The must-read blogs for job seekers

When you are searching for a new role, it can feel like a full-time job! Keeping up to date with the alerts, filtering the roles to match what you want and need, then the creation and development of hard-hitting CVs and Application Forms. That is all before you plan and prepare for interviews. As a Career Coach and Mentor, I can offer a helping hand through this process; but today I want to create a one-stop shop blog to help you when you are job-seeking. Welcome to the must-read blogs for job seekers.

Maybe you don’t have the budget or time to work with a Coach like me. Or you are considering if a Coach is the right step for you and want to “try before you buy.” Either way, I want you to work your way through these selected blogs to help you navigate the rollercoaster of job searching. It does not matter if you are returning to work after a career break, changing roles, moving organisations or job searching due to redundancy, all these blogs will help you on your way!

I’m going to start with the ongoing issue with job searching, one that is often not spoken enough about, the emotional toil!  A quick reframe can help, which is to approach the process with curiosity, rather than a competition.  The next is to shake up your perspective and routine to keep you motivated. You can find some interesting ways in this blog.  You may find you are not even sure WHAT you want to do next, so this playful approach can help generate some new and unexpected options.

Now, I want to share with you some insider knowledge, so you can streamline your job search process, as well as lift the lid on what many coaches don’t tell you! Let’s start with the trend that around 80% of jobs are never advertised! Don’t panic – let me share with you some ways to handle the hidden job market.  You can maximise your proactive approach by using some tips from my recruiter days! Next, some tried and tested mindset tweaks that can help when you are searching for your next opportunity.  Then, lastly but not least, is a list of some amazing sites and platforms with great cultures, flexible approaches and the desire to work with parents.

So, you’ve spotted a role you want; how are you going to present the best version of yourself on a CV? Whilst this is a full blog on its own, I wanted to share two articles that will help move the dial. First, the five common CV myths that stand in everyone’s way. Second, for those who are looking for a role and have self-employment in their work history, here is a way you can make that shine!  If you have a career break, now is the time to be unapologetic about it!

The CV, cover letter and application form are the first stage in the interview process, now I want to hold your hand to have a confident interview; where you can highlight your skills while uncovering if they are the right organisation, culture and role for you!    You want to be able to prep for a video interview, understand how to tell the story of your career, highlight your transferable skills,

I have done the metaphorical leg work for you, collating the must-read blogs for all job seekers across many years and thousands of words! If you want to develop your knowledge further, take some time to work your way through the Careers and Return to Work article categories, and you can use this as a framework for your job search; be it due to redundancy, a career break or the wish for a new opportunity.

Nothing beats working 1:1 with a coach, but this support and guidance will help you move forward and help you create a career to enjoy not endure!

I would love to know how these blogs have helped you. Feel free to reach out at hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk or continue the support in Creating  Careers to Enjoy.

Book a call to see which of my career coaching and mentoring packages may help you.