It is 2014, you have reviewed last year, decided that your current job is somewhat lacking, and you need a new challenge. If you want a new 
career or to start studying read on.
1. Research Time
To get an understanding of who you are and what occupations may suit you take a look atCareerQuest on the CareersNZ website. It doesn’t take long and will help you get focused on what you value in a job and the types of roles you might like to consider. The American website O*NET OnLine and MyFuture website in Australia are also worth a visit.
2. Get Practical
Once you’ve started thinking about what you might like to do, it’s time to get practical:
1. Update your C.V. and remember that you will need to individualise it for every application
2. Define your top five work and/or academic achievements
3. Write out your top five transferable skills that you can take from your current job
4. Think about your short and long term career goals
5. Define your ideal salary, geographic location, role and industry
3. Go Social
Understanding that few jobs are advertised means that you need to activate your networks. Depending on how open you want to be with your current employer you can go beyond your friends and family by using social media and your email contacts.
Taking a look through the Yellow Pages and seeing if you can connect with any of the organisations you are interested in, is also worth putting on your ‘To Do’ list. Your goal is to organise “coffee chats”, where you talk to someone who is doing the role you are interested in and find out about their career journey.
I would not recommend sending out unsolicited emails; however, sending a thank you email and a copy of your C.V. through after a coffee chat is appropriate.
4. What if the Grass Isn’t Greener?
If you do the research and decide that your current job isn’t that bad, yet you really do need a new challenge, perhaps it’s time to do some part time study. For “going back to school 101”, check out the Tertiary Education Commission website – there is a huge amount of information on training providers and training programmes, costs and study options.
Whatever happens, remember that a rut is a grave with no ends and it’s up to you to make some changes if you are not happy. Good luck and if you have any questions, please contact sarah@employmenow.co.nz.