Are you thinking of embarking on a new career journey in the new year? Great idea! The start of the year often offers new job openings as individuals transition, and new positions emerge with fresh budgets and objectives. However, it's crucial to recognise the heightened competition during January job searches. Yet, with the right strategies, you can effectively navigate your next career move and stand out among a pool of candidates.
Prepare before Applying: Before diving into applications, prioritise updating your CV. Given the increased competition, your CV must catch recruiter's attention. Opt for an appropriate template based on the nature of the job, whether it's a contract or permanent position, while maintaining a professional appearance. Add a bit of personality, particularly in the summary section where you can showcase your values. However, be cautious of excessive design elements and fancy fonts, as over 40% of recruiters are deterred by such features.
Tailoring your CV to match the specific role is vital. Study the job advertisement for keywords and incorporate them into your CV. Identify core skills and responsibilities relevant to the position.
Apply strategically: In a market flooded with job opportunities at the beginning of the year, it may be tempting to apply widely. Yet, quality should come before quantity. Each job is unique, and tailoring your CV for each application demonstrates your suitability for the specific role.
After sending out your tailored CV, spend some time going through your interview answers. Familiarise yourself with various types of interview questions, including situational, competency-based, and case behavioural questions. Given the busy schedules of hiring managers in January, readiness for interviews, whether in person or via video call, is essential.
Demonstrate eagerness by being one of the first to apply. Saving your CV on your phone allows for quick applications during casual browsing. Additionally, signing up for job alerts ensures you stay informed about the latest opportunities.
Be Proactive: If you’re still getting your CV, cover letter and interview answers into shape in January, don’t worry about missing out. February and March often see an increase in job postings. Use this time to update your LinkedIn profile, as 87% of recruiters use the platform to identify qualified candidates. Seize any downtime to enhance your skills, qualifications, and industry knowledge through online courses, webinars, and research.
Ready for Your Next Job? Now equipped with strategies for navigating your career move, consider registering with Caring Services. We can take the job search stress away and help you find the role you are looking for- whether it is Temporary or Permanent, Supply Work or Long Term Positions. We recruit for many roles within the Childcare, Education and Social Care Sectors as well as Administration roles. Register your details today to get started here.