September has a way of sharpening the mind. Holidays are over, the kids are back at school, businesses get back into gear, and a lot of people start thinking: I really do not want to be doing this job by Christmas.
If that sounds familiar, then this is for you. But before you fire your CV off to 20 vacancies, stop and ask yourself a few questions first:
Why do you actually want to leave? Is it the job itself, the company, your manager, the salary, a lack of progression, the commute? Knowing the real reason is important, because it affects what you should be looking for next.
What salary would genuinely make you move? Not your dream figure, but the number you would actually accept. There is a difference, and it is worth being clear on it before you start.
How far will you travel? Candidates still apply for roles and then decide at interview that the commute does not work. Save everyone the time, including your own, and work that out now.
What flexibility do you actually need? Office-based, hybrid, specific hours, childcare commitments. Know your non-negotiables before you apply, not after.
Is your CV showing what you have achieved? Listing responsibilities is not enough in a competitive market. Employers want to see what you actually delivered.
What would make you stay? This is the big one. If your current employer offered you an extra £5k when you handed in your notice, would you take it? Better to know the answer now than to find out mid-process.
Are you prepared for this to take time? Employers are cautious, and competition is still high. A job search that takes three months is not a failed job search.
One more thing, and I mean this kindly: please don't apply for everything.
If you are an Accounts Assistant looking for £30k within ten miles of Poole, applying for an Office Manager role in Southampton at £40k is not improving your chances. It is just filling your inbox with rejection emails. A focused search will serve you far better than a frantic one.
And a quick note on AI-assisted applications. Employers are reporting that they are receiving a wave of highly polished, generic applications that all sound remarkably similar. Your CV and covering letter should sound like you, drawing on your genuine experience. That is what gets you noticed.
The market isn't easy right now, but there are things that are within your control. So my advice is to start there.