The HR marketplace is not at its most buoyant at the moment, so competition for new roles is fierce. Make sure your CV is top notch and your skills and experience leap off the page.

You work in a strategic manner, so approach your job search in the same way. Research your target area; be geographically realistic and establish what you want. A scattergun approach is unlikely to yield the best results.

Be found easily online; create or polish your LinkedIn account and grow connections with industry contacts. Network in your target area through local events.

Only work with people you trust and who specialise in your market and area. Many feel meeting a consultant face-to-face is a waste of time, but it is vital to not only establish credibility, but the culture fit of suggested roles.

Be realistic, geographically but also in terms of market competition. Strong candidates apply for nearly every role, and you may be one of many the recruiting manager has their pick of. Results are unlikely to happen in a couple of weeks but search from a position of strength and stick with it; you will achieve a successful resolution.