On the fast track

Most resolutions fail because we don't back them up with realistic plans. So if you were eager to get a new job in January but have as yet to make any headway, it might be time to reassess your approach.

The first thing you need ask yourself is why you want to leave your current position. Is it time to move on because you’ve outgrown it and you need fresh challenges? Or are you trying to escape because you don’t like your boss, don’t feel valued, or don’t like your organisation? Beware of leaving for the wrong reasons – you could be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. And remember, if you’re disgruntled in your current job, that may well count against you at interview time: employers are looking for enthusiastic committed individuals, not escapees.

The next point for consideration should be your long-term goals. Do you know where you want to be in five or 10 years’ time? If not, it’s time you considered your “career lifeline”. There may be an obvious career path for you to follow: perhaps you’re a clerical assistant and would like to become a housing manager. If so, consider what experience you will need to get there. Or maybe you want a complete career change. Even here, the same questions apply: what do you need to do to get there? Now is the time to plan ahead.

Once you’re clear why you want to change jobs and you’ve created your lifeline, focus your efforts where they will have most effect and help you get where you want to be. Think twice before taking second best or moving jobs too frequently – it could increase your skills range, but if you’re too far off your lifeline, it can be difficult to explain to prospective new employers.

Above all, remember that success is in your hands. The key is to know what you want first and then plan how you’re going to achieve it.