
