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10 ways to improve your chances of getting a new job

Spread the word, check your finances, consider a new image and more

1. Put out the word. Let as many people as possible know that you’re on the market – former colleagues, friends, neighbours, acquaintances, relatives.
2. Don’t forget there are many different routes. The internet, recruitment agencies, professional bodies and their magazines as well as newspapers and the Jobcentre.
3. Go for quality rather than quantity. Instead of pumping out hundreds of CVs, analyse what’s required of a job and tailor your application accordingly.
4. Identify any skills gaps. Make sure you are bang up-to-date in your area of expertise. If not do some training.
5. Assess your work-life balance. Check your finances - could you afford a drop in salary? Could you work part-time? Don’t just think of the money, consider what you could gain in quality of life by working shorter hours, taking a step side-ways, retraining.
6. Be flexible. Don’t turn up your nose at short-term contracts, temporary, ‘interim’ or part-time work. It’s the modern way of working – and it could lead to something more.
7. Get the packaging right. Check what clothes people in your line of work are wearing today and sort out your wardrobe.
8. Ditch the grey. You may balk at the idea but a covering up the salt and pepper and a sharp, new haircut can knock years off your age.
9. Stay fit. Searching for work is gruelling at any age. Eat well and take regular exercise. You’ll feel – and look better.
10. Don’t panic. Stay in control of yourself. Think of ways to boost your esteem. See friends, take a spa break, join a reading group, do some voluntary work.

This article was created: 25 July 2006.
This article was last edited: 6 November 2006.

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