The beginning of a new year has a way of putting things into perspective and forcing us to take a long look at whether we are happy with the various elements of our lives. If your career is the one thing that doesn't have you counting your blessings, then make 2015 the year to change that. Here's a few suggestions to help you on your way... Find your direction Before you do anything else, you need to decide what you want to do. If you already know, then skip to the next point but if not, then have a good hard think about which elements of a job are important to you. Do you need something creative or is organisation your thing? Do you want to try something different in your field or start over completely? Are money and working hours important or would you follow your passion at any cost? Once you've figured it out, go and speak to someone in that field and get an honest account of what it's really like so that you can make an informed decision. Prepare yourself Once you know what you want, it's time to think about whether you would hire yourself for that position. Do you have the educational background needed? Do you have applicable experience? Are there other activities that you could be doing to give yourself the edge over other candidates? If you're looking at a promotion or senior role, consider whether you've shown those traits in your current job or if there are other projects that you could take on to make yourself stand out. Alternatively, you may find that your dream job doesn't exist yet and you'd like to run your own company. Make sure to do market research on your idea and consult your local enterprise board for some advice and help on compiling a business plan. If possible, talk to someone who has forged a similar path as you will be able to learn a lot from their mistakes! Do the legwork Presuming you have the requisite qualifications and experience, it's time to start looking for that dream job and this is where dedication and perseverance comes in. Get that CV in pristine condition and set about contacting employers in your industry. It always pays to get the details of the person who will doing the hiring and send in your application to them directly, with a polite request to discuss your skills in person. If you don't hear anything back, follow up with a call a few days later. The key is to show your interest without bothering the employer - calling ten times a day will get you nowhere! As well as replying to job advertisements, don't be afraid to send an application on spec to a company that you'd like to work with and make sure to keep an eye on the #jobfairy on Twitter for new announcements. Keep the faith There is little as disheartening as sending off hundreds of CVs and hearing nothing in return. However, good things come to those who wait and if you keep trying, you'll get a break eventually. If you've missed out on a job that you thought you would be a perfect fit for, try emailing the HR manager and asking for some feedback. Also, ALWAYS write a dedicated cover letter for each application so that you can tailor your pitch and treble-check the spelling before you send it! Having connections makes it that bit easier to get the foot in the door so if there are networking opportunities in your industry, make a point of getting involved and making those contacts. Put your best foot forward If you get an interview, make sure to research the company in advance and prepare some questions. Allow yourself extra time to get there to make sure you won't be late and wear something professional, neat and tidy. Greet the interviewer with a confident handshake as first impressions do count. Use each question as an opportunity to sell your skills and illustrate your answers with examples from your previous experience. Enthusiasm and a passion for the company can be the difference between getting and losing a job so make sure that this comes across. Follow up with an email thanking them for their time and keep those fingers crossed!