You’ve left your job, you need a career break, but don’t take your eye off the job market! This is how to have some time off without missing out on potential opportunities.
Some candidates who have either resigned or been made redundant at the end of the year and, knowing that it was traditionally a ‘no-hire’ period, and they had the means to continue to support themselves and their families, decided to take a well-deserved break.
We all need a break now and again and especially if you have been through the stress of a redundancy, a break is a good thing.
By late January/early February, most have commenced the process of looking for work. However, it comes to April and they are still looking. This can be a bit of a shock, especially to those who have never been out of work for long periods before.
If you are ever faced with this situation, no matter what time of the year it is, here are five tips to better prepare yourself for finding the job you want, quickly:
Register with reputable recruitment firms
Do this as soon as you leave your last role. Ask colleagues you trust for a referral so you can contact a specific person. Email your resume to them, then follow up with a call with a view to arranging a meeting. Advise them you are not in a rush, but to keep you informed of opportunities regardless. This way, should a role come through, you can always negotiate a later start date and still have that break.
Stay active on LinkedIn
Don’t just put up ‘looking for opportunities’ then walk away. Stay active on a daily basis, search the job board, update your status, and keep an eye on what is happening in your sector.
Call your industry contacts
If you are back on the job market, call your contacts. Let them know you are available and to keep you in mind should they hear of any openings. Again, this could take weeks, but at least you’re in the mind of a prospective employer or referral.
Update your resume
Many executives have not required a resume for years due to being ‘head hunted’, however, it’s extremely important to have a clear, defined summary of your capabilities, your achievements and your employment history. Remember this is an evolving document and will need to be targeted (along with a suitable cover letter) to each role you apply for.
Enjoy your break
Relax, spend time with your family, but don’t decline conversations, meetings and other networking opportunities just because ‘you’re on a sabbatical’. Take at least an hour a week to do all of the above and, when you do start searching actively again, it will be a much smoother transition back into the world of job hunting!
Eva Grabner
Managing Director
Elite Executive Pty Ltd
www.eliteexecutive.com.au
Cairns | Brisbane | Darwin | Townsville
Eva has amassed over 17 years of experience in the executive and professional recruitment industry and is the sole proprietor of Elite Executive, a thriving executive recruitment firm based in Queensland. As a highly professional and driven Managing Director and Principal Recruiter, she brings a wealth of recruitment expertise across a diverse range of industries. Her background also includes executive leadership and senior management roles on a global scale, showcasing her robust operational acumen.
