The New Year is a period of reflection for many, with gyms and health food shops doing a roaring trade and vintners feeling a little light of pocket. It’s also a time that prompts some people to explore the idea of a new career or new job. Rachel Tubridy, Managing Director of PeopleSource.ie and Yseult Freeney, Associate Professor of Organisational Psychology at the DCU School of Business, joined Richard Curran on The Business to talk about some of the steps you should take when considering a career change or new job, common mistakes people make on the job hunt and ways to boost your chance of landing that new job.
Yseult recommends a measured approach when considering a career move, acknowledging the important role that work plays in your life but trying not to get carried away with a fix-all job change.
“People spend more of their time at work than they do at any other activity. So, if it’s a source of unhappiness, it’s certainly something that you should take time to think about, what you’re going to do with the rest of your time at work and your career. But I think before taking a leap, the grass is always greener somewhere else.”
One thing worth trying, Yseult says, is trying to make changes in the job you are currently in, “crafting the job that you have into the job that you want”. If that doesn’t work, that’s where someone like Rachel steps in. Her first piece of advice is to make sure you know what you want and why you're leaving your job.
“There’s a process there of self-analysis. You know, what you're good at, etc. Then you go into your planning phase.”
What are some common mistakes we make when putting together a CV? Rachel gave Richard a run-down of the basics. As well as making sure it’s not too long and it’s typo-free, she recommends trying not to unintentionally alienate potential employers by using confusing language.
“Maybe using a lot of jargon in there…job titles that don’t mean anything outside of your company. Like, ‘Chief Listening Officer’. Like, that is an official job title but, you know, not many people know about it. It’s marketing.”
Another important component, according to Rachel, is your social media presence. Any compromising or embarrassing photos need to go. But it’s also important to keep things up to date.
“Most people will look at your Linkedin profile. That’s probably the number one thing that you need up to date and looking professional. So, you know, your image which is online shouldn't be a stormtrooper. It should be of you in professional attire. Not sitting on your bed or in your bathroom shirtless.“
To listen back to the whole segment on The Business, click here.