You know the old saying, “you make your own luck”? Well Usain Bolt was lucky to win 9 Olympic Gold medals. His “luck” was made from years of practice, drills, dedication, professional support, endurance and focus.

If your idea of getting a job is to open the local newspaper classified job ads section, respond to an advert in a professional journal or fire off your c.v. to the first three searches of a web-based job board, then the chances of securing your ideal job are pretty limited. If you want a fabulous job that fits with your family responsibilities don’t just leave it to luck or chance – think about what is behind that luck. Here are 7 things to do rather than leave your job hunting to chance:

1. Know what you want

Knowing what you want before you start looking will help you to set your intention and give you a clear checklist for securing your ideal job. Think about the content of the role, working hours, environment, people you want to work with, travel, opportunities for progression. Create your ideal job and imagine yourself doing this – is this what you really want? Will it work for you and your family?

2. Be in control

Develop a job search campaign, like a marketing campaign. Using your ideal job checklist, lead your own search, be in control of the pace and the successful outcome. Give yourself power and permission to be in charge of your future.

3. Do your preparation

Research the types of roles that you would like and the organisations that you’d like to work for; practice being interviewed and talking about yourself again in a professional capacity and look into whether it would be beneficial to update your skills and knowledge through training and education. Also make sure your c.v. and Linked-In profile are up to date and reflect your career break.

4. Know your value
Do some research on salary levels typically advertised for the type of role you ideally want and get a feel for whether this is changing. Think about what your skills and experience are worth and reach an approximate minimum pay level. It’s also worth looking at the cost v benefit of your ideal job when taking into account additional childcare costs, travel costs, etc. Incorporate this information with your ideal job checklist and understand what you want to get from the job too – it’s likely to be more than just the money.

5. Use your network

Most jobs aren’t actually advertised. Use your network (i.e. the people that you already know) – let them know what you are looking for and ask them who they know who might be able to help you. This is also an opportunity to reconnect with previous work colleagues and meet new people. Remember, people are generally flattered to be asked and happy to help.

6. Tailor each application

When applying for a job, make sure that you tailor your covering letter or email, your c.v. or application form to the specific role. Don’t rely on a standard response to each application as this just shows the recruiters that you aren’t interested specifically in them and you can’t be bothered.

7. Don’t settle for second best

In securing your ideal job, there may be sacrifices or compromises to be made. However don’t settle for your first job offer if it doesn’t meet your essential ideal job criteria; stay in control of the process and make sure that you confidently negotiate your ideal criteria or look elsewhere. Whatever happens, don’t settle for anything less than your true worth. Women inherently under-sell themselves – this is a time to show that you don’t follow the gender stereotype!

Jessica Ennis-Hill, double Olympic medal winner, didn’t leave her job success to chance when she returned to work after having her first child. Take actions to land the job that you want and deserve – don’t leave it to chance.

And it’s worth doing as the Olympic athletes do and get yourself a coach to help you achieve your goals. Career-mums helps parents to return to work after a career break – we help you to think about what you want, why you want it and how you can make it happen that works for you. Take a look at our forthcoming workshops or book individual coaching sessions to get your career on track in a way that works for you and your family.

Let’s get to work,

Career-Mums