We’ve all looked for a career move at some stage and with competition for Training roles higher than ever, getting it right first time is critical……

Out Of The Frying Pan……

You wouldn’t develop a training initiative without a TNA – so do the same for your career. Be honest about your reasons for looking. Are you lacking challenge, future prospects or purely salary? Ensure that none of these issues can be resolved with your current employer to prevent jumping into the fire and having to look again in 6 months time.

Look Before You Leap…..

Be clear about what you want from your next role. Realistically appraise your experience and skills – use a competency framework if that helps. Whilst you want to advance your career, it needs to be an achievable move offering tangible long-term benefits.

All That Glitters…..

Remember – be selective! Taking a scattergun approach and applying to every possible advert will not only dilute your focus, but could in fact jeopardise your chances. Multiple applications can smack of desperation and as many companies will not re-consider recent applicants it pays to be discerning.

Time Is Of The Essence……

Write an up to date CV that you can alter to make it relevant to each application. Write a cover letter or email highlighting the parts of your experience that match the required competencies. Spending ten minutes extra on each application can mean the difference between getting an interview and finding yourself on the reject pile.

Skinning A Cat…..

There is more than one way to find that elusive perfect career move – each can be hugely successful but also hold potential pitfalls.

• Internet/Job-Boards – The online choice is vast and you can apply at any time that suits you. However, remember that you could be wasting time applying to the same role on different sites and in the worst case scenario an anonymous advert could be your current employer. In addition posting your CV on a job-board removes your anonymity – you can’t guarantee it won’t get back to your current employer.
• Specialist Publications – Most tend to have a dedicated recruitment section for Training & Development roles.
• Recruitment Consultancies – Can be invaluable if you are prepared to use them properly. Once again selectivity and control are key. Applying to every agency under the sun will only dilute your efforts and remove the incentive for them to work actively on your behalf. Initially only speak to one or two agencies – be prepared to work with them and ask about their methods and confidentiality. Insist that you are consulted about each role they consider you suitable for – remember that under Data Protection and Employment Agency laws they cannot reveal your details to a client without your express permission. 
• Networking – If your industry knowledge is strong and you are well connected this can be an invaluable source of inside information and a way to gain personal recommendations – but be careful, you never know who plays golf with your boss!

Following these guidelines should improve your chances of getting that all important interview……but then that’s another story altogether.

Paul McMurtrie and Natalie Adams are the founders of Essence Resourcing (www.essenceresourcing.com), a niche consultancy specialising in the recruitment of Training & Development professionals throughout the UK.

Paul and Natalie can be contacted on 0870 755 8797 or by email at info@essenceresourcing.com

This article first appeared in Training Journal