With a new year just around the corner, many of us start to think about changes we’d like to make to our lives. Maybe you’re set on eating healthier, or you’d like to take the plunge and start that new hobby you’ve been telling yourself you’ll get stuck into for, well, forever! Or you may be one of the many job hunters set on using the new year as an opportunity to find a new role. If that’s you, then you’ve come to the right place!
Data from Stand Out CV shows that the average employee in the UK looks for a new job every 3.5 years, with 26% siting ‘salary increase’ as their reason for searching, and 22% saying they are looking for a new role that offers career progression opportunities.
Whatever your reason for your job search, these handy tips could help. From initially ‘defining your goals’, to networking and continuing to build and develop your skills and knowledge, here are #TeamGlee’s top tips for candidates embarking on a job search.
1) Start by defining your goals
Before you begin your job search, it is key to understand what it is you are actually looking for. Consider what you want from your next role and how it should compare to your current job. For example, you may want to go in a completely different direction, or you may want to find a very similar role but one that has better benefits or a higher salary.
Start by making a list of everything you want from your ideal role. List out non-negotiables and be sure to filter these when searching on job boards or provide the list to recruitment consultants you are working with.
2) Be sure to research into your chosen industry
Take the time to understand your chosen industry and any challenges it may be currently facing. You may find there are skills shortages in your sector – great news as this will often mean there will be lots of opportunities available. However, you may find there have been cutbacks, and this could mean less vacancies.
This context is key as it will give you a good indication of whether your job search may be slightly more difficult than you were expecting and could help you decide which strategies to take.
3) Make sure your CV is up to date
An up-to-date CV is a MUST for any job seeker. Make sure your most recent experience is included in detail and be sure to include your key skills and qualities clearly at the beginning of your CV so recruitment consultants and potential employers can immediately see what you bring to the table. Remember, many roles will have a lot of applications, so it is essential to get your value across as clearly as possible.
If you’ve not applied for a new role in a long time, be sure to check that your contact details are up to date. The last thing you want is for a potential employer to be trying to get hold of you – on the wrong telephone number!
4) Get networking (online and in person!)
Networking can be daunting but never underestimate the value of good professional connections. Attend networking events to meet new industry peers or to hear from experts in your field who may be able to provide an insight into the current market or help you upskill. You could also attend online events if you are short on time or prefer to network virtually. However you decide to network, be sure to keep up to date with your connections and any news they share – you never know whether that senior leader you met at an event could be looking for a new hire in their team, or whether a newly made connection knows of an open role that matches your criteria. It’s who you know, after all!
5) Make the most of LinkedIn
On the topic of networking...LinkedIn is a great tool to help you build your personal brand and expand your professional network. Aim to be as active as possible – this doesn’t necessarily mean posting daily content, but you should try to engage with relevant users and their content. This could be sharing your thoughts on a recent article they have shared or joining an online community. Position yourself as an expert in your space and you will become more visible to relevant contacts who could be the link you need to your next role!
6) Reach out to recruitment consultants
As well as connecting with professionals in your sector, you should also aim to connect with recruitment consultants. Introduce yourself, either via email or LinkedIn message, or pick up the phone and have a conversation. Be sure to share your job search goals and anything you absolutely need from a new position. They can then add you to their database and contact you if any suitable roles are available.
7) Remind yourself of your achievements
A job search can be tough, and if you face setbacks or rejections, it can knock your confidence. Now is the perfect time to consider all your professional achievements – firstly, to remind yourself why you are a worthy candidate, and secondly, to ensure you have some good examples to share either in an application or during the interview stage.
Start by listing your career highlights or any moments you have been particularly proud of during your professional life. These could be key projects you have led on, business growth you have contributed towards, or a specific skill you have developed during a role.
8) Keep learning!
No matter how senior your position or how much you think you know about your industry, it is never too late to upskill and learn something new. Complete an online course (LinkedIn has lots of free courses via LinkedIn Learning), attend a professional event to hear from expert panellists or simply read up on industry trends and news to ensure you’re up to date ahead of any conversations or interviews.
Potential employers will likely be impressed by your commitment to learning about your industry which could help you stand out against other candidates.
Now you’re ready for embark on your job search – good luck!
For more job search and recruitment advice, be sure to visit our blog – if a bad interview has knocked your confidence, here are 5 ways you can ensure your next interview goes smoothly. If you’re finding your job search tricky, here are 5 job search mistakes you might be making.
