New year, new career

If the New Year has got you thinking about overhauling your career — whether it’s a sideways move to a different sector, a push for a higher-level position at a new company, or a complete professional U-turn — you’ll be needing a strategy.

As I regularly tell my clients and the audiences at my speaking events, dream jobs don’t just land in your lap. It’s all very well sitting at your desk daydreaming about a new start in a perfect role, but if you want to actually make it happen, press pause on the wishful thinking and start planning to make those wishes come true.

A six-month jobsearch schedule is a great place to start. I recommend setting out specific objectives to achieve each month — that way you can chart your progress.

January:

Aim your compass and figure out which sector you want to work in and start to work on your marketing tools — CV, cover letter, etc. For the specifics on how to do this, check out my previous posts on mapping your skills to the market and keeping your cover letter short and sweet.

February:

Reach out to 20 people in your network and get at least two additional contacts from them. Here are some tips on how to leverage LinkedIn in your sustainability job search.

March:

Send out 20 CVs and cover letters. Find out where to look for the best CSR, sustainability and the environmental sector jobs.

April:

Aim to be in 1st and 2nd interviews. Brush up your skills with these job interview tips and resources!

May:

Negotiate the contract.

June:

Start your new job!

So there you have it! Good luck making your dream job come true.

If you need help at any point along the way, feel free to contact me.