6 Tips for changing your mindset and moving forward in your career
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? Working in the same place, in the same job you’re doing now? Or do you have visions of sitting at a shiny new desk, in a glass fronted office overseeing others as they do the menial tasks that were once yours? The thing is, while you may envision this bright future ahead, it can sometimes seem so much easier to stick with what you know rather than stepping out of your comfort zone.
What’s holding you back?
If you’ve been working at the same place for several years, then it may be time to consider moving on. However, if you like being the steadfast, reliable employee who knows where everything is and how everything is done, or are the person that others approach for help, then the thought of starting somewhere new may send shivers down your spine.
Considering something potentially life changing, like a job, can be daunting. After all, on average we spend 3,515 days of our lives in the workplace, so thinking about making such a big adjustment can fill you with all sorts of emotions. First, you may feel excitement at the thought of something -different, inspired by the prospect of new challenges, happy at the idea of having more responsibilities and of course thrilled at the thought of a higher salary.
However, despite all the positives that make a new job feel like the right next move, there are likely to be as many, if not more, emotions holding you back. The fear of venturing into the unknown can be the one overriding thing that stops you hitting send on that first stage of the application.
The truth is, that job you’ve been in for the last 5 years has become your comfort zone. Familiarity and a daily routine mean you always know what to expect, it makes you feel safe and secure and the thought of losing that can be scary. The idea of leaving your colleagues, wondering what others will think, worrying over job security in a new role and feeling like you don’t have the right knowledge or skills are all natural reactions and can be the reason why sticking to what you know seems so much easier.
Change your mindset and seize the opportunity
Once you have determined what is holding you back, it is time to address how to make a change. So, rather than letting all those negative thoughts and feelings get in the way, you need to adjust the way you think and focus instead on those positive reasons why moving on in your career is the right next step. Understanding the challenges you may face will help you deal with them more confidently.
1. Consider the positives of a job change
Begin by considering all the reasons why looking for a new job is a good thing. For example, progressing your career, learning new skills, meeting new people, taking on new challenges, developing expertise and, of course, increasing your income.
2. Prepare yourself for the job search process
If it has been a while since you were last in the market for a job, then it is likely you need to do a bit of preparation. Not only will this ensure you’re presenting yourself in the best possible way, it also helps to build your confidence as the process becomes less of an unknown.
• Start by updating your CV to reflect who you are now and the skills, experience and training you have gained in your current job.
• Do some research into the kind of roles you are interested in, or companies you would like to work for, so you have a better idea what they are looking for and you can tailor your CV accordingly.
• Brush up on interview techniques so you are fully prepared and know how to make the interview work for you.
3. Be aware of all your skills
Take time to think about all the skills and experience you have acquired. When you have been doing the same tasks over a long period they may seem mundane, but they will involve skills that not everyone may have. So, it is important to list them out and recognise everything you have done as ticking another box.
This is not limited to specific job skills, it also includes soft skills which can come from your work, but also from other areas of your life. For example, if your current job involves a lot of independent tasks where you mostly work alone, but on a Friday evening you play with a local football team, then you are clearly a good independent worker but also a key team player.
4. Learn new skills
If the lack of knowledge in a specific area is stopping you from applying for your dream job, then take the time to work on learning new skills. For example, if you would really like to be a hard landscaper but up to now all your experience has been in soft landscaping, then take a course to add to your skillset. If you have a fear of speaking in front of a room full of people which is preventing you from taking on a role where you would be expected to present meetings, then take a class in public speaking.
Growing your skillset can refresh your self-confidence and renew your enthusiasm for trying new things. At the same time, it will open up more opportunities as you begin the search for your new job.
5. Get support in your job search
Going to an online job board may seem a little overwhelming at first. The immense variety of job titles or uncertainty about whether you have the right qualifications or experience could be enough to either put you off trying altogether. This is where seeking the help of a recruitment service is extremely beneficial.
A smaller recruitment company like Cosmopolitan Recruitment is ideal to assist in your job search. We personally invest in each one of the candidates we work with and really take the time to get to know about your past job experience. We can help draw out those other qualities and skills you may not have considered and through this approach build confidence in your abilities and your reasons for moving on. You can learn more about how we can help you here.
6. Set new goals
Setting goals is a good strategy when planning a big change. Having short and long-term goals will help you stay on track, taking one step at a time, creating a sense of achievement as you complete each one and giving you something to aim for as you head to your ultimate objective, and get that new job.
Some examples of goals for your job search could be:
• Make a list of the type of job you would like
• Check out the skills and/or experience you need
• Learn a new skill or skills
• Take an online course
• Update your CV
• Search job sites
• Sign up to a recruitment agency
• Practice interview techniques
• Get that job
Taking the first step is always the hardest. Once you’ve made the initial move to consider your options and build on the positives, you’ll feel yourself progressing and you’ll understand the reason why stepping out of your comfort zone was a good thing. You may find the job you thought you were happy in wasn’t giving you everything you needed, and that there is more out there to discover and do.
Take the next step in your career with our personal recruitment service and send us your CV today.