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  4. Planning your job search
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INTERVIEW TIPS

Interview Tips

Learn how to succeed in a job interview with Office Angels - A leading UK job recruitment agency in secretarial, administration and office support staff.

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Interview Tips

PLAN JOB SEARCH

Planning your job search

How to decide on your dream job and make it yours.

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Planning your job search

WRITING WINNING CV

Writing a Winning CV

A how-to guide to create the perfect CV from Office Angels - A leading UK job recruitment agency in secretarial, administration and office support staff.

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Writing a Winning CV

WRITING PERFECT COVER LETTER

Writing the perfect cover letter

Guidance on writing a cover letter that boosts your CV’s chances of being read – and getting your foot in the interview room door.

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Writing the perfect cover letter

BEING BETTER JOB-SEEKER

Being a better jobseeker

Advice and guidance on finding your ideal role, standing out at interview and boosting your chances of being hired.

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Being a better jobseeker

ESSENTIAL CAREER TIPS

Essential career tips

How to deal with career milestones of all kinds – from landing a new role and earning promotion to dealing with redundancy consultation.

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Essential career tips

PLANNING YOUR JOB SEARCH

How to decide on your dream job and make it yours.

Plan your job search

When it comes to finding your dream job, the first step is to figure out what the ‘dream’ actually is. We know that’s much easier said than done, but don’t worry, we’ll help you to figure it out.

To start with, you’ve got three broad options:

  1. Staying in the same type of role, in the same industry
  2. Looking for a similar, role but in a different sector
  3. A complete change of role, self-employment, or an alternative lifestyle

Even if you’re planning on staying in the same kind of job, it’s important to be able to recognise the right choice when it comes along. If you’re looking for a career overhaul, it’s even more important to think carefully about your options.

Finding what works for you

We love the fact that everyone we work with is so downright different. You’re a diverse bunch when it comes to your interests, what motivates you, and what work means to you. That’s why you need to think carefully about what makes a role right for you.

Consider your broader lifestyle:

  • Your ideal work-life balance
  • Your commitments
  • Your financial requirements
  • Your preferences

Assessing your options

We’re big believers that you can do anything you put your mind to, but you do need to give some real thought to what you’re good at, the sort of environment you want to work in, and what you want to achieve in your career.

Think about where your strengths lie, and what you’re looking for:

  • Review your skills, values and work style
  • Identify your interests (e.g. practical, investigative, artistic, social, or enterprising)
  • Think about what you want from a role

Landing the right role to suit your lifestyle

There are so many different options out there when it comes to your working pattern. Some of us take comfort in the routine and security of 9-5; others love the freedom and changing pace of something less fixed. But much of the time, it’s your commitments and lifestyle that determine your course.

Think about the options open to you:

  • Permanent (either full or part-time)
  • Contract (temporary work or fixed-term)
  • Self-employment (consultancy, interim management, non executive directorships, setting up your own business, buying a business, running a franchise)
  • Portfolio (several part-time roles, sometimes with self-employment or voluntary work)
  • Working abroad
  • Alternative lifestyles (retirement, voluntary work, charity work)

Researching your options

Once you’ve defined your ideal role and working style, make a wish list of brands you admire and industries that interest you. Think big, but be realistic, including smaller local businesses that could offer a valuable foot in the door. Consider practical elements like how far you’re willing to commute, the cost of travel and whether you’re looking for short-term experience or lasting career opportunities.

Then refine your search to learn:

  • The kind of organisations that need your skills
  • Which types of roles these companies offer
  • The different lifestyle and employment options available to you

It’s also worth speaking to experts in your ideal area, so tap your contacts for the real life story.

Knowing where to start

Knowledge is power, and your job search is no different. We’re incredibly lucky in this day and age to be able to find information on just about anything, from just about anywhere. Consider your main research routes:

  • A recruitment expert: your local Office Angels consultant can give you valuable insight into the job market and hiring trends in your region - and where your skills and experience could flourish
  • Online: whether it’s through specific websites, social media or search engines such as Google, the insight at your fingertips really is to be marvelled at. Think about what you want to achieve from your search, then explore away
  • Publications and journals: these are great for information and ideas about specific roles. Articles and adverts can also tell you lots about the needs of specific organisations
  • Professional bodies: trade organisations, institutes and other bodies associated with your area of interest can be a big source of knowledge
  • Libraries: call us old-school, but libraries are a really useful source of both local and national information
  • Your personal network: family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, relatives and a whole host of other contacts may have useful information about the options that interest you — but you won’t know until you ask

Evaluating your options

Making decisions about your future is never easy, but when you’ve really thought about what interests you, what you’re good at, the type of industry you want to work in, and what sort of working pattern suits you, you’ll be able to take that next step with confidence.

Weigh up all of your options, think about what’s right for you, and if you need a bit of extra help in looking at the practicalities, Office Angels is always here to help. Get in touch or drop in for a chat.

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