Five ways to kick start your career in 2024

Five ways to kick start your career in 2024

New Year, new you? If you want to give your professional prospects a boost, here are five things to do right now

By Ernie Richardson

If there’s one thing the recruitment industry can be sure of in the early part of a New Year, it’s this: the number of people looking for a new job surges.

Some estimates put the increase in job searches in January at around 33 per cent, which means a third of the UK workforce is on the hunt for a fresh opportunity.

...whether you decide to move on or stay put, there’s a clear sense of purpose in the New Year.  

It is easy to see why: after an extended period of leave, you return to work feeling disheartened. It is easy to focus on the bad aspects of your current role. You quickly develop “grass-is-greener” syndrome and think that a different job, any job, will spell the end of your woes.

For some, the longing to move runs deeper. In the same way that the Christmas break prompts people to consider ending long-term relationships, it also gives them time to ponder their professional future.

But whether you decide to move on or stay put, there’s a clear sense of purpose in the New Year. Which is where our five steps to boost your career come in. Read on, and be ready to take 2020 by the horns.

1. Focus on what you want from life

All those hours spent staring at David Walliams adaptations over the Christmas holiday can have a brain-numbing effect. But now you’re back in work mode, it pays to spend some time considering your priorities.

Five ways to kick start your career in 2020There’s a sense of a New Year providing a chance to take stock, it’s worth going with the grain of this instinct. Use the feeling of a new start to consider what you want from life in the coming 12 months.

It doesn’t all have to be about work. While you may decide that you want a big promotion and more professional status, you may equally conclude that you want a better work-life balance, to spend more time with your family and friends.

Either decision is fine. But, once you’ve made it, the key thing is to work out steps that help you achieve it. Don’t let 2024 be another year of all talk and no action.”

2. Identify a project to keep you inspired

Very few of us can give up work entirely, even though it often has a strong appeal in the cold months of January and February. Similarly, it’s unlikely that we can change jobs in a heartbeat. Most people have to serve notice, and you need to find the right opportunity before jumping ship.

“Give yourself a project that will motivate you over the weeks ahead.”  

So here’s some advice for the period of discernment that is a New Year: Give yourself a project that will motivate you over the weeks ahead. Such a project can be centred on work or leisure. You could take on a particular task for your employer: scoping a new investment, say, or planning a restructure.

Alternatively, you could identify a personal goal that you want to achieve. Learn the piano, or plan a holiday. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. But finding something to focus on will help energise you. That newfound enthusiasm will permeate every aspect of your life.”

Five ways to kick start your career in 2020 square - networking3. Build your network

Whether you’re looking to move to a new employer, progress in your current workplace or simply enhance your reputation, it pays to invest in your network.

Thanks to the pervasive presence of LinkedIn, it’s easy to give your virtual black book a tickle. Reach out to people on your contacts list. Get more active with posting. Position yourself as a thought leader. Engage with the world around you, showing your expertise in your industry.

Virtual networking is a great way of enhancing your profile,” says Ms Kershaw. “But in my opinion nothing beats getting out and pressing the flesh.

“If you’re looking for a new opportunity, I’d recommend attending networking events, signing up for training courses in your sector, and even offering to speak at conferences. All of these activities will help you make useful contacts, raising your profile and giving you a boost at the same time.”

4. Invest in your development

Attending a training course isn’t just a good opportunity to make new connections. It will also equip you with new skills, enhancing your CV and helping you add value in the workplace.

"...sign up for an online course or look into attending a one-off training event..."  

“The New Year is a great time to invest in your training and development,” says Ms Kershaw. “You may sign up for an online course or look into attending a one-off training event. Some people may even decide it’s the right moment to pursue further academic study that enhances their professional standing, or acquire a professional qualification.”

Whatever you fix on, it’s worth asking your employer if they’ll help fund it. That sends a signal that you’re ambitious and keen to progress, as well as helping with costs. Then make sure you stick with your training commitment, even when the New Year enthusiasm wears off. Training is only of value if you see it through.

5. Seek independent guidance

For most of us, it can be hard to make dispassionate judgments about our future, especially professionally.

That is why Ms Kershaw recommends seeking impartial guidance about your career plans: “Speak to someone who understands your industry, or has knowledge of recruitment. They’ll be able to assess your CV, consider your skill set, and help you discern the best next step.

“Many people don’t understand that a recruitment consultant’s job isn’t just to find you a new role,” she continues. “It’s also about sitting down with candidates and working out what’s right for them.

“Spending time with someone like me or a member of my team is beneficial to anyone who wants to take stock of their career. We live and breathe recruitment. Every day, we’re finding round holes for round pegs, ensuring the perfect match between opportunities and candidates. If you need some objectivity on your career, that’s a pretty good place to start.”

 

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If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
How to switch careers in your 20s and 30s
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Published: 10 January 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

Customer Services Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB14
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Customer Services Executive for a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

As a Customer Services Executive, you will play a key role within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to both new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You will answer customer questions, solve problems, and provide information about the company’s products and services — all while building strong relationships and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

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  • Manage the CRM system
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  • Processing incoming sales orders
  • Liaise with the order fulfilment team for the smooth supply of products to customers
  • Manage any after-sales requirements
  • Help project manage key projects and clients

Role requirements include:

  • Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Previous experience in a similar role is preferable
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  • Must be able to understand business calculations and be competent to correspond via email in a professional manner
  • Must be an excellent face-to-face communicator
  • Telephone communication skills are of a high standard
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Skills and qualifications to include:

  • A highly capable person with strong planning and scheduling skills
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  • An independent person with good organisation and planning skills, who is capable of objectively assessing and improving their own and the department’s performance
  • Must be reliable, tolerant, and be able to work under pressure. The ability to be professional at all times and represent the company in a professional manner is a prerequisite
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  • Must be able to work alone as well as work within a team
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,000 - £34,000 per annum
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Role: Full Time
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Job ref: TB13
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Just Recruitment is seeking a Technical Sales / Applications Engineer for a leading client in Tiverton, Devon — an excellent opportunity for a graduate, higher apprentice, or experienced engineer to develop their career within a technical engineering environment.

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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB11
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Sudbury, in the search for a talented Procurement Manager to join their expanding team.

Required skills and qualifications:

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This is a hands-on, strategic, and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.

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This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

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  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
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  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
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Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm, although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Ipswich
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Hybrid working will be available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
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Job ref: JC22
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Key experience required includes:

  • Previous experience in high-level administration, with strong attention to detail and excellent customer service skills
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Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period — a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

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Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
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This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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