Define your target role – decide exactly what you want from your next move before you start the process. Seniority, remuneration, responsibilities, progression, location – all of the non negotiables
Update your CV to showcase the achievements and experience that align with the positions you’re aiming for. 
Update your LinkedIn profile with a concise headline, measurable achievements, and a compelling ‘about’ section! 
Evaluate your online presence to make sure it showcases professionalism and credibility. 
Identify your representative. Choose one professional, credible recruiter and arrange a time to brief them on your aspirations and career goals.
Refresh your portfolio, project list or deal sheet– keep it concise and organised
Map out target employers across housebuilding, land promotion, care/later-living, consulting and contracting
Make sure that you are up to date with regional housing market dynamics and planning environments.
Reconnect with former colleagues and gather suitable referee contacts.
Research company structures to understand team interfaces and how these might differ between different businesses
Prepare a short value statement to highlight who you are and what you can bring. This will help to build confidence ahead of interviews
Improve your visibility on LinkedIn – post insights, comment constructively, show your expertise
Stay open-minded—this process might seem unfamiliar. Rely on your recruiter to keep you updated and well-guided! 
Be discreet. You don’t need to share your journey until you have arrived at your goal.
Manage your time wisely. Allocate time for preparation and travel to and from the interview. Effective time management is crucial to help you stay calm during this potentially stressful period. 
If your motivation to move is purely financial – address this with your current employer before you embark on a job search as it saves all parties a lot of time
Maintain open communication—disappearing without notice is unprofessional. If you have the right representation, they’ll understand your changing circumstances and support you through it.
Be patient! Decision-makers are juggling their recruitment along with regular duties, so responses may take a little longer than usual. 
.
Build a refreshed CPD list – this shows commitment to staying current with regulations, MMC, sustainability etc.
Conduct informational interviews – speak with land agents, planning consultants, or ex-colleagues for market intel.
Revisit your initial list of non negotiables – has this changed and does your search need to be altered?
Know the interview process: its stages, the people you’ll meet, and their expectations. Prepare to impress! 
Position yourself as a problem-solver and have your stories ready to demonstrate this. Companies hire people that can fix issues: programme delays, land pipeline gaps, technical/engineering risk, viability.
Be prepared to discuss your mistakes. At a senior level, humility and self-reflection are essential. Share an instance where you recognised the issue, took responsibility for the solution, and enhanced processes afterward.
Have yourself a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and come back refreshed and focussed in 2026