Daily Mail

A New Year, so how about a new job?

- LINDA WHITNEY

AROUND half of UK workers want to change jobs this year, says specialist recruiter Reed. And many also want a new career.

Mark Hathaway, who changed career in January 2015, says: ‘I was previously in retail and enjoyed the high levels of customer interactio­n. But over time I was enjoying it less.

‘I reflected on what my main skills were and what I enjoyed most, and started looking at other industries where I would could put them to best use.’

He moved into the car industry and is now a sales executive at Lancaster Volkswagen Letchworth, part of the Jardine Motors Group, where he uses his skills to build long- lasting customer relationsh­ips.

‘A lot of my skills naturally transferre­d to my new working environmen­t,’ says Mark, 33.

‘I think people from the retail sector are especially well-placed to make the switch in their career. For me, the ability to strike up a conversati­on with new people helped prepare me for the role more than I perhaps realised.’

He adds: ‘ If you want a career change, identify your skills and passions which are easily transferre­d into a new sector.

‘Some automotive industry employers think people getting new jobs in the trade should come from within, but there are hundreds of highly skilled profession­als who would make fantastic employees within the field.’ Visit jardinemot­ors.co.uk/

careers. John Lees, author of How To Get A Job You Love, advises: ‘List the features of your ideal job, then list suitable organisati­ons and get in touch with them.

‘Seek face-to-face meetings r ather than spending hours online. Find people doing interestin­g jobs and employers able to give you ideas, encouragem­ent and introducti­ons.

‘Ensure your new CV focuses on what you do well, your top skills and best results. Give evidence of what you learned and how you’ve made a difference in each job.’

 ??  ?? Building rapport: Mark Hathaway moved from retail to become a car sales executive
Building rapport: Mark Hathaway moved from retail to become a car sales executive

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