I’m a careers coach – I can help with your job-related New Year’s resolutions

OUT with the old, in with the new job.

The first two weeks of January are the UK’s busiest time for changing career paths, with employers typically seeing an 80 per cent surge in applications.

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Research from recruiter Michael Page reveals 22 per cent of employees are planning to look for a new role at the start of 2024.

However, with job vacancies dropping below the million mark for the first time in more than two years, competition for the best vacancies will be tougher.

If your New Year’s resolution is to change careers, bag a promotion or simply get back into work, Sunemployment is here to help.

We have teamed up with career coach Hannah Gordon, from Brighton’s Jobcentre Plus, who has been helping jobseekers find work for more than three years.

Minister for Employment, MP Jo Churchill, said: “Whether you need support dusting off your CV, interview practice or upskilling in a new area, it all starts with a conversation.

“If you’re looking for a fresh start in 2024, visit your local Jobcentre to see the options out there for you, and good luck in your search.”

Here Hannah gives her expert advice . . . 

Research sectors of interest: With the near-endless options in today’s job market, knowledge really is key.

Get clued up on the sectors out there and the types of roles available by using the Government’s Find A Job Portal or on Jobhelp.

It is a one-stop job shop where you can tailor your search to suit you and your family.

Refresh your CV: Your CV is your ticket to a job interview but it can be hard to know where to start when thinking about a change in career.

Work coaches can help update your CV, identify your skillsets, fine-tune your experience and help you stand out from the crowd during the application process.

Consider work experience and shadowing opportunities: This isn’t just for school leavers!

Instead it allows you to try something new, gain skills and confidence as well as show your enthusiasm to potential employers.

Sector-based work academy programmes: These tailored schemes can last up to six weeks and are specifically designed to upskill and prepare people to move into jobs such as social care, retail and construction.

Ask your local Jobcentre if you are eligible.

Attend local job fairs: These events allow jobseekers to network with local employers and explore different career paths in one place.

Gym course offers personal trainer qualification after just eight weeks

YOU can qualify as a personal fitness trainer in just eight weeks, on a new programme launched by The Gym Group.

The fitness club chain has teamed up with the Department for Work, and Prince’s Trust, to launch the Accelerate PT scheme.

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It is open to people of all ages who are passionate about fitness and running their own business.

Applicants need no prior qualifications and it is ideal for career changers.

Dorcas Viela quit her role as an NHS complaints handler to join the course at her local Gym Group branch in Edmonton Green, North London.

Dorcas, 27, said: “I studied hospitality and tourism at university but was unsure what I wanted to do afterwards and ended up in the NHS.

It is a fantastic organisation, that aligns with my interests in health, but my specific role wasn’t something I felt passionate about.

“I have been a regular gym-goer from age 17, and after months of searching for a new career I found out about Accelerate PT through the Jobcentre.

“My former training in hospitality meant I was well placed for it because the role of fitness trainer is as much about ability to build relationships as knowledge of the body’s anatomy, science and exercise.”

See thegymgroup.com/personal-trainer-course.

TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE

IF your job-hunting is failing to hit the mark, then John Lees can help.

The careers coach reckons you can find a new role this New Year in just four hours.

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His tips from new book How To Get A Job You Love will get you started.

1. Catalogue your strengths: Remind yourself what you’re good at and where you’ve used skills. Write out a list of unedited things you’ve done well, inside and outside work. Pick no more than eight items for your CV – 30 minutes.
2. Don’t sleepwalk into the job market: Review the first 50 words of your CV and LinkedIn profile. Does this present a useful and accurate picture of what you can do? Remember that everything you communicate needs to tell one story – your background, skills you enjoy using, and where you can add value – 30 mins.
3. Use your authentic voice: Find a comfortable way of talking about your experience and where you have made things happen. It’s much easier to say ‘I enjoy’ rather than ‘I’m good at’. Talk about organisations and areas of work you find fascinating. Showing what inspires you communicates energy and helps make sure you’re remembered – 45 mins.
4. Be comfortable talking about yourself: Practise talking about yourself with people you know well. Try out phrases summarising your achievements, reasons for career moves, what you got out of study, what you want to do next. Get feedback from friends on what works well and where you sound uncertain or fake – 45 mins.
5. Reach out early: Research roles, firms and sectors that interest you, but open doors through conversations. Talk to people doing interesting jobs. Don’t feel you have to sell yourself – just say ‘I’m exploring’ – 45 mins.
6. Find encouragers: Talk to people who remind you what you’re good at, listen to your job ideas and hold you accountable for your next steps. Initially this means feedback and support, but soon you’ll get information, ideas and connections. Keep asking who else should I be talking to? – 45 mins.

JUMBO PROSPECTS

BUDGET airline easyJet is after potential high-flyers as it recruits for its graduate programme.

With the aviation industry needing to fill 1.3million new jobs in the next ten years, the scheme aims to highlight roles beyond just pilot, cabin crew and ground-handling and broaden applicant diversity.

While those opting for engineering placements need a degree in this field, finance and management opportunities are open to graduates in all subjects including the arts.

EasyJet’s Jane Storm said: “As well as experience of different roles, students get mentoring, coaching and training.”

Apply at careers.easyjet.com/en/career-areas/early-careers/graduate-programmes.

EM NURSING A DREAM

THINK a degree is beyond you? Then why not make 2024 the year you change your mind?

After suffering childhood emotional abuse, Emma Louise Fillier never thought she could pursue a nursing career.

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But when Covid killed many of the residents in the care home where she worked, Emma found new resolve.

After just eight months of home study with Learndirect, she got on to the Adult Nursing degree course at the University of Sunderland.

Emma, 34, said: “If you need to take just that one step, take it.

“I never ever thought that I would be able to do it but I’m here and I’m doing it – and you can do the same.”

Find out about Learndirect’s Access to Higher Education diplomas at learndirect.com.