When embarking on a search for a new position, career move or change, it’s worthwhile spending some time asking yourself just what it is you are looking for and why these things are necessary to you to achieve your goals.
Questions you may want to consider during this exercise could include:
- What do you hope to achieve from making this career move
- What are your short, medium and long-term goals?
- Do you prefer a job with internal (business) or external (customer) interface
- Is the (public) profile of the company important to you?
- Are there certain industry sectors or types of business that you would prefer or prefer not to work in?
- What type of company culture inspires you, and why?
- What type of departmental structure suits you, and why?
- Do you perform better in a structured or a more relaxed company/team environment?
- How would you describe your perfect IT Director?
- What are your views on technology deployment? Do you want to work in a leading-edge or a more predictable environment?
- When it comes to utilisation, do you want to work in a technology- or business-led company?
- What is your personal approach to work – both as an individual and as a team player?
- Are you prepared to travel with your new role?
- What geographical area are you searching in?
- Are you aware of current market trends in that geographical area (i.e. house prices etc)??
- Does commuting present any difficulties to you in obtaining a new position?
Now you have a better idea of what you want in your new role and the company culture and environment you prefer to work within, the next step is to know yourself.
Here you need to examine your qualifications, skills and abilities in a truly honest fashion – deciding what you can offer to an employer, as well as pinpointing your potential and desire to succeed in a new role. With this information, and an attractive CV, you can now begin to market yourself.
One of the best ways to do this is through building personal relationships with key individuals in recruitment who you know are active in your specialist area and who can demonstrate results.
As with all projects, it is necessary to properly plan and prepare in advance. By doing so, you can move logically and swiftly through the recruitment process and make your decisions based on a sound knowledge of yourself and your skills.