January has long been associated with renewal and regeneration. It’s a natural pause point, a moment to reflect on the year just gone and set intentions for the one ahead. For many professionals, it’s also the season of bonuses or promotions – a time when thoughts inevitably turn to the future.

For many people, 2025 was a stagnant year for career development. Slower market growth translated into fewer opportunities: fewer promotions, limited movement, and a general sense of frustration. When organisations tighten their belts, progression often stalls leaving talented individuals feeling stuck.

While market conditions may be outside our control, career ownership is not. If your current employer can no longer support your ambitions, it may be time to consider a change.

Start with your goals

The first step is reflection. What do you actually want from your career? Think about your long-term aspirations, your financial goals and the skills you want to develop.

Do you want to deepen your technical expertise? Strengthen your commercial acumen? Step into people management or leadership?

Clarifying this helps you build a picture of what your next role should look like, rather than simply escaping the one you’re in.

Read the market

Once you understand your goals, turn your attention outward. What is the market asking for?

Skills such as storytelling, commercial awareness and strong communication continue to be in demand across industries. Where do you currently sit in relation to these skills? More importantly, what practical steps can you take to strengthen them; through projects, training, or stretch opportunities in your current role?

Career progression isn’t just about moving forward, not just moving on.

Put the right tools in place

Before you begin any job search, make sure your foundations are solid:

• Build or refine your CV so it reflects both achievements and impact. As your career grows, really focus on achievements rather than a list of duties. Make sure to adapt your CV for each application and use keywords so that the algorithms find you.
• Update your LinkedIn profile to tell a clear, compelling professional story. Network on LinkedIn to raise your profile.
• Reconnect with recruiters you trust and respect – this can be your secret weapon in achieving your ambitions.

These tools should be ready before you need them.

A note on AI: resist the temptation to ask AI to help you. Experienced recruiters, HR and hiring managers are well able to spot an AI CV. You want to stand out from the crowd, and sometimes the language and formatting of AI can be obvious. Take time to craft something that looks and feels like you in the tone of voice, and make sure that your LinkedIn profile matches your CV.

These tools help to tell your personal story. Let your CV say who you are – not just what you can do.

However, do accept the role of AI in the hiring process – be mindful of keywords for the algorithms.

Where to look?

Once you are ready to start, apply for jobs, contact recruiters and look at the brands that interest you – are they hiring?

Network and tell people you know and trust that you are looking for a new role. The market research industry has well established networking groups. Don’t be afraid to get involved – check out the MRS website for more details, or ask friends and colleagues where they network.

Timing matters

One of the most common mistakes professionals make is starting a job search at the peak of frustration. Decisions made when emotions are running high can lead to moves that look good on paper but disappoint in reality.

Start looking when you’re clear-headed and intentional, not when you’re simply fed up.

Be patient and realistic

The market is currently experiencing structural shifts and hiring processes have become more deliberate. Employers are taking longer, being more selective and involving more stakeholders. This can mean extended timelines between interview stages – a reality that requires patience.

It’s also important to manage expectations. Senior roles, particularly at director level, are always fewer in number and therefore take longer to secure. Searching for these positions will naturally be a longer journey than targeting roles such as research manager or equivalent mid-level positions.

January isn’t about making impulsive resolutions – it should be about intentional direction. Taking control of your career means understanding what you want, where the market is heading, and how to position yourself for the opportunities in 2026 and beyond.

Sinead Hasson is partner at The Hasson Partnership