In our experience you can avoid some of the early mistakes and pitfalls by following this simple, practical advice:

1. Call PRS before you start

Meet your career coach before you start making calls and meeting contacts. This will help you gain practical and valuable advice to help you get the most from these opportunities.

2. Think about what you will tell people who stop you in the road and ask you how you are?

Develop a single sentence that explains your current situation and your plans for the future.

3. Start to focus on this as an opportunity to do something new and better

When you see and speak to people try to focus on the positive aspects of your current situation.

4. Think about how you might use your network contacts and friends

When people see or call you tell them that you appreciate their interest and know they will be helpful if they can be, don’t put them on the spot by asking them to keep their ears open for job opportunities.

5. Keep your salary expectations quiet

By announcing a price tag you weaken your appeal and bargaining position. We will show you how to deal with salary questions. For the moment, if asked, just say you want your next position to offer fair reward for what you have to give.

6. Don’t prepare and mail CVs

We will work with you to construct a powerful CV which reflects what recruiters are looking for. We will also help you with covering letters. Bear in mind that in some situations you may not need a CV.

7. Advertised jobs are not the only way!

The advertised market is only one route to your next role and is very competitive. Keep a copy of advertisements that interest you so that you can discuss your approach to answering them with your career coach. We will show you how to differentiate yourself from the hundreds of other applicants and identify unadvertised sources of jobs in the hidden job market.

8. Take time to consider the alternatives

Don’t assume that you should continue in your current career path – there may well be other options. We can show you how to identify these and pursue them if they are appropriate for you and realistic for the marketplace.

If you have any questions about job searches, feel free to contact PRS here.