Money
Making money
Improve your chances of getting a new job
Spread the word, check your finances, consider a new image and more. Put out the word. Let as many people as possible know that you're on the market - former colleagues, friends, neighbours, acquaintances, relatives.
Don't forget there are many different routes. The internet, recruitment agencies, professional bodies and their magazines as well as newspapers and the www.jobcentreonline.com.
- 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.
- Identify any skills gaps. Make sure you are bang up-to-date in your area of expertise. If not do some training.
- 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 sideways, retraining.
- 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.
- Get the packaging right. Check what clothes people in your line of work are wearing today and sort out your wardrobe.
- 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.
- Stay fit. Searching for work is gruelling at any age. Eat well and take regular exercise. You'll feel - and look better.
- 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.
* Written by Patsy Westcott
