How to improve your career progression

Having a good system for setting yourself goals is the first step towards the career path you want

Useful Goal setting tools

Goal setting with SMART

When setting yourself goals use the SMART system.  Ask yourself if the Goal you’ve set yourself is:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Accurate
• Realistic
• Timebound (i.e. give yourself a deadline)

Improving Interviews with STAR

When being interviewed and asked to explain or give examples of your strengths, use the STAR system.

Describe each of the following to the interviewer:

• Situation or Task
• Action you took
• Results of that action

Finding the right job

Research

Research companies in the same area or subcontractors who may be taking people on.

Contact the job centre locally to see if this is happening.

Networking

Use people you know not to give you a job but keep you informed and meet some contacts so they think of you.

Use LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media to keep in contact with people professionally.

Applying for the job

CV formatting tips

• Keep your CV to 2 sides of A4
• Keep it clean, simple and nicely presented
• Proper tabulation and no errors on it
• Target it to the job and utilise previous experience.

Think about your skills

• Think what skills you have not just in your current job but a previous job or from voluntary work.
• Make a mind map of previous jobs and then the skills you may have from these jobs.
  Download our example mind map to see how it’s done.

A few final job application tips

• Read and follow the instructions on application forms carefully, and don’t forget to sign it!
• Think creatively – see this as an opportunity and really make every application and interview count.
• Make sure you know your strengths and what you can offer that sets you a little bit above.
• Show enthusiasm and willingness to adapt and learn