5 Essential Steps to Take Before Applying for Your Next Job or Promotion

Embarking on the journey toward a new job or vying for a promotion is both exciting, challenging and sometimes frustrating- potentially demoralising! To enhance your chances of success, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Here are five key steps to take before you apply for your next job or seek that promotion.

 1. Reflect on Your Career Goals

Before you start applying for a new position, take a step back and evaluate your career goals. Is the next step what you really want? Why? The latter is a key factor, and if done properly, will be that driving force through the tough blocks. Look at the reasons based on what it gives YOU- not your family, friends, or peers. What are you looking for in your next job? More responsibility, a different work culture, recognition or perhaps a career shift? The answers will reveal if the next move will be the right one for you. Understanding your goals will help you target the right opportunities and tailor your application to align with these objectives.

 2. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles

This one is obvious, but your CV and online professional profiles (like LinkedIn) are often the first impression you make on potential employers or decision-makers. Update your resume to highlight your most recent achievements, skills, and experiences. Emphasising the impact of your achievements to your workplace is crucial. Ensure your online profiles mirror this information and reflect a professional image. Use keywords relevant to your desired position, as many companies use software to screen initial applications.

 3. Strengthen Your Skills

In today's competitive job market, continual learning is key. Stay across all current trends and requirements in your sector. Identify any gaps you might have and take proactive steps to address them. This could mean taking online courses, attending workshops, or seeking projects in your current job that build relevant skills. This not only bolsters your resume but also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth.

 4. Network Effectively and Authentically

Let me be entirely honest here- I HATE NETWORKING. Yet, I managed to get my career moving without trying. This is where I often replace networking with the term ‘Building Authentic Relationships’. If you are introverted or uncomfortable with networking, know that it’s not just about finding job opportunities; it’s also about gathering insights and advice that can help you in your career journey. Be selective about who you connect with. Reach out and connect to those you respect and admire professionally and personally so it doesn’t feel like it’s an opportunistic exercise. Remember, you can add value to their career as well, so they stand to benefit from your connection. Establishing relationships can simply start with expanding your network online without communicating face to face- whatever is more comfortable- and authentic- to you.

 5. Get Pitch Perfect!

Whether you're applying for a new job or a promotion, you need to be able to articulate your value clearly and concisely. Develop a personal pitch that summarizes who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you aim to accomplish in your next role. Practice this pitch until it feels natural and (yes, again), authentic. Many of our coaching clients see the value in making their pitch their own. We give them frameworks and scripts for many tricky interview questions and scenarios, but the success of the pitch is what brings them the offers- often multiple offers. This will be invaluable in interviews, conversations, and even in your current workplace.

If you’re still struggling with landing your promotion or next job, try applying these 5 points.

And if you prefer to dive into a longer, detailed call with me, you can book your private call here.  We can privately look at:

• The actual hurdles which is making that next step seem impossible
• A tailored plan to move you past this stage without delay
• 2 actionable points to apply straight away for immediate results

Wishing you so much success,