career change

A recent survey revealed that 62% of UK workers would like to change careers.  If you’re in your 40s or 50s and concerned about making a career change, know that it’s never too late. By 2025 there will be one million more people aged 50 or over which means that one in three of the working age population will be over 50. The growing skills shortage and low unemployment presents a unique opportunity for those in their 40s and 50s to change careers more easily. In order for your career change to be successful however, you’ll need to plan your next steps carefully. From self-assessment to upskilling and updating your CV, here’s your to-do list for a successful career change when you’re over 40. Self-assess  To make the right career change, you need to understand your motivations and what inspires you. You should also ask: What's important to me? What do I want to achieve in the next...

19 December, 2019 /

Is it your career or your job that's making you unhappy? People often seek me out as a career coach as they are looking to change something in their lives, to get happier. Some are keen to identify a new career path as they feel they’ve made a wrong choice, believing doing something different will lead to career happiness. Sometimes, it’s not a wrong career path that’s making someone unhappy. It’s their current role getting in the way of their career happiness. Do you feel like you’ve had enough, that it’s time for a change? If you can relate to any of the following, it might be time to make some changes. You: Hate your jobDespise your boss or colleaguesAren't using your knowledge, skills and strengths Can’t handle working such long hours any longer Don't feel like you can be your authentic self at workFeel like you've hit a glass ceiling and can see...

29 May, 2019 /

Choosing a career coach can be frustrating Choosing a career coach can be a minefield leaving you feeling frustrated and with more questions than answers. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand career coaching and how to choose the right coach for you. Get clear on your needs It’s vital you have a good understanding of what you are looking for in a career coach. Do you want to change careers and need someone to help you identify and explore options? Are you having difficulty finding a new job and need some guidance in the best job search strategies and methods for your situation? Do you need practical help with your CV, cover letters and interview coaching? Think about all the help and support you’d like and make a list of what you’re looking for. This will help you discuss your needs and expectations with prospective coaches. If you are...

12 February, 2019 /

Write a winning cover letter There's no doubt a well written cover letter can boost your chances of being invited to an interview. In contrast to your CV, your cover letter enables you to explain why you are a good fit for a position and your reasons for wanting to work for an organisation. If you’ve never written a cover letter or it’s been a while,the following guide will take you step by step through the process of writing a winning cover letter. First things first Your first task is to understand what the employer is looking for. Identify the key criteria which you’ll find in the job ad and in the job description. List all the skills, experience and qualities they have mentioned so that you can be sure to include these in your cover letter wherever possible.   Writing your cover letter Your information:  Your name, address, email address and telephone numbers. You...

12 December, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_16775" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Thinking of changing career?"] [/caption] Changing jobs is challenging enough but changing to a whole new career can be overwhelming.  One of the biggest hurdles faced by career changers is how to make a smooth and successful transition to their new career.  To help, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to make the transition to your new career an easier one. Research A vital first step in changing careers is to research your new career. Speak to people in the industry to gain a realistic insight in to the culture, conditions, opportunities and challenges. As part of your research you should aim to identify any skills gaps, transferable skills and any qualifications or certifications required for your new career. Find out what others in your chosen new career have done for example, what are their backgrounds? What was their progression route? What qualifications do they have? Develop a plan A good...

05 September, 2017 /

[caption id="attachment_18585" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Benefits of work experience"] [/caption] Work experience is an arrangement where an employer hosts a work experience participant for a period of time to increase the participants’ employability through the development of on-the-job skills, knowledge and experience. There are a number of benefits resulting from work experience placements including: Participant benefits: Work skills Job seekers often find themselves in a ‘catch 22’ situation, they can’t get a job because they don’t have experience, yet they can’t get the experience without a job. Work experience allows the participant to gain all important work skills and experience. Communication and interpersonal skills Along with general work skills, work experience participants have an opportunity to develop their communication and interpersonal skills by interacting with a range of different people on the job including team members, managers and customers. Building a CV One of the greatest advantages of participating in a work experience placement is that the experience gained can...

06 August, 2017 /