The end of the year often brings reflections and resolutions, especially when it comes to career goals. For many, January is seen as the ideal time to kick off a job search but waiting until then might mean missing out on great opportunities.
Victoria Butcher, Senior Consultant specialising in permanent and private sector recruitment, offers her top five job-hunting tips to help you get ahead for the new year.
Why wait? Start your job search now
It’s no secret that January is an incredibly busy period for job hunters and recruiters, so why wait until then? Starting your job search in December means you can get in early and be ahead of the competition, giving you the chance to stand out. There are many businesses that will be recruiting, and by not applying sooner, you run the risk of missing out on those opportunities altogether.
With the end of the calendar year, teams and managers will be working on their new year's goals and plans. Part of that is reviewing their teams, which can mean an opportunity for job seekers. It’s also halfway through the financial year, and if it appears that employers need more resources and have the finances to do so, they’ll be looking to onboard as quickly as possible before the next quarter starts.
Consider why you’re searching
It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘new year, new me’ and want to look for a fresh start during this time, and while it is completely valid, you need to be sure of why you are looking for a new job. What do you want to find in your new employer that isn’t being met by your current one? If you’re unsure of why you’re looking or what you’re really after, it may not be the best time to be doing so.
Use LinkedIn in your job search
LinkedIn is a global platform used by many professionals and active job seekers and is a great tool to use in your job search.
Your first step should be to increase your network, as you can use it to find opportunities when actively seeking a job. You want to build relationships with recruiters and managers in your area so they think of you when a good job opening becomes available. You’ll also get to keep up to date with any new jobs that they post, as sometimes job adverts are only shared on LinkedIn, so it helps to be connected.
Stay organised
When searching for a new job, keeping track of all your applications can be challenging. Use a spreadsheet or an app to keep track of the jobs you've applied to, the application deadlines, interview dates, and follow-up reminders. After submitting applications, reply with a polite email to express your continued interest. If you've had interviews, you can always choose to send a thank you note to express appreciation for the opportunity.
Resilience is key
The market can be tough during this time, so remaining resilient is key. There’s no waving a magic wand and making it all happen overnight – it takes time. The job search process can be lengthy, and not every application will result in an interview or offer. Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated by celebrating small wins (like getting an interview or making new connections). If you get feedback after an interview, use it to improve. If you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged. Each experience can teach you something valuable.
Starting your job search in December might seem unconventional, but it offers many advantages, from staying ahead of the competition to seizing opportunities that might not be available in the busy January rush. By understanding your reasons for searching, leveraging tools like LinkedIn, staying organised, and maintaining resilience—you can position yourself for success in finding the right role.
Let us help you find your next role!
With more than 8 years of experience in recruitment, Victoria has established an outstanding reputation within the industry. She excels in placing talent for commercial, office-based roles across medium to large businesses and specialises in key sectors such as IT, Finance, Professional Services, Logistics, and Legal.
Looking for something else? Whether it’s temporary, permanent, public or private sector work you’re looking for, our team of specialist recruitment consultants are ready to help you find your perfect role. So why wait? Register with us today to start your job search.
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