With the Christmas break in touching distance, the vast majority of us are beginning to wind down for a well-deserved rest over the holidays. However, as recruiters, we are still busy speaking to candidates who have decided that their current role doesn’t fulfil them (in one way shape, or form) or those who have sadly been made redundant or are at risk of redundancy.
As a specialist recruiter who has witnessed the ups and downs of people’s careers and the job market, I know that preparing to look for a new job can be overwhelming! So, with 2024 just around the corner, I thought I would share my tips on how to get organised and set yourself up for success in your 2024 job search.
Reflect And Define Your Goals
As previously discussed, job searching can be daunting, and, more often than not, when we speak to candidates, the first hurdle they come up against is that they don’t even know where to start. Clarity is critical to a successful job hunt! So, first, think about what you want from a job! Write down what you enjoy, areas of your current or previous roles that you excel in and are passionate about, what skills you possess, and where they can transfer to. Read job descriptions, and reach out to people doing the jobs that interest you; what does their LinkedIn or experience look like? Is there anything you can emulate on your CV or LinkedIn that might help you successfully apply for similar roles to theirs?
Do Your Research
After establishing what roles, you are looking to apply for, it’s time to figure out what type of company you want to work for! At this stage, it is essential to consider what you are looking for from a prospective employer or organisation; most of us want to work for a company whose business values align with our values and where we will fit in from a cultural perspective. Do your research. Look at company websites, their social media channels, Glassdoor reviews, and their careers page to try and paint a picture of what they would be like to work for and what they would look for in a prospective candidate. You can then use this information and insight to tailor your application or CV to showcase how your skills and values align with what they are after.
Set Out Your Stall
Your CV and LinkedIn page are typically the first places hiring managers/recruiters look when considering you for a potential role, so make sure you think about how these look and how they translate to your target audience. Ensure your CV is formatted appropriately, is concise, and has correct spelling and grammar. Highlight your most recent accomplishments, skills, experience, and anything else that aligns with the specific role/type of role you are applying for. A polished photo and summary are key regarding your LinkedIn profile. Ask people to leave you recommendations and endorsements for bonus points, too! These factors can set you apart from candidates in a competitive job market.
Hone Your Skills
What else will set you apart from other candidates applying for the same roles as you? As a recruiter, we often face several candidates who, on paper, could do the job and be the right cultural fit, so how do we decide who to shortlist? The answer can be as small as which candidate looks to have invested more time upskilling themselves and staying relevant in their field. With this in mind, consider any workshops, webinars, or online courses you have attended that can showcase your commitment to continuous improvement.
Highlight Your Soft Skills
While education is important, gone are the days when recruiters, hiring managers, and organisations purely focused on qualifications; soft skills are the unsung heroes that can set you apart from the crowd. While your qualifications and experience paint a picture of what you can do, your soft skills reveal how you do it. Employers increasingly value qualities like communication, adaptability, and teamwork, as they can appreciate that these skills are the glue that holds successful teams together, alongside cultural fit!
Network!
In today’s job market, it is not just about what you know; it's also about who you know. Networking isn’t just attending events and swapping business cards; it’s also playing the long game by building relationships that could help your career and future job search. Connections can open doors for you, so think about how you can tap into your professional network. This could be anything from joining industry events, engaging in online communities, or simply reaching out to former colleagues; networking can be extremely valuable!
Personal Branding
In the digital era, more employers, hiring managers, and recruiters are looking at candidate’s online presence when considering them for a role, and, with this in mind, personal branding is set to be a key theme in 2024. Think of it as the story you tell about yourself professionally; your LinkedIn profile and social media platforms contribute to your brand. Employers want to see what you can do, but they want to know who you are, what you talk about, where your passions lie, and what makes you tick, so take a moment to look at and curate your brand. Use your platforms to share your insights and let your personality shine through, and remember, if you don’t want prospective employers or recruiters looking at your personal social media platforms (i.e. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc), then set them to private. In a world where first impressions count and often happen online, your brand can make you an unforgettable candidate for both the right and the wrong reasons!
Following these tips should set you up for a successful job search in 2024, but if in doubt, speak to a specialist recruiter like myself, who is always on hand to help you find your dream role!