Having to deal with the upheaval and personal change that relocation necessitates offers both a challenge and an opportunity. If you’re employed too, and are following a relocating partner, you’ll almost certainly be considering the future of your own career. We look at the options.

Though relocation is undeniably a time of stress, the good news is that, as far as working partners of relocating employees are concerned, it can offer you the ideal opportunity to review your current position, past achievements and learning points; reassess your next steps, short term goals and longer term direction and revitalise both your personal confidence and your career plans.

One of the things you should think about in your quest to find new work are your transferable skills. These are skills that you’ve built up in previous roles and that you can take with you to a new situation. You may be acutely aware of what these skills are – but, if you’re less certain, it can be helpful to ask a third party (perhaps someone you’ve worked with or a career counsellor) to look at your CV, discuss your work experience and help you identify them.

Networking can be a great way of finding new employment. You may find that joining a local group, club or class will open up opportunities for you in an unfamiliar area, as may attending professional lectures, conferences and events in your field of specialism. Even pursuing a new interest at a personal level can help you meet up with people who are able to offer you information, tips or useful contacts. Networking is not about asking for a job, but about finding out what other people know and getting used to talking positively about yourself to others.

Is career counselling for you?

If you feel you’ve reached a ‘dead end’ regarding career development, career counselling could be just what you need to pull you out of the rut. A career counsellor will help you determine the direction you want your career to take, will identify local employment opportunities and learning resources, and generally keep you informed as to how to get ahead in your new area.

Applications: the low-down

First and foremost, your CV should be up-to-date, easy to read and neatly presented – make sure it’s typed and that you’ve read it carefully to avoid mistakes. The covering letter that accompanies your CV and the information you provide within it are key to achieving success. It’s your chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer and to draw his/her attention to any relevant successes you may have had. Keep the tone of your letter up-beat and professional. Many companies still prefer to see a handwritten letter, rather than a type-written one – the reverse, then, of what’s preferred when it comes to CVs.

Before the interview

• If you get an interview for a new job, make sure you’ve done your research on the company by obtaining and reading its corporate literature/looking at its website/speaking to its employees.
• Think about the sort of questions you’ll be expected to answer, and about any questions you’ll want to ask.

After the interview

If you don’t get offered the job... think about what you could have done differently, and then move on – your day will come, so keep applying!

If you’re a relocating partner and think Career Counselling could be helpful, contact Profile Locations on 01892 891334 or see www.profilelocations.co.uk for further information. Alternatively, if you’re an HR professional wanting to introduce spousal assistance to assist mobility, please call us for more details.

© 2007 of Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.