Whether you’re in a role that you no longer want or you’re hunting for a new one. Searching for your next move up the career ladder is a job in itself. There is always something to do. Whether that is tweaking your CV just one more time, making yet another amend to your LinkedIn profile or one more quick search online to find that elusive job.
While spending all your waking time job hunting is applaudable, you also need to make sure you’re stepping away from your CV for a while and doing something else. Investing in your career also includes looking after your mental and physical health.
Phil Cookson shares some pearls of wisdom that he’s learnt over the last 18 years whilst helping thousands of eager job seekers find the perfect role.
Why is investing time in yourself crucial for career development?
Investing in the development of your skills and experience can really help you stand out as someone passionate, who has a constant learning mindset.
You can do this through training courses, attending events, and listening to podcasts. There are so many different options and ways to absorb new skills and information now.
It might also be about investing in your well-being and mental health, this could be visiting the gym, taking up yoga or meditation. Whatever it is that helps you to recharge your batteries, so you can do your best work when needed and be the best version of yourself every day.
How does self-care and looking after your mental health help with finding the next job or furthering your career?
Mental health is a foundation on which the rest of your life can be built, so having positive mental health can help you to seek a new role with less stress.
Remember what’s the worst that could happen, that someone says no?
What tips would you give job seekers when it comes to investing in themselves?
Taking the first step is often the hardest, it can seem scary to put yourself out there, to try something new, but a great quote to remember is: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”.
Try and find a ‘Friendtor’ (friends who can also be mentors), these can often be people in similar fields to you, perhaps a similar level of experience, perhaps slightly more. Great places to find these are at events as you’ll often find people attending events with similar interests and values to yourself, it can start with just a LinkedIn connection and build from there.
Can you see the difference and benefits in candidates who spend time investing in themselves?
The determination of those candidates really stands out, ultimately nobody can improve you more than yourself, so be discoverable, be bigger, be bolder, be better.
