Is 2010 the year to review your career prospects?

Last week it was reported that the UK is (if only marginally) officially out of the recession. Although the news may have received a lukewarm response across the country, if the positive figures continue it will boost confidence and spur the job market into action.

However for better or worse things aren’t as simple as they were pre-recession. Businesses have learned some very valuable lessons and caution will sit alongside increasing confidence in the market, particularly when it comes to hiring. Companies will search harder for long-term, reliable and skilled employees and therefore anyone job hunting will need a 'proven' job seeking strategy.’

To help those seeking new management and executive jobs , TheLadders.co.uk has put together six components for a successful job search. Compiled from studies and reviews from thousands of employers, these tips aim to guide and direct executives to the best position and the best roles.

1. Starting your job search
Before launching into a new chapter of your career, think about what you want to accomplish from your next role and what changes you’re willing to make to achieve those goals.

2. Work/life balance
When you are at the executive level you probably have a lot of people depending on your success including an abundance of financial and emotional considerations putting pressure on the choices you make. It’s important to balance your job hunt with your personal/family needs.

3. CV
Tune your CV to make it the best, most concise, most focused, most searchable document you can make it. For expert advice try an executive CV service or go to the CV best-practice section of the Career Advice section at TheLadders.co.uk.

4. Personal Branding
From the way you come across to the recruiters, hiring managers and networking connections you meet along the way your personal brand is just as important as the CV. Make sure you finely tune what your unique selling points are and ensure you present yourself appropriately for the role.

5. Networking
Executive networking tools vary from job fairs, to contacts acquired on the job to the latest social networking sites – all are important but you must understand when and how to use them.

6. Interviewing
The final step and the chance to ‘seal the deal’ the interviewing process can also be a very daunting experience. It’s essential you have all the tools you need to give yourself the best opportunity – be prepared, be comfortable within yourself make careful note of your dress and posture, have your ‘elevator pitch’ memorised – a 45 sec summary of who you are, and make sure you have some questions prepared
These tips are taken from ‘Your Executive Job Search – A step-by-step guide to success’ a new e-book launched by TheLadders.co.uk. Further career advice can be found at www.theladders.co.uk/careerservices
What do you think is important in a job hunt? Give us your hints, tips and suggestions.