Happy new year! Happy New Career?

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.”

Chris Grosser

The beginning of a new year is an exciting time full of new beginnings, fresh starts and career transitions. It’s a time of rebirth, and a great time to rethink and refocus your career.

Did you know that over the course of a person’s lifetime, they will work on average 90,000 hours? Work plays a huge role in our lives, so it’s critical to choose a career path that inspires and motivates you.

Why might you be looking to make a career switch this year?

Maybe you’ve relocated, or maybe you’ve been in your job for a long time and fancy a change. Perhaps you’re ready for a new challenge, wish to develop your skills or move up the ladder, or maybe you’re looking for a position that more closely suits your values and interests.

Whatever the reason, taking the next career step isn’t always easy and it can seem daunting. Don’t despair as the team at CY Partners are on hand to help and we are passionate about helping our customers make successful and smooth career transitions. To help you find the right opportunity for you, we’ve compiled some top tips which we hope will guide you toward your next dream role:

Plan, and do your homework!

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on what you really want from your career. So, consider what’s important to you going forward and complete some research. Consider the options you have available to you, what organisations you want to work for, the roles you are aiming for and WHY. Consider the salary and benefits package you’re willing to accept, and what your non-negotiables are.

Work with a professional recruiter

A professional scientific recruiter such as CY Partners can make the job search process easier and faster. They know the job market and have insider knowledge about the organisations they represent. Thus, they can help you prepare for a successful career change by refining your CV and interview technique, and by putting you forward for roles that are aligned with your bigger goals. They are also there to answer your questions and can make recommendations for further training.

Boost your professional network

Surrounding yourself with the right people is vital for career success. It’s down to you to create your own luck and being proactive about networking can dramatically improve your chances of professional improvement.

Develop your skill set

Continuous development of your skillset is essential for career progression and immensely valuable when seeking new opportunities. Think about the skills you’ll need to make you an ideal candidate for the position you have in mind. For example, for any science-based career, skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving and project management are necessities.

You can access free or low cost scientific courses on sites such as The National Careers Service, Gov.UK, Open Learn, Simplilearn, and Future Learn.

Get organised and be proactive

Effectively organising your job search can help to diminish the stress associated with job hunting. Use a spreadsheet to keep track of your job applications, interview dates and other deadlines you are working to, together with the contact details of the agency and consultant you are working with.

A proactive approach to navigating a career change can be beneficial in so many ways, it ensures you stay in control of the process, only go after roles that are in line with your requirements and limits your competition. Make things happen for yourself!

Don’t give up!

It’s a rocky road to career success, but well worth your time. Don’t be put off by setbacks, just keep trying and we promise you’ll get there!

CY Partners advertises roles on our website and LinkedIn. By liking or following our page, you’ll receive updates on positions we are currently recruiting for.

When you’re ready to start the search for your next dream role in science, register with CY Partners here.