In times of economic downturn and recession, people who have been in long-term and gainful employment suddenly find themselves thrown back into the job market.
For anyone who has enjoyed being in the same role for the last 10-years plus, having to begrudgingly enter the mid-2020 world of job hunting may feel incredibly disorientating. So, we’ve put together five tips for candidates who may need a bit of guidance getting back into the swing of job hunting.
1. Job Sites
A job site is a platform for recruiters and employers to advertise their vacancies, and for candidates to browse different vacancies and apply to them. In addition to the job title, you can also search for vacancies that meet your ideal salary, experience level and location.
Most job sites also allow candidates to securely store their CV on them for free. This allows recruiters and employers to review CVs and get in touch with candidates suited for a role. So in theory, you can be contacted about a potential role without even having to apply for it!
While your CV does need to contain your contact details, ensure this is just your name, number, email address and other relevant links to your work. Never put your home address on a CV, just confirm your available working locations.
2. Keywords
You will have used keywords in your job search pertaining to your desired role. Recruiters and employers do exactly the same when searching for or reviewing received applications.
Through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) or a search engine, people looking to recruit will eliminate applications that don’t possess enough keywords, for example, “Administrator”, “senior management” or “communication skills”.
Most of the time, your application or CV will go through a keyword elimination process before even being reviewed by a person. To ensure you stand out, you must thoroughly review the job spec, and ensure you have used words in your CV which match or have the same semantic value to the requirement.
BUT, don’t copy the spec word for word, and ensure you provide examples of how your previous experience has developed your skills.
3. LinkedIn
For candidates, LinkedIn operates as a job search engine, a platform for your professional profile and a social networking tool.
An active and up-to-date LinkedIn account increases your online presence to recruiters and employers, as well as allowing you to greatly expand on your CV.
While you include skills and qualifications on your CV, on LinkedIn your connections can provide you endorsements for them, as well as personal recommendations as a testament and further evidence of your skills.
ALWAYS keep your data and personal information secure online! LinkedIn has different privacy options available, and ensure you do not advertise private information or any contact details you do not wish to be approached by.
Also, LinkedIn provides you the option to include a profile picture of yourself. Although there is evidence to suggest a LinkedIn profile photo increases your optimisation, if you do not feel comfortable with having your picture online, it is not essential. Nor is it for your CV, despite it becoming increasingly popular in the last few years. If you choose to include one on LinkedIn or your CV, avoid selfies and keep it professional.
Standard LinkedIn membership is completely free and straightforward to use. Even if initially you are struggling to navigate it, there are plenty of online resources to help.
4. Research
During a recession, a lot of candidates do not feel as though they have the luxury of time or pick of the litter when it comes to finding a new job.
But don’t undervalue your abilities or happiness. Finding a new job can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming, so in this kind of economic climate, there is pressure to say “yes” to the first offer you receive and apply for absolutely every job you see.
If you’re going to take the time to perfect your CV and embrace digital recruitment, then take a bit longer to research the companies you’re applying for online.
Find out about a potential employer’s business progression, culture, size and industry. Review their website and social media platforms to get a feel for their business and the people that work there.
Online reviews from disgruntled and anonymous ex-employees are always extremely biased and could deter you from applying for a great company. Instead, utilise LinkedIn or a Meet The Team page to review the existing staffs’ length of service. This is a good indication of the company’s employee retention and satisfaction.
5. Networking
The online world provides you with many platforms to make networking with potential employers, recruitment consultants and other people in your profession so seamless.
In addition to being active on LinkedIn, follow any businesses you find influential or interesting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or any other platforms they provide industry or company information on.
Be cautious when connecting with individuals. If someone has a professional profile which they use to showcase their work and offer specialist advice, follow away. However, do not reach out to a stranger via their personal or private social media accounts, it’s invasive and inappropriate.
The goal of networking is to build relationships and gain valuable industry or company insights. It’s also an opportunity to approach a company and express your interest in working for them even if they may not necessarily be hiring at the time.
Recruitment is often very time-consuming and expensive for businesses; therefore, if an employer already has the details of a suitable candidate on file, approaching them first will save time and money. So don’t be shy, employers like to know people want to work for them!
Ambitions Personnel has a ‘Work For Us’ page on our website, encouraging candidates to send their CVs even if we don’t have in-house vacancies at the time.