Spring is in the air and so is the feeling of rejuvenation and new beginnings, with longer days, plants blossoming and the sounds of bird song.
With such positive energy in the air, it’s also traditionally the time of year we look to have a good ‘spring clean’ to declutter and reboot. And part of this ‘out with old and in with the new’ could be searching for a new job.
But what’s the best way to go about searching for a new job?
Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, so you don’t even try. Here we offer 10 handy tips on the steps you can take to find a new job that will also put the spring back in your life – from where to look for jobs, the best job sites to use, how tap into your connections to boost your job hunt, how to ace your interview, how to follow up and more.
1
Give your C.V. a spring clean. But firstly, ask yourself two questions: When did you last update it? And when was the last time a friend/family member helped proofread it? If the answer to either question has been “too long”, it’s time for a major update (not just a polish)!
2
Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Avoid buzzwords and showcase your achievements. Don’t ever be tempted to use a generic CV writing tool. Remember to use a modern font in either navy or black.
3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to old friends, ex-colleagues and family members who may be working in an organization or industry that is of interest to you. The cost of a coffee could lead you to your ideal job.
4
Reach for the stars – be open and flexible to new opportunities. Maybe you never considered a particular job role or industry, or never thought of retraining, but now you can push out of your comfort zone to realise your ambitions. This helps widen your scope of opportunities and ensures you’re not limiting yourself.
5
Be flexible to ways of working. Yes, the world of work has changed but many companies are encouraging their people back to the office – it helps teamwork, builds morale and socialisation. Most companies offer a hybrid approach and realistically it’s not too much to expect to go to the office once or twice a week.
6
Seize the day! Most people’s new year’s resolution to find a new job is often forgotten about by the time spring arrives. This can sometimes mean that job vacancy volumes remain high with lower levels of competition. As a motivated job seeker, spring is a prime time to be noticed by hiring managers, helping you to secure job interviews with less demand.
8
Pre-interview, it’s time for more research and planning. Look into the company, its people, its reviews. Why do you want to work there? Make sure you are enthusiastic! Prepare for the interview questions you’re likely to be asked and prep some good answers. Stay on point and positive, no-one wants to hear negative tales about a current employer. Give eye contact, breathe, and remember to smile.
9
Plan what you’re wearing beforehand and plan the route to the interview if it’s face to face. Always pack an umbrella to be on the safe side, you don’t want to be caught out by our unpredictable weather and arrive looking like a drowned rat. Arrive early too – 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time is perfect.
10
Post interview, it’s a nice touch to reach out to the recruiter or interviewer and thank them for their time, show you’re still keen on the role, express your interest. Remember your mission is to stand out from the crowd.
And did you know?
- Tuesday is the most popular day to apply for a job
- You can increase your odds of getting a first interview by applying to a job within the first week that it’s posted.
- According to data, 6am – 10 am is the most popular time for job hunters to apply for roles.
If you liked this blog then you might also like to read How to make sure your CV is just the job
