My top tips for job hunting in January - the busiest time of year for applications
January is the most common time of year for people to revamp their CV and pledge to find a new job in the coming months. As companies plan ahead, more adverts will soon appear, so getting your applications into shape now makes complete sense.
Here’s how to make the most of the opportunities:
Refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile Start the year by updating your CV and LinkedIn profile. Make sure you are using your experience to showcase demonstrable skills. Use recent achievements and stories you have covered or content you have created to highlight what you can do. On your CV, you can tailor your profile statement and skills section for each job you go for. But be realistic. Changing your CV for each job is too much if you are applying for several a week.
We offer an array of sessions to help you, if you want a neutral eye and expert voice. This can be an audio review that I record and send to you, an online session to discuss changes, all the way to creating a brand new CV for you.
Set clear goals Be specific about the type of job or company you want to work for. Clear goals will help shape your search and make your applications more focused and compelling. This will also help you manage the mental side of the job hunt, which is exhausting and draining. If you have a job, make sure you don't spend all your downtime doing applications. Give each job a ranking ort priority, so that you give the right amount of energy to certain key applications. Easy Apply or Quick Apply buttons are OK to use, but only for the jobs you are not so keen to get.
Also be realistic about when the right job might come along. It could be now, in six months or next year, but going through the process of applying and possibly interviews, will answer some of the questions you have about the right next step.
Leverage January’s momentum Many companies have new budgets and hiring plans in January. From the second week more adverts are likely to be seen, so you must keep an eye on my job board and company websites for fresh postings. Act quickly to apply, as competition can be high. Do not wait until any specificed closing date, as the recruitment process begins as soon as applications start arriving.
Network strategically Reach out to former colleagues, attend networking events, and engage on LinkedIn. A well-placed connection could lead to a referral or valuable inside information about job openings. This is also the way to find out more about any roles you see advertised. Finding people that have done the job before is a great way to discover if this is the right role for you and what you might need to say in an application.
Stay organised Use tools like spreadsheets or apps to track your job applications, deadlines, and follow-ups. Staying organized ensures you don’t miss opportunities. It is not uncommon for people to get replies about jobs and not know what that job was, because they have submitted so many applications. Keeping track avoids this but also helps you see how you are progressing.
Work on interviews Brush up on common and behavioral interview questions. Practice articulating your achievements and how they align with the company’s needs.
Click below for specific interview tips - and we also offer training for interviews and preparation sessions too.
Stay Positive and Persistent Job hunting can be a numbers game. The reality is that rejections are part of the process, and you should not let them get you down. Keep refining your approach and stay motivated, but also be kind to yourself and have realistic goals. Manage the highs and the lows, so that the job hunt is not too much of a rollercoaster ride. An invitation for interview does not mean you have the job, just like a lack of an instant reply does not mean you have been rejected.
Asking for help Don't be afraid to ask for advice or guidance. The Media Mentor exists because people always used to ask me what I thought about a job or their career. I care about my clients but I am neutral, unlike family, colleagues and partners. Talking to somone can really make a difference to how you feel and re-energise the process. It is also good to know that there is someone in your corner with expertise to advise you at each stage of the job application process. My support is not limited to the time we have online.
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