Structuring your Job Search

Category: Tips and Advice Publish date: 02/01/2015

As with all good campaigns you need a plan, and searching for a job is a campaign - read our tips on structuring your job search.

Have a plan

As with all good campaigns you need a plan, and searching for a job is a campaign. MyPlan allows you to create your own Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) as well as produce checklists and track your progress in achieving your resettlement goals. It can be hard to look for a job at the same time as doing your current role but by setting yourself realistic goals for each week/month, you can manage your resettlement and find that perfect opportunity. MyPlan also has information on courses, workshops and briefings that can help you prepare for coming out of the military.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

MyPlan also has Career Assessment activities. These are extremely helpful in pulling together the information about Brand You! Before you go to market with employers it’s important to know what your strengths and weaknesses are – what your unique selling point is and to be clear on what you want in the next phase of your career. You can always talk these points through with your CTP Career Consultant too.

Identify your priorities

Approaching the job market can be daunting but if you have prepared well and identified what you are looking for in your next job the search becomes a lot simpler. As soon as you know what your priorities are as well as your strengths and areas for development you can start to think about the right companies for you. It’s important to find an organisation which matches your values and approach to work because this is somewhere you will want to stay. Researching companies is an essential part of finding that next career and the CTP has great information on industries and some major employers who are interested in your skills and experience. The CTP website has industry sector guides as well as articles about companies and current opportunities (Focus Newsletter) along with designated company pages (Employer Focus) to help you research and prepare your targeted application.

Use your network

Networking is an essential part of finding a job. You will have many friends and colleagues working outside of the military and they are all part of your network to help you successfully transition in to civilian life. By letting them know what you are looking for in your next job they may be able to offer advice, contacts or even introduce you to a prospective employer.

Update your RightJob profile

Along with the wealth of online job sites available, ensure CTP RightJob is part of your job search: log in regularly to view opportunities advertised by employers specifically seeking the skills and experience offered by ex-military personnel. Plus, ensure your profile is correctly filled out and up-to-date to ensure you don’t miss out on tailored notifications to match your requirements.

We wish you the best of luck as you embark on your new career path.