No one said that finding a new job was easy. But if your work has become as exciting as a cheese sandwich and you have to drag yourself out of bed each morning, it’s time for a new challenge. We asked three experts how to find a new job that will stop work being a chore.


1. What do you want? “People are often nervous about change. You have to be bold and go for the job that you really want,” says Sarah Berry, a career consultant. Ask yourself what your priorities are. “Is it money, status, a better working environment or a complete change? What kind of organisation do you want to work for?”

2. Open your mind. It is hard trying to visualise a new job. “People stick with what they know because they don’t know what else is out there,” says Tom Hadley, director of external relations at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. Research opportunities on the internet and think laterally. “Employers are becoming more flexible in considering transferable skills.”

3. Put the feelers out. “Tell friends and family that you are job-hunting – being asked how it’s going will keep you motivated,” Berry says. Contact people you met at conferences and utilise alumni networks. If you know someone who works for an employer that appeals, ask them to recommend you. “Many employers run a bounty referral scheme. We reward employees who bring in new talent,” says Nicky Winch, the head of recruitment at Capgemini, a consultancy.


4. Spruce up that CV. Berry says that most CVs are a boring list of achievements. “It’s not a powerful message. You need to sell yourself. Say: ‘this is what I can offer, this is the value you will gain from bringing me on board’.” Winch suggests tailoring your CV to each employer.

5. Be proactive. “Scan relevant newspaper sections, job sites and industry publications,” Hadley says. Approach companies directly – most advertise openings on their websites. Speculative applications are time consuming but can occasionally strike gold.

6. And passive. “A good recruitment agency can do a lot of the work for you,” Hadley says. Specialist agencies often have good links with smaller businesses. “Ask them to get your permission before sending out your CV. If the same employer receives it several times you can start to look desperate,” Winch says.

7. Apply with caution. Winch receives hundreds of applications from unsuitable candidates. “Make sure that you match the criteria. [Preparing] before you apply will pay dividends,” she says. Hadley adds: “Apply only for jobs that you have a realistic chance of getting. If applying for a very different role, you need to be quite cute to show how your experience is relevant.”

8. Ace the interview. “Come along in confident mode,” Winch says. “Anticipate questions and prepare for them.” Remember that interviews are a two-way process – asking questions shows interest. “Put the interviewer on the spot. Ask them about their policies in terms of diversity and work-life balance,” she says.

9. Get a response.“Every ‘no’ is one closer to a ‘yes’,” Hadley says. If you are rejected, phone the recruiter for feedback and take it on board.

10. Give it time. Berry estimates that it takes three to six months to find the job that you want. “Do something towards your job hunt each day,” she says.