Jump Start Your Job Hunt
January is a great time to reflect on your career and what you want to do in 2016. This is the most popular month for job-hunting, which is why you should take a look at some of the advice on how to find your dream job.
52% of young people aged 16-24 are hoping to find a new job in January.
A third (32%) of all Brits admit to including job seeking amongst their New Year’s to-do list.
10 CAREER RESOLUTIONS
1) GET A PROMOTION
A lot of us may be dreaming of getting a promotion, but it won’t happen if you just sit back and wait for it. In order to be considered for a pay-rise or promotion you will have to prove your worth in the company and demonstrate what you could bring to the new role.
2) QUIT YOUR JOB
If your job is getting you down, or you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall in your current role, it may be time to find something new. There’s no point sticking with something if it is truly making you unhappy and there’s bound to be an opportunity waiting around the corner for you that will be a much better fit.
3) CAREER NETWORKING
You know deep down that networking can open so many doors, yet you’ve kind of put it on the back burner over the last year. Now’s your chance to turn this around and make some new contacts who could lead to exciting opportunities in the New Year. Become more active on LinkedIn and other social networks, attend industry events and arrange meetings or a coffee with old contacts to touch base.
4) STAY FIT
OK, this was probably on your last New Year’s resolutions list, but that’s because it’s so important. Try to break a sweat for 20 minutes, three days a week. Go for a walk at lunch. Join a gym. Lift weights. A healthy body makes a healthy mind. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain and gives you ideas. You’ll be more productive at work, and best of all, you’ll feel better.
5) GET SKILLED
No matter how old you are or how long you have been in your career for, it’s never too late to learn something new and expand on your skill set. Identify an area that you would like to improve in, or a certain skill you would like to learn and book yourself into classes or teach yourself using online tutorials, etc.
6) FURTHER TRAINING
As I said before, it’s never too late. If you regret not getting a degree or training in a certain area earlier in life, what’s stopping you now? There are plenty of low-cost and flexible training opportunities on the market, which can be completed full time, or in your free time. Alternatively, a lot of companies are wiling to fund further training for their employees if they can see the benefits for their personal work performance and the business as a whole.
7) BE BRAVE
A lot of us are guilty of turning down great career opportunities on the basis that they scared us. By turning down these opportunities, you aren’t allowing yourself the chance to gain valuable experience and improve your skills in that area. After all, you may find that it’s not that scary after all, you just need to learn to grab the bull by the horns. Make 2016 the year of saying yes!
8) HAVE A PLAN
If you feel like you haven’t achieved what you would have liked to this year, avoid making the same mistake next year by setting yourself some clear goals, making a plan about how you’re going to achieve them and then sticking to it! Sure this may be easier said than done and a lot of new year’s resolutions go out the window after a week or so, but if you make it realistic and remind yourself why you’re doing it from time to time, I’m sure you can maintain motivation!
9) REACT PROACTIVELY
It’s only natural to become defensive when somebody criticises your work or the way that you are doing something, but you’re unlikely to achieve much from reacting in this way and you never know, they may even have a point! In the future, if people offer their feedback, whether it is positive or negative, hear them out and see how you can take on board their advice.
10) GOOD WORK – LIFE BALANCE
Not only does striking a good work-life-balance have the obvious benefits on your personal life, it can also greatly improve your wellbeing at work and job satisfaction. Giving yourself a decent amount of downtime, as well as committing yourself to your job during work hours means that you can excel in your career, at the same time as staying healthy and maintaining a good social life.
Job seekers are citing higher wages (62%) and career progression (31%) as the key drivers behind their desired career move.
GIVE YOUR CV SOME UMPF
Demonstrate good time management
Time management is very valuable in the workplace. Most human resource officers are looking for candidates who are able to juggle multiple projects and meet daily deadlines with minimum supervision.
Commercial Awareness
Commercial awareness is the ability to stay on top of trends, knowing how a business works and what makes them adaptable to the consumers.
Socially Savvy
Employers are now favoring candidates with great proficiency on a specific social media platform. The same article revealed that the demand for Twitter-adept candidates has gone up to 44 per cent, while Instagram expertise increased to 64 per cent.
For more CV tips why not check out our guide on writing the perfect CV
60% of young people believe there are more job openings in January compared to any other
40% of 16-35 year olds even think January is the easiest month to get a job
GET INTERVIEW READY
What are the keys things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you’re a great hire?
1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice
Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once—and you’ll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do something—no matter what it is.
2. I Will Complete The Assignment You Give Me With Excellence
The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happen—that you’re going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.
3. I Am An Agreeable Person
The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you’re going to be a team player—and that you’re not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.
4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct—I Am Teachable
If there is something that’s not getting done, or if you’re not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you’re not going to fly off the handle or think you’re superior.
5. I Am A Loyal Employee
I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you I will always be the best employee—whether for 1 year or 10 years. And should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.
Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10—or even 25 years—just isn’t realistic. Loyalty isn’t about longevity.
Again maybe better to add the read more here for whole article
For more tips interview tips view our guide here
39% of job seekers say when job searching, they won’t stop until they find the right role.
If you are looking for your next dream role, why not speak to one of our team who can find the perfect job for you and help you make that dream a reality.