[BizCareers] Progressing in your career and resigning professionally

Spreading my wings

I have a diploma in marketing and have worked in sales, brand communications, public relations and event coordination for a period of five years in junior, voluntary and internship roles. I'm currently working as a secretary, but searching for a more fulfilling junior marketing role where I can spread my wings.

I have struggled to progress in my career and I'm not sure what I am doing wrong when applying for jobs and attending interviews.

I have a LinkedIn profile and Twitter account that I update daily. I seek advice from people in my industry and make sure I tell everyone that I am on the job search.

Can you perhaps give me tips on ways to make myself more marketable to employers? - Silindile

Hi Silindile,

Thank you for your question.

It really sounds like you're trying your utmost to get your name out there, which I commend you on, well done! It seems that perhaps you may need to be more targeted in your approach. It's great having your social media profiles up to date, however if you want a job, you need to ask directly for a job and use your own initiative. Choose five or so companies that you would really like to work for, have a look on their website whether they have any vacancies and apply to them, with a nice cover letter on your CV explaining why you would be a great hire.

Perhaps even try and speak to the manager directly explaining your passion for the role. Alternatively, find a specialised recruitment agency that deals particularly with junior marketing positions, develop a relationship with them and ask them to contact you if anything comes up. Tell them you are ready and willing to go for interviews, are committed to the process and want to move. Any good recruiter will make the effort to try and place someone that is enthusiastic and committed.

In terms of what to do in an interview, have a read through the following articles to assist you:

• Creating a professional impression
  
• Making your interview count
  
• Creating your CV so that it has a lasting effect

I hope this helps you and I wish you great success in your job hunt! You will find the right thing, just keep persevering and stay positive.

© DreanA - Fotolia.com

Resigning - keep it short, simple and sincere

I have to hand in my resignation at the end of this month and am dreading it. I'm moving on to a great opportunity, but I really don't want to burn any bridges, what is the best way of doing this? - Jarred

Hi Jarred,

Resigning is indeed incredibly daunting, but often you expect it to be far worse than it actually is. The best is to approach it professionally and sincerely. Write up a resignation letter, set up a meeting with your manager and present the letter to him / her in the meeting. You can find excellent templates on Google, but the key is to keep it short, simple and sincere. In your letter you can thank them for everything they have invested in you and that you intend to assist them in any way possible to fill your position or train someone new. This goes a long way to ease the burden that your manager is now left with.

Honour your notice period and do whatever you can in that time to assist the business. Whatever you do, don't bad-mouth the company to fellow employees or boast about leaving. Leave a great reputation behind and let people remember your legacy instead of praying for the day that you actually leave.

Best of luck with this task as well as your new exciting opportunity.

Remember to always love what you do!
Juliette

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