Back in 2021 I wrote an article called “Job Hunting in 2021” which had some good advice in it, even if I say so myself. However, you maybe thinking, 2021 was a very different time. Not just because we were at the beginning of the end of a pandemic, but because the recruitment market is fickle. The job market is different. In 2021 we were talking about wellbeing and resilience, employers needed to demonstrate they cared, how they treated staff in the pandemic had a massive impact on how job seekers viewed them.
In 2024, employers are grappling with higher costs, trying to find the balance to meet their financial targets whilst recognising their staff are wanting higher wages to counteract a higher cost of living. Add into the mix other factors such as political unrest affecting energy and supply chain, a looming general election affecting funding for projects and the continuing impact of IR35 on the contract market and you can see we live is a vastly different world now than compared with three years ago.
Having said this, some of my basic recommendations when it comes to job searching remain similar to 2021... It is the conversations you will be having that will be different. You will need to consider what is important to you, but appreciate that there are as a rule, more available candidates for employers to choose between compared with three years ago.
Below I am sharing my top tips to securing the job you want in 2024;
Register with an agency (choose the right one)
Making the right move has always been the key when moving roles or changing careers. You'll tend to find the majority of those organisations you're looking to work with will have agreements in place with agencies. Registering with the right agency will unlock doors with the right organisation - do your research by taking a look at the site of the company you're registering with to represent you. Sites like Glassdoor or Google business reviews will give you an idea of the company's values and provide insights from the agency's employees and other job seekers.
If the agency you're working with have a strong reputation within the market and with their own staff then you'll feel more comfortable and confident of them finding that right role for you.
Seriously consider freelance work
If you’ve been having a tough time finding a job, fixed term contract, interim or temporary work can be a workable short-term solution. It can be a great way to bridge a gap on your resume or build new skills.
Once you’ve made the leap, you may find that it suits your career development goals and work/life blend much better.
Employers have always required a fluid and flexible workforce, this type of arrangement could suit your situation if you're looking to work. In today’s world, it may also afford you more flexibility in terms of remote working, at a time where many employers are calling full time employees back to the office.
Know and communicate your worth
Do your research. It sounds like a cliché, and is the starting point for any job search, but understand what is the industry standard for the roles you are looking for, then work out every way in which you will bring extra to the role or organisation. Do you have additional qualifications, are you an experience leader, do you have a great personal brand and industry reputation?
There is no hard and fast rule in the current market, just because some skills are in demand doesn’t mean you have the pick of jobs, employers are investing more and more into their L&D, wellbeing and engagement programmes that they want employees, even those on interim contracts, that bring more.
Retrain, refresh and develop
Simple enough to say but carrying out refresher courses on those tickets or qualifications that are close to expiring is a worthwhile exercise in that time between jobs.
We're living in a world where upskilling is pushed in every industry. Stay ahead of the trends by researching what upcoming changes to the sector you're working in may require new training - again the agency you're working with will be able to point you in the right direction with what tickets/qualifications are required.
Following industry leaders of governing bodies on sites like LinkedIn can keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to any alterations to tickets or qualifications required within your industry.
Don’t chase the money
Money is a key motivator to work, there's not hiding from it or denying it. However, one thing we've learned is that several other factors play a huge part in WHY we work for the company we work for.
We've seen that during these hard times that encouragement, inclusion and a defined purpose all take centre stage now when choosing who it is you work for.
Find an organisation whose purpose is clear and aligns with your values - here at Carrington West we look to better ourselves in every way every day and that's something I fully agree with and follow both in work and my personal life. It made it an easy decision for me join the company in the first place and is a huge contributing factor to my work satisfaction and career development.
Before joining an organisation ask yourself do you know the company's purpose? What personal and professional development do they offer employees? Is there a positive employee culture within the business? Are employees rewarded and recognised for their work?
These are all things we can find out before accepting an offer and joining an organisation - my advice would be to ask these questions before jumping into that next pay rise!
And finally, keep you CV up-to-date even when you are not actively looking.
This is especially true if you are looking for contract assignments. It is easy to forget everything you have achieved since your last update.
