Cataclysmic events of recent years have left the modern job market looking almost unrecognisable from just a decade or two ago. Even before COVID-19 had the world working from home, things were changing, fast; shifts in geopolitics, globalisation and the unrelenting move of our lives online have changed the way we work forever.
Job security has become more precarious, and previously valuable skills have suddenly been rendered redundant. As 2021 draws to a close, it’s important for job seekers to adapt and diversify to ensure they remain relevant.
Even the way we apply for jobs has changed. Sure, we all know by now that we should be updating our cover letters and CVs to suit the job we’re applying for. Most realise that a gap in employment history needs a decent explanation, the majority may well be schooled on interview technique, and might even know just the right amount of eye contact to maintain (64%, if you’re asking).
But for a new decade, some smarter, more specific tips are required. These are those; our 7 job hunting tips you need to know in 2021.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?
In their article on changing careers, Novorésumé posit that in the modern job market, “What are your career goals?” is the adult version of “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
So, ask yourself what you truly want from your career. Once upon a time, not too long ago, the answer would of course have been ‘money’.
But times have changed, and all across the world, workers are demanding more from their careers. The ‘lying flat’ movement in China, Finland’s shift to six hour, four day weeks, the recent notion of ‘time millionaires’ here in the UK…before you start applying for a new role, ask yourself what your career goals actually are.
Having clear cut career goals mapped out, even if they don’t involve becoming a millionaire, will help you in the interview process. Goals that are focused on professional advancement, personal development and leadership skill acquisition are much more likely to impress potential employers than simply wanting to earn big bucks.
Read: 5 signs that now is the IDEAL time to change career
USE MORE NICHE JOB LISTING WEBSITES
Of course, websites like Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor and other generic online job listing platforms are good places to look for a new job, but it’s a smart idea to get niche specific if you’re keen to land a more lucrative role.
If you’re on the hunt for biotech jobs or gas engineer jobs, for example, then companies like Biotech Rec are specialists in life science recruitment, and provide top talent to life science, pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations.
If you’re searching for jobs in advertising, The Drum, the third-biggest marketing website in the world, is the place to look.
Should you be seeking a chef’s role, then The Caterer, Chef Jobs or Hosco will serve you better than a more general online job listing platform.
Not only will you arguably find more job listings this way, but those advertised will be more role specific, which will help you better match your own unique skill set to an appropriate position.
NETWORK
Another great way to make contacts and land potential job offers is to network. Embrace this shameless tit-for-tat experience where you only mix with people to further your own career. Networking, when done right, can have real benefits for your career and often your personal life too.
Read: 6 IDEAL networking tips that will actually help
Speaking of networking….
UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with almost 740 million members and over 55 million registered companies. Recruiters actively headhunt and search for potential candidates here, and it’s a part of the job search that shouldn’t be overlooked.
According to the networking site, 35% of professionals say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity. Moreover, 61% of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead the way into possible job opportunities.
Assuming you have a LinkedIn profile (if you don’t, make one, stat) then check in; when was the last time you posted something related to your profession or industry? If it was more than six months ago, you may want to get back into the swing of it, especially if you’re actively seeking a new role.
Actively use LinkedIn to comment on posts, share content related to your trade and even write your own articles. Being active looks good on your social profiles as recruiters will see that you’re clearly passionate about what you do.
Read: 5 tips on social media best practice for job seekers
GET ORGANISED
Search for jobs more efficiently by organising yourself and your schedule. Set a daily or weekly schedule for how much time you are going to devote to job hunting or networking.
Check your resume and cover letter regularly, too. Search online for sample templates. Be prepared to provide employers with two to three references and their contact information.
Go further; establish a professional email account to keep your job search and personal emails separate and organised, helping you speed up and simplify the job search process simultaneously.
Data matters, even if you’re collecting it on yourself, so set up a spreadsheet to keep track of the jobs you’ve applied for and the interviews you’ve received. In the spreadsheet, make a record of the closing dates, contact names and numbers for each job. This way, you can keep track of all the roles you have expressed an interest in and make follow up calls if you have received no response.
MAKE A CALL
Speaking of calls…never underestimate the value of making one. A friendly phone call with a recruiter goes a long way to establishing a connection and will help you to stand out from the crowd.
If the thought of calling someone sends a shiver of terror down your spine, try to conceptualise the experience.
Firstly, you’re not alone. A survey conducted by Face for Business found that “76% of millennials and 40% of baby boomers have anxious thoughts when their phone rings”.
One of the best ways to overcome this is to expose yourself to more phone calls. The more calls you make, the less overwhelming the phone calls will be. Seeking professional help is another option if telephobia is stopping you from achieving your goals.
THE COMPANY NEEDS YOU TOO
When you’re searching for a job, it’s all too easy to forget that the company needs someone to fill the position. Let us repeat; they need you. Those seeking a secure, satisfying career should also consider the benefits on offer from their new company, as these can make a huge difference to your overall experience of a job.
Here’s some things you should make sure the company offers:
Flexitime: Flexitime can be an excellent way to ensure you get a good work-life balance. If flexitime is not offered as standard, you could consider requesting flexitime before you accept the offer.
Training: Professional progression and development are essential factors in any job. Any company that isn’t invested in your training and future is not worth the consideration.
For other employee benefits you should look for when considering a job offer, head to our article here.