TRICIA PHILLIPS

Whether you’re in a job and want to move up the ladder or fancy changing to a completely different role, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There are tried and tested ways you can prepare for your next job says career coach Jane Barrett, who is co-author of Taking Charge of Your Career: The Essential Guide To Finding The Job That’s Right For You. Here she shares her tips:

Mind the gap Look at the gap between where you are now in terms of skills and experience and where you need to be to take that step up or make that change. This gives you the starting point for what you need to do to prepare for your next job.

Solve problems Take the initiative to suggest improvements to your current employer. Get noticed for suggesting ideas and solving problems to give your career, and CV, a boost.

More responsibility Raise your profile by taking on more responsibility. Can you help to train new employees? Is there training within your current job that could help you and the company? Look for opportunities to upskill.

Look outside work Work isn’t the only place to develop your skills. Volunteering with local charities or clubs can help you develop and pick up new skills to boost your CV.

Network Meet as many people as possible and tell them or show them what you can do in person. The right person can be trained up if they have lots of enthusiasm and potential – it’s much harder for an employer to do it the other way round, so make sure you make an impression.