GUEST COMMENT: Five New Year's Resolutions which will make you more likely to get a job in 2011
1. Start your job search early
As budgets for the year are typically signed off in January, hiring managers within the financial services industry tend to have most flexibility to hire new headcount at this time of the year. There are therefore generally more jobs available in quarters one and two so, if you are thinking about moving at some point during 2011, you are likely to have more choice now.
2. Be clear on the job that you want
Before you start searching for a job, you need to be clear about what you are looking for. Do you want to carry on doing something similar to your current position but at a higher level? Or would you prefer a completely different role? Think about your reasons for wanting to move and what you like and dislike about your existing job when thinking about what to do next. Whatever you decide, you will need to be realistic and justify why the experience and skills you have developed in your career are relevant to the role you are applying for.
3. When you get an interview, prepare
It may seem really obvious, but we are often surprised by how even the most senior professionals often fail to see the importance of fully preparing for an interview. If an employer has chosen to interview you, they obviously like the look of your CV but this alone will not be enough to convince them that you are the right person for the job. You need to show them you are passionate about the role and the firm and explain how your experience, skills and attributes make you the ideal candidate.
You will also need to demonstrate knowledge of the organisation and show how you can make a difference drawing on specific examples where you have added value in the past. Thinking of some specific, probing questions to ask about the role and the company can also highlight understanding. The interview should not be viewed as an hour-long session - it needs to be seen as an accumulation of hours of work and preparation.
4. Networking and building a good contacts list
If you attend as many industry-specific networking events as possible and generally put yourself 'out there' as much as you can, you will give yourself far more chance of hearing about the latest opportunities available. Also, having a strong working relationship with a recruiter can be the difference between finding out and not finding out about your perfect role.
5. Up-skill
If you are taking a more long-term strategy, professionals who proactively up-skill (through extra training, courses and gaining additional qualifications) really make themselves stand out. For example, projects professionals with experience of PRINCE 2 training have additional skills that other staff at a similar level may not have, while training courses run by industry bodies such as PRMIA (for risk professionals) can also be beneficial to your career.
