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Changing career: support from nextstep
If you haven’t had careers advice since you left school, it's probably time you got some more. Advisers at nextstep offices throughout England are trained to help you work out what you’re good at, and where you could go in your future career.
What careers advice would help you get your perfect job?
Advisers in your local nextstep office are trained to identify the skills you’ve already got, and the ones you’re going to need to get the job you want.
They can show you how the things you've learnt in one job can be valuable in another and also help you understand the job market, advising you on your options and discussing alternative careers.
Improving your CV
Your CV is vital when it comes to getting your next job, and nextstep advisers can help you write it. You can't change your employment record, but you can work with an adviser to make sure your CV shows your strengths and the valuable skills you’ve picked up.
Interview skills
If you're rusty at interviews, brushing up on your technique can really improve your chances of success.
Read the stories below to find out how nextstep has already helped people get the jobs they really wanted.
Changing direction – Jerzy’s story
Jerzy, 41, was made redundant after working for 14 years as a carpet-fitter. He didn’t want to go back to carpet-fitting, but it was hard to find another job.
“It was depressing applying for jobs that I knew I didn’t want”, he remembers. “My wife suggested I make the most of my passion for gardening, but I didn’t know where to start".
It was Jerzy’s daughter who found out about nextstep. At first he wasn’t sure how he could go from being a redundant carpet-fitter to a gardener. But with encouragement from his family, he made the call.
The nextstep adviser helped him write a strong CV and covering letters to all the gardening businesses and nurseries in his area. Jerzy was surprised by his success: “I got an interview and was offered a part-time job - now I really enjoy helping customers with their gardening queries.”
After six months, the nursery offered Jerzy a full-time job. “Going to nextstep was the best move I made”, he says. “It was good to talk to someone about my dreams and get such a positive reaction”.
Never too late – Kim’s story
Kim was made redundant at 53. She thought she would never find another job.
“I was devastated at first and thought, 'That’s it. I’m past it!'. I applied for various jobs but never even got an interview. My confidence was at rock bottom.”
Kim came across a leaflet about nextstep at the library, and thought that she had nothing to lose by calling. When Kim told the adviser about her hobby - alternative therapies - the adviser suggested applying for the local college’s course in massage therapy.
“It was an extremely good course in and I’m now a fully-qualified and accredited masseuse,” says Kim, who’s also doing a course in aromatherapy. In the meantime, she has a job working for a local beauty and health spa: “My life changed the day I applied for that course, and now I feel like a different person”.
Using hidden skills – Dave’s story
Dave, 43, was diagnosed with heart disease and had to give up his job with a roofing contractor.
He knew he wanted to carry on working. He liked IT and messing around on computers, but couldn’t face the thought of being stuck in an office. Then he found out about nextstep on the internet, and arranged to see an adviser.
Dave told her that he enjoyed practical work and wanted variety every day. She suggested making use of his interest in IT by taking a course on installing and maintaining IT systems.
When Dave had finished the course, he set up his own business helping people with their computer systems. The business has built up through word of mouth and he’s able to work at his own pace, and at times that suit him.
“I never would have thought of working for myself”, says Dave. “But it’s completely transformed the way I live. I’m much more relaxed and able to plan my days better. nextstep is a great service for people like me, and talking to someone face-to-face really helps you understand what you want to do with your life.”
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Additional links
Personal learning and careers advice
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