How I did it It took me just over 4 months to find a job I wanted. ... Read More

How I did it I had been working in finance for many years, but real... Read More

How I did it After I got made redundant, I thought I would get a jo... Read More

How I did it

After I got made redundant, I thought I would get a job pretty quickly. I went for a few interviews in the weeks following my being made redundant, and didn't get any of them - I think the problem was that there were so many people on the market that there was always someone better qualified or in a better position than I was.
As the months went on, I really started to panic about not getting a job. I got a payout from my previous employer when I left, but this was quickly disappearing on my rent and daily expenses, so I was really getting worried about going bankrupt.
I made a list of every recruitment company in London, and I went to visit all of them. I kept calling each of the people I met and none of them seemed to have jobs available for me.
I tried to keep believing the perfect job for me would come, but at times I was close to panic and found this hard to believe.
I eventually got a call from an agent about a job I really liked the sound of and went for an initial interview which went well. I had 4 interviews in total and got the job amid, so I am told, quite a lot of competition. I am so so happy to have got this, as it is so much better fit for me than my last job, and is a lot better than a lot of the jobs which turned me down.
The time I was unemployed was hard, but I backed myself to get what I really wanted, and eventually I did.

Tips & Advice Believe in yourself. Back yourself to get what you want, and believe you will get it. This may be hard sometimes - particularly if you were out of a job for as long as I was, but spend some time each day visualising you getting what you want. Get out and meet a lot of recruitement agents in your area of expertise. I met so many, and kept harrassing them for any jobs they might have which would be good for me. The competition is fierce, so you have to keep in their face to ensure you are at the front of their mind. I would say the main thing is to believe in yourself, and don't give up until you find the right job for you.

How I did it

I had been working in finance for many years, but really wanted to be involved in child education. I was into my 30s when I decided to make the move, and I got into the education sector in a non-teaching role, when I realised that I really wanted to be a teacher. I investigated all my options, and the best one for me was to go for a work-based route where I could work as an unqualified teacher and train on the job. It was very competitive to get a place on this scheme, and the first time I applied I did not get through, the reason being that I had too little experience. To be able to get this position, I knew I would have to get more experience and so I had to become a classroom assistant for a term. This was enjoyable, and it gave me great experience, but gave me far less money than I was used to, and it was a struggle in this regard. That said, I am really happy I made the leap and went for it as on my second application I made it, and spent a year training.
I am happy to say that I have recently got my first full teaching post and am loving it. It is so much more rewarding than my past career, and I am so happy I made the move.

Tips & Advice Work out what you want to do, and do everything to make it happen. If you are changing career, you may have to make a backward step, but it is very much worth it if it will get you where you want to be. So go for it - it is never too late to start!

How I did it

It took me just over 4 months to find a job I wanted. Every day for that time, I applied to every job I thought I would enjoy and was suitable for - I applied through internet sites, recruitment agencies and direct to companies I wanted to work for. This was actually quite discouraging, as I didn't hear back from almost any of them. After a couple of months of consistent applications, I started getting some interviews through, when I started to focus on doing well in the interview process. I read a few books on taking interviews, and how to succeed in them and tried to put it into practice on the big day.
After I started interviewing, I had a job offer within a couple of months.

Tips & Advice Spend a lot of time searching and applying for jobs. This will take a lot of time upfront, but don't get discouraged by any lack of responses - one of them will come through! For an interview, make sure you research the company well, and make sure you present yourself in the best way - dress well, speak clearly and confidently, maintain eye contact etc. It is also worth preparing key questions which seem to come up in each interview before you go in (such as key strengths and weaknesses, why you want the job etc).