Decide what a good next step looks like
Start with the work you enjoy and the conditions that help you do it well. Your next move might involve more responsibility, a different industry, a new location or a more suitable work pattern. Be specific about what you want to change.
Write down your essential requirements and the things you can be flexible about. Consider the duties, travel, roster, learning opportunities and pay together so you can judge a vacancy on more than its title.
Find evidence of your strengths
Review recent projects and tasks. What did colleagues rely on you for? Which problems did you solve? Turn these observations into short examples that show your skills in action.
Transferable skills can help when you change industries. Scheduling work, handling customer enquiries, following safety procedures and coordinating a team may be relevant to several different roles. Explain the connection using concrete examples.
- Record the task, your contribution and the result.
- Keep certificates and relevant work samples organised.
- Ask referees for permission before sharing their contact details.
Choose one skill to develop
Read a selection of advertisements for your target role and look for recurring requirements. Separate essential qualifications from skills an employer may help you learn.
Choose one realistic gap to address. You could practise a software tool, seek feedback on a task or explore a relevant course. Before paying for training, check that it suits your target role and that employers recognise the qualification. Avoid collecting courses without a clear purpose.
Keep your CV and profile current
Update your contact details, recent experience and relevant qualifications. Tailor your summary and examples to the role while keeping dates and achievements accurate.
Use clear headings and readable formatting. Save a PDF or DOCX copy, check that it opens correctly and give it a professional filename. Before uploading, remove information that is unnecessary for the application, such as bank details or identity-document numbers.
Build a weekly job-search routine
Set aside manageable time for finding suitable vacancies, tailoring applications and preparing for conversations. Keep a simple record of each role, the application date, the contact person and the next action.
Review what is happening every few weeks. If applications are not leading to interviews, revisit how clearly your CV addresses the requirements. If interviews are not leading to offers, reflect on your examples and ask for feedback where possible.
Choose a small next action today: update one section of your CV, practise an interview answer or apply for one well-matched vacancy. Consistent progress is easier to maintain than trying to do everything at once.