Part one of three in a series on finding a job.
Before you start job hunting spend a little time thinking about the sort of position you want. It could save you a lot of time and heartache by making sure you concentrate your energy on finding a job that is suitable for you – and you for it.
1. Do you need to look for a new job?
This may seem a strange first question but if you’re already in employment, are happy and know you’re not going to lose your job in cutbacks, think carefully before going any further with job hunting.
2. Do you want to work for someone else?
If the answer is YES then carry on reading, but if the answer is NO maybe you should start to think about working for yourself or, if you have the right skills, freelancing. And funnily enough, Business Training College provide a Start Your Own Business Course!
3. Where would you like to work?
Do you want to work in an office, shop, restaurant, workshop, outside in the fresh air or from home? Your current skills, experience and circumstances will largely dictate this.
4. What size of organisation do you want to work for?
If you are used to working in the corporate world you may find it hard to move to the culture of a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) or vice versa.
5. What hours are you available for work?
This includes whether you want to work full or part-time, during the day or in the evening. Are you willing to take on shift work?
6. How far are you willing to travel?
Do you want to stay local? If you are willing to commute think about how far and for how long. Are you prepared to uproot your family and move to another part of the country or even go abroad? Some people are based locally but have to travel a lot, limiting their family time. All things to be considered.
7. What sort of pay package are you looking for or willing to accept? Are you comfortable with a commission based wage, fixed wage or a combination of the two. Does the package on offer include a pension, car, phone etc or do you need to provide your own? What’s your current salary or last salary? Can you afford – financially and professionally – to drop this a bit?
8. Are you looking to broaden your experience?
Keeping an eye on your long term career can help you make a wise move when choosing a new job especially if it gains you valuable experience.
9. Are you looking for promotion?
In some industries the only way to get promoted is to change employers. Alternatively, you should see if there are any opportunities for promotion where you currently work.
By answering these questions you should have a good idea of what you are looking for in your next job. Now you have to find and apply for a suitable position. Next week I’ll give you some tips to help you with your quest.
