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Contracting vs Permanent Job- Which is Better for You as a Candidate?

Contracting vs permanent job? Which one should you choose as a candidate in the current job market?

Contract or Permanent role- which one to go for?

I did not set out to be a contractor but when I got made redundant from my first permanent role, times were tough in financial services. There were not many jobs around. I needed money and experience so I decided to take a 6 month contract role when it finally came my way. My friends tried to talk me out of it. They thought once I start contracting I will pigeonhole myself and it will be much harder to get a permanent job which in those days meant security.

It is true, companies looking for permanent staff often think that someone who has been contracting for a long time might not stay in a permanent role and is therefore not worth the financial risk of hiring.

When deciding which route to take, consider the current situation in the job market. The world is changing and with it the recruitment mindset. With the global pandemic affecting the economy and bringing more and more redundancies, it will be unrealistic for companies to expect everyone to have 5 years or more experience in each role. Having a job and learning a skill should be more beneficial to a company than sitting at home and waiting for the perfect job because the employee is worried about ruining their CV. It doesn’t matter if you were in the role for 10 years or 10 months, you have skills to offer so make sure you emphasise them.

If you are a contractor looking for a permanent role, make sure you’re clear about this from the start. Update your personal profile and let your recruiter know so you’re both on the same page. When you get an interview, explain why you want a permanent role and the reasons for your contract roles. Remember contracting taught you important skills e.g. dealing with change, adapting to new processes, environments and learning new systems. Make sure you sell the benefits to the company.

If you have always had permanent roles and are seeking another permanent role, a short term contract to tide you over financially could be an option. However before you go down this route, there are a number of things you might want to consider. Maybe a contract role is worrying for you. You are used to the structure a permanent job offers, you like knowing what is expected from you and what you need to do to get to the next level of your career. You like the stable income and security of a permanent role. Contracting can seem scary and uncertain and you may feel it could affect your CV by making you look indecisive when it comes to your career.

You have to decide what is more important to you. Do you need income and experience a contract can offer or do you want to wait for your perfect permanent role which might take a while. 

And remember that times have changed. Having a permanent role does not automatically guarantee job security anymore. It is becoming more common for companies to hire contractors on project basis in this uncertain job market. Therefore employers are looking for well-rounded employees with strong emotional intelligence, agile skill set who can lead and adapt to the uncertain and always changing environments.

Here are few pros and cons you can take into consideration whilst making a decision.

Pros of Contracting

  • Better pay
  • Variety of work
  • Flexibility to work when you want
  • Opportunity to diversify your skill set
  • No office politics

Cons of Contracting

  • Lack of job security
  • Risk of being on the job market often
  • No holiday or sick pay
  • No promotion or benefits
  • Dealing with your own taxes

Pros of Permanent Job

  • Job security if company is doing well
  • Benefits and bonus
  • Training and development
  • Set career path
  • Sick pay and paid holiday

Cons of Permanent Job

  • Lower salary
  • Performance checks and reviews
  • Lack of job variety
  • Slow career progression

It looks like both contact and permanent employment choices have their advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully this article gave you a bit of a clarity on what is a better choice for you. If you want more information about job searching please see here.

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Job Search

6 Things to Check Before Applying for a New Role

6 Things to check before applying for a new role

What you need to know before deciding whether to apply for a job?

It can be quite easy to panic and apply for every job that appears on the job search platform when you are desperately looking for a new role. It is understandable that you want to increase your chances of getting a job. Why not being smart about it? By setting a job search strategy early on in your job search will not only produce quicker results of getting the job you want but will also save you time and energy.

Whether you are using a recruitment agency or applying directly, make sure you are aware of these six tips before you decide if the role is suitable for you. It is better for both parties to know in advance so there are no disappointments for either party later down the line.

Things to check before applying for a job

JOB DESCRIPTION

It might seem the job is suitable by giving it a quick glance or looking at the job title but applying for unsuitable jobs will only waste your own time. Read the job description and only apply for jobs you know you want to do. Make sure you update your CV according to the job description to increase your chances of getting an interview. Candidates often waste their own time and time of the company by applying for jobs they don’t want to do because they didn’t take a few seconds to properly read the job description.

SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

If the salary is not on the job advert ask the recruiter to confirm the package at the earliest opportunity. You do not want to waste their or your time by applying for a role which is not in the salary range you are comfortable with. It is too late to get upset at the offer stage because you thought the role paid much more than it does.

LOCATION

Unless you are willing to relocate there is no point applying for a role in a city you are unable to comfortably commute to. You might think the role is perfect but if you spend 6 hours getting to and from work every day even the perfect job will soon lose its appeal.

START DATE

If the company is looking for someone to start immediately but you have a 6 month notice period it is very unlikely they will wait for you even if your CV is a perfect match for the role. Make sure you check your notice period and know if your company will let you negotiate a shorter notice when you decide to leave.

TRAVEL

It might not be a concern now with the world working remotely but if your role normally requires extensive travel and you are not comfortable with it or are unable to commit to a long time away from home, it might not be a good idea to apply for the role.

ANYTHING IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A NEW ROLE

Most of us have non-negotiables when it comes to work. If there is anything you can’t accept such as non-flexible working hours it is better to find out before you start the interview process.

For more job search tips click here.

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Job Search

Should you Apply for Jobs Directly or via Recruitment Agency?

Applying for jobs directly or via recruitment agency- which way is more effective?

Agency or applying direct -what is more effective in this job market?

Your CV is updated and ready to go.  What do you do next? Where do you start? Traditionally there are two routes you can take to apply for a job;  directly or via a recruitment agency. Here are few things to bear in mind when deciding which route to take.

Applying Directly

You can apply for roles directly via company’s website, LinkedIn or via job search platforms. My favourite job search platforms are Indeed, CV Library and Totaljobs. Once you find a job you are interested in, submit your CV via the link provided or complete an application form for the role you are interested in.

 Some application forms are lengthy and most of them ask for a similar information. Write your answers in a word document and save them to reuse later. This will not only save you time but also a will to live when you are asked for the fifth time to write about your strength and weaknesses.

 Most of the job search platforms will allow you to create a profile and save an up to date CV you can use to apply for jobs on the go. This is a good time saving tip if you are using same CV to apply for all new jobs.  If you need to change your CV when applying for jobs, make sure you check you have attached the most relevant CV to the job you are applying for.

Applying via recruitment Agency

You can sign up with a recruitment agency to help you find a job. If you are not sure which agency to use, you can do an online search to find an agency which covers your line of expertise and upload your CV to their website.

The quickest way is to either call or email the agency and ask to speak to a recruiter who looks after the roles you are interested in. Most agency recruiters focus on a business area, for example technology. There might be a separate recruiter covering contract roles and permanent roles. Recruiters can specialise in particular regions or countries so make sure you speak to the right person.

Once you find the right recruiter,  they will ask you questions about your CV, your salary expectations, your availability, work location and anything else they might need to know to qualify you for the right job. The recruiter will then let you know if they have any suitable vacancies or give you an update on the current job market. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Recruiters are industry experts and can provide you with a useful overview of the industry you’re looking to apply to. Make sure you stay in regular contact with your recruiter.  You want to stay fresh in their minds but remember to avoid being too pushy.

If the recruiter has a role you might be suitable for, they will ask you to sign a disclaimer stating you are willing to be represented by their agency. This is to protect the recruitment agency in case another agency submits your CV to the same client without your consent. Your agency will be able to prove they are representing you and will get the fee if they place you in the role.

The benefit of applying via an agency

You have an agent working on your behalf trying to find you a job. This might give you a better chance to get your CV in front of more companies.

Having a good recruitment agency and agent is a game changer. I would advise you to build a good relationship with your recruiter, once you have found the right one.

Things to watch out for when applying via recruitment agency

The agency might format your original CV to make it consistent with their branding without informing you. If you are offered an interview, make sure you ask to see your CV so you and the hiring manager have the same copy. It can be embarrassing if the hiring manager asks you questions about your CV you are not aware of because your recruitment agency updated it wrongly. It happens more often that you think.

If you are approached for the same role by more than one agency, be upfront and tell then you are already being represented by a different recruiter. You don’t want your CV to get submitted for the same role three times by three different agents. It makes the agency look as if they don’t have a candidate control. It makes you come across as a less credible candidate who doesn’t care what role they are applying for.

The difference between applying for a role via an agency and going directly

The main difference is the cost to the business. If you have been submitted for a role via an agency and you accept the role and start, the company will pay a fee to the agency. The fee is a percentage of your base salary and varies. If you apply directly and accept the role, there is no cost associated with your hire.  Don’t let this put you off applying via an agency. The company using an agency will have the budget approved upfront and it will not affect you as a candidate.

Conclusion

In the current market some companies might try to recruit directly and some will still use agencies to find the right candidates to save time. Some companies will focus on saving cost and direct route will be their preferred option. Some companies will use a mixture of both methods. My advice to you as a candidate is to use both routes. Apply for jobs directly but also use agencies to cover every available role on the market. Build your personal network on LinkedIn. Post about your job search experience, ask your network to share your profile. Be brave and be ready for that call to an interview.

To find out more about job search strategies read more articles here.

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How to Deal with the Fear of Competency Interviews?

Tips on how to tackle competency interview anxiety

Tips on how to tackle competency interview anxiety

I can hear the panic in Tom’s voice. He is my new client and he is asking me for help with preparing for a competency interview. Tom secured an interview with a consulting firm ( very exciting news) but they want to do a competency interview (not so exciting news in his opinion). Tom is a Senior Manager, great at his job, confident, smart and people person but he hates interviews. And he hates competency interviews even more.

I know that Tom is not the only one. There are so many successful people who fall apart during the interview process. It is OK to be nervous, it is completely normal but you don’t want to be so nervous that you mess up the interview and lose the chance to get the job. Here are few tips to help you. If you need more help feel free to reach out and have a chat here.

First thing- Don’t panic! Having to interview can be scary for most of people. Especially if your financial security depends on getting the job, or if this is your dream job and you really want it. Stakes are high and you don’t want to mess it up. 

You might have been in your job for years and have not interviewed for a long time. Going back to interviewing can be daunting. You are out of practice and although you know you are great at your job,  you might not know how to sell yourself.  Alternatively you don’t have much work experience, you are shy, or you don’t feel you have strong communication skills.  Whatever your situation, level of seniority or length of time in your job the only way to overcome the fear is to prepare! Every interview is different and there always will be the unknown so preparation is the key.

Remember an interview is a two way street. Although the company has a choice of choosing the right candidate, you have a choice of choosing the right company. As much as you might need the role, you have the skills to offer so know your worth! Don’t let the stress of an interview intimidate you! Instead get excited to tell them all about you. They called you for an interview because they think you can do the role. From all the applicants, they chose you so focus on that.

If you are still worried, ask yourself;

  • What is making me nervous?
  • Is it the fear of speaking?
  • Is it the formal set up?
  • Is it the fear of not knowing how to answer the questions they ask you, or not knowing what questions to ask at the end?

Whatever it is, pin point the problem and start working on it by practising.

What are competency interviews?

These type of interviews will test your understanding of the role and level you can perform the role at. You will be asked specifically designed questions focusing on a competency required to perform the role.

These interviews can be scary for many people but once you understand how to answer them, you will tackle them easily.

Always talk about your involvement in the situation you’re being asked about. Focus on your role and what YOU did, not your wider team.

Start with the brief description of the scenario or a problem. State your involvement in the situation and what steps you took to resolved it. Highlight the outcome and what you learnt from the situation.

My Tip- Do not over complicate things

Think of your day to day duties. I am sure you experienced challenges, difficult decisions, conflicts or improvements you made in your most recent role.

Remember: choose a scenario that has already happened and you know the outcome. If you are giving an example of project you are currently working on, you won’t be able to talk about the outcome and close of the question.

Remember: choose an example relatable to the role you are applying for. Unless you are new on the career ladder, using examples from your personal or university life is not recommended. You want to demonstrate that you understand the question.

If you want practical examples of competency interviews check out here. I have a full chapter dedicated to interview strategies.

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Job Search

5 Things to Help You Deal with Post Covid Job Hunting

5 Things you must prepare for in this job market whilst you are job hunting

5 Things you must prepare for in this market whilst you are job hunting

In the last blog we have talked about what you must do to prepare for your job search- here. This week the focus is on what to expect in this job market and how to tackle it.

To help make your job search easier, it helps to understand how the market has changed the last few months. Knowing what to expect or what to prepare for in your job search is key. Not only will this help keep your morale high but ultimately lead to that exciting new job offer.

Waiting for a response regarding your application

Be prepared to wait a few weeks to hear back from the company when you are applying for jobs in this market. It takes a while to hear back from recruiters in a good job market but right now it takes even longer. This is because the volume of applications for any job has drastically increased. A job which would get around 150 applications in a good job market currently gets over 500 applications.

Also bear in mind that a lot of recruiters were let go so recruitment teams are much smaller and can’t work as fast as they did before Covid. Lastly companies are taking time to decide if the new role they are recruiting for is business critical based on how the market will change in the future. Keep track of your applications and if you don’t hear back after a few weeks get in touch with the recruiter.

Getting rejected when your skill set is a ‘perfect match’

Whilst it might have been easy for you to get a job with your expertise previously, now you are getting rejections for the jobs you have the right experience for. This could be down to a few reasons. The high volume of applications and difficult job market normally brings a higher quality of CV for each role. As a result recruiters can be more selective in which candidates they put forward. Make sure your CV reflects the job description as closely as possible. If you still feel you are a perfect match got rejected, reach out to the recruiter and find out the reason why. It doesn’t happen often but sometimes the system or the recruiter could have made a mistake and reject you by accident.

Agencies not calling you

If you have used agencies in the past to get you a job,  it is a natural step for you to contact them when you are back on the market. You might notice that agencies are not contacting you as much as they did before. With the few jobs around it is harder for agencies to get work from their clients and therefore they might only recruit for specialist roles for the time being. Companies currently recruiting  normally advertise their jobs directly on LinkedIn and other platforms to save on agency costs. Make sure you are using your connections and letting them know you are looking for work to get yourself noticed.

No new jobs in your industry

If your industry or job role has been affected by the pandemic it is obvious that there will be no new jobs on the market or at least not in high numbers. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can’t apply for the same/ similar role in a different industry because you don’t have all the skills listed on the job description. There might be more competition  and companies might be more selective but if you don’t try you will never know. Look at industries that are hiring, read the job descriptions, update your transferable skills and keep applying. Also, consider contracting for the time being. You will earn money and expand your skills even if the role you get is not your ideal one. The trick with the job search these days is to think outside the box. If the old way of looking for a job is not working, change it.

Dealing with ups and downs

It might take you longer to get a job than you planned but to be successful you need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you need a job to feed your family you will get it. There is no question about it. You have to work on your strategy, confidence and persistence every day. If you are stuck, get help, join networking groups in your industry, find a support group or get a job coach to help you. Get involved in charity work, build your connections – you never know who you will meet. Just don’t sit in despair. Remember you are not the only one going through this. 

 If you want to know more about job hunting in 2020 please read here.

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5 Things You Must Do to Succeed in Your Job Search in the Post Pandemic Job Market

5 Things you must do to succeed in your job search in 2020

Get ready for a successful job hunt with these simple but effective tips

The inevitable has happened. You have lost your job and it feels like you’re back at square one. Emotions are high, your confidence has hit rock bottom and your bank account is depressing to look at. You want things to go back to normal and you yearn for the security of a regular income. 

The logical step is to search for a new job but you’re struggling to get motivated. You turn on the news only to see another company has announced new staff redundancies. You’re wondering if there is any point in even trying to look for work when it seems there are no jobs out there.

Yes it is a difficult time for many industries and companies are letting people go at rapid speed and in high numbers but not all industries are affected. It is all about doing your research, keeping a positive mindset and being persistent with your job search every day. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can be back in a job if you use the right job search strategy.

To help make your job search easier, it helps to understand how the market has changed the last few months. Knowing what to expect or what to prepare for in your job search is key. Not only will this help keep your morale high but ultimately lead to that exciting new job offer. 

1. Get your CV up to date

You might think that you have great experience and your CV is really good. You got your old job quickly with that CV so why should you change anything? If you have not been on the job market in the last two years it is time to review your CV and upgrade it to 2020. A lot has changed when it comes to format, content and style of CVs so make sure you give your CV a makeover before starting your job search. Use my simple CV guide here or if you need more detail use this e-book.

2. Use the right keywords

Forget the times when you searched one job title and the jobs just came up in the search. You have to be creative with your job search these days. Try similar job titles or use Google to find out what other companies are calling your job title. You will be surprised how many names are out there for a Compliance Analyst for example. Use the right keywords in your CV and when searching. Find out more in my 6 practical job search tips blog to help you or here.

3. Utilise all available job search platforms

If you want to get the calls inviting you to interviews you need to widen your search and use as many job search platforms as possible. Devise a plan on how to organise your job search. Here are some ideas that should help you. Depending on the industry, different job search platforms will be more applicable. Do your research before you start. Don’t forget to utilise the right agencies. Some agencies might not have the work for you right now but it is worth getting on their radar.

4. Be ready for your interview

If you follow all the steps above, sooner or later the interviews will start coming. Make sure you deliver at this crucial stage. Knowing how to prepare for different types of interviews, what questions to ask and how to answer the questions you are asked is crucial. Read more about it here as well as in my e-book where I go into detail and give examples for different types and styles of interviews.

5. Make your offer count

It might be very exciting to get an offer but you need to get the right offer. Even though times are tough, taking a salary which is half of your previous pay is not going to solve your problems long term. Make sure you ask the right questions from the start- here are a few tips on how to handle offer negotiation to your advantage- e-book.

Next week we will discuss 5 things to expect in this job market you didn’t have to deal with before the pandemic. If you want to know more about job hunting in 2020 please read here.

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What to do if the thought of going back to your day job after the lockdown makes you anxious?

Does going back to your day job after the lockdown scare you?

Has the lockdown opened your eyes and you have realised you are in the wrong career or a job?

Going back to your day job after months of working from home is suddenly making you feel uneasy. Whilst most of the world can’t wait to go back to the hustle and bustle of the working day, the thought of resuming your working life as it was before the lockdown is giving you anxiety. Whether it is caused by the exhausting commute, long hours in the office, running from meeting to meeting or the thought of your colleagues or boss, you know you are not happy. 

Working from home for months gave you time to reflect and slow down. Thoughts you pushed to the back of your head, because of your busy lifestyle became louder and clearer until you couldn’t ignore them. Now you know things have to change, but you don’t know how to go about it.

If this sounds familiar don’t worry, you are not the only one. Lots more people are realising that life doesn’t have to be a crazy roller-coaster all the time. When we slow down we start to acknowledge who and what is important in our lives and start resisting the life we don’t want any longer.

If your job is one of the things in your life that doesn’t make you happy you need to create a strategy to change it before it’s too late. You might be reluctant to make the change happen because your current job provides you with stability, helps pay your bills and perhaps gives you semblance of status should you work for a top company or have a job title that others might covert. Consequently you might feel guilty for hating your job when there are hundreds of unemployed people out there struggling to find one. You can always find reasons why you should stay in your current situation. You need to be brave and find reason why you should change it and get the fulfilment in your career you deserve.

Every year you make excuses, trying harder and harder to bury the voice in your head telling you to do what makes you happy.  You continue to feel scared and unhappy, the cycle continues and nothing changes.

What if this year was different? What if the lockdown and the pandemic made you act on the voice in your head and change your life. What if there is a life where you can have a job you love and the money you need?

If you are ready to take action and make a change, now is the time to start. The five steps below will help you find a more fulfilling job and a happier life.

1. Start with the small steps – write where you want to be this time next year and how you want your career/ job situation to look. Have a clear vision of what you don’t want and it will help lead you to what you DO want.

2.   Look at the options for setting up an online business- not knowing how to use technology, being too old/young or inexperienced are poor excuses when there is so much information out there. I recommend this video course, it is Free and it will guide you step by step through the process of setting up any online business. All you need is a few minutes of your commitment and no excuses. Click here to start.

3. Get a career coach- it is one of the best investments you can make. A career coach will make you accountable for your job search when struggling to focus. They will provide you with structure, guidance and motivation and be a valuable resource when things get tough. You can source the internet for free guidance and inspiration however the shire amount of information can soon become overwhelming causing you to revert to your old ways. Get in touch if you want to find out more here.

4. Get outside your comfort zone- the reason you have all the excuses and nothing has changed in years is your current situation is too comfortable. You have a stable income, things are good but you are still unhappy.  Get out there, get networking, join Facebook/ LinkedIn groups and communities. Help people with your knowledge and expertise. You will get your passion back and feel inspired and encouraged to carry on. Start by joining this amazing Little Meetup LinkedIn community here.

5.    Make a long term and short term plan for your next career/ job venture. Use your current job to support yourself in the short term but work on your long term career goals every day. Adding new connections e.g. LinkedIn, completing an online course or a coaching session can help facilitate your long term career goals . As long as you are moving towards your goal,  things will start changing for the better.  Just make sure you don’t stop. You deserve to be fulfilled in your life. You only get one life so keep that in mind when things get hard.

Thank you for reading this article. If you would like job search guidance and motivational content, please click here.

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5 Simple tips for a successful job interview in 2020

5 Interview tips to help you get your dream job in 2020
5 Interview tips to help you get your dream job in 2020

Eliminate competition and get the job of your dreams with these interview tips

Great News! You’ve just received a call and have secured yourself an interview! The company loved your CV and are keen to speak with. You are exited but possibly apprehensive too. Now is the time to prepare for the interview and give yourself the best chance of success.

Here are my basic but very effective tips on how to get the job you want.

Prepare for every interview stage thoroughly.

Lots of people make a mistake thinking first stage interviews are just an informal chat about your background. In reality it is a full blown interview with competency questions and technical questions. Don’t take any chances. Even if the recruiter tells you this is an informal interview,  it still pays to be prepared. Find out about the company and who is interviewing  you. Make sure you know your CV inside out and be prepared to answer any competency or technical questions based on the job description.

The questions below get frequently asked at interview. Make sure you have answers ready. It will put you at ease and you can adjust them if they get asked in a slightly different way.

  • What is your understanding of the position you are applying for?
  • What interested you in the company and the position?
  • What transferable skills can you bring to this role?
  • Do you have any development areas if you get this role?
  • Can you give me a brief overview of your CV?

When researching the company use the Wikipedia to get an overview of the business and then use the company website to fill in the gaps.

Some company websites are very complex and not easy to navigate. Having a brief structure from Wikipedia can make your search much easier. Make sure you crosscheck the facts with the website, just in case Wikipedia is out of date.

Make sure it is your knowledge and experience that leaves the impression on the interviewers, not what you are wearing or how you present yourself.

Lots of people, especially the last few months are working from home and have adapted a more relaxed  dress code. If you are having a virtual interview remember to smarten up. I have details tips on how to handle a virtual interview here.

Make sure you ask questions at the end of the interview.

Lots of people think they have nothing to ask and it doesn’t give a good impression and shows a lack of interest on your part. If you really think about it, would you not want to know these questions?

How big is the team? What is the business strategy going forward? Why is this role open? What are the expectation for the role? How does the role fit into the overall structure of the company?

These questions and more will help you identify if this is the right role for you. Avoid asking about promotions, compensation and anything that might leave the interviewers question your motivations for the role. You can ask these questions your recruiter after the interview.

Thank you for reading my blog. Hope these 5 tips will help you get through your interview easily. If you would like to read more about job and career search tips in 2020 please see here.

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Tips on getting back on the job market after losing a stable career

Starting again after losing a stable career

Are you back on the job market after a stable career and not sure where to start?

When you started your job years ago you committed to your company. You invested hours and hours of your time to do extra work because you cared for the company and valued your manager and team. You felt part of the company’s culture, you were loyal and committed and you did not get tempted by new job offers on the market. You gave what you could and in return you expected the company to invest in you and to look after you. Then times got hard, Covid 19 happened and the company you worked so hard for just let you go. No real explanation, no big pay out and not even a real thank you.

You might ask yourself; What now? You know you are a successful, educated expert in your job or industry. You used to run meetings, teams, projects and you were respected. You worked hard to get where you are in your career and gain respect from your peers and leaders. Now  you have to start again and you don’t want to! You keep thinking that you don’t deserve this. This is not fair. Why did it happen to me? You are angry and upset. How will you tell your friends and family? How will you pay your bills? How long will it take  to find a new job? Will you even find a new job?  Your brain is racing with all these questions  and all you want is for things to go back to normal but you know they won’t. Losing a job is a shock at the best of times but losing it right now is even harder. 

However maybe there’s a flip side. Maybe losing your job is exactly what you needed. I know it might sound strange but allow me to explain… 

When did you last have the opportunity to really sit down and review where you are in your job or career?  Stop with the self-pity and start looking for opportunities. You are not the only one in this situation but you are the only one who can decide how you are going to deal with it. 

Take time to review your life and career to date and once you are ready, decide which of the 3 categories apply to you. Then take the steps to get back on track with your career.

You loved your job and want to go back to the same/ similar role

  • Look at what roles are available in your industry but check different industries too
  • Make a list of companies you want to work for
  • Make a list of recruitment agencies specialising in the area of expertise you have and connect with them on LinkedIn
  • Search on Indeed what additional skills do these roles have you don’t mention on your CV and if you can do them add them
  • Search your chosen companies on LinkedIn and connect with them and their Talent/ HR representatives. Send them a message with your CV to consider you when they start hiring

You loved your job but lost your motivation, energy and passion for the job

You once used to like what you did for a living but you lost your interest in the job.  Maybe it was because you were in the same job for too long doing the same thing over and over without learning anything new and challenging yourself. You need a change.

  • Think of what was missing in your previous role, what would make it a great job again and what type of roles would provide that
  • Make a list of transferable skills you have and can use in a different role or industry
  • Look at consulting/advising positions in any areas of your expertise
  • Look into writing a guide or an e-book on the subject of your expertise
  • Research guest speaking opportunities or contribute to online forums in your industry through LinkedIn connections
  • Find things about the job to reignite your passion and follow them

You were in the completely wrong career and you kept pushing the little voice in your head away because the job paid you well

Finally you admitted it to yourself. You were unhappy in your job or career for years and the only thing that kept you there was the job security and the stable income. Now it is gone and you’ve had  time to think about it and you are ready to reinvent yourself.

  • Decide on what you want to do. If you are not sure, write a list of options, write or imagine how your day will look like, what skills will you be using, what type of people you will be surrounded by. Will you have a boss or will you be your own boss? Are you a leader, manager or an employee? Are you working remotely or are you required in the office when it becomes allowed?  What does your commute look like? What are your working hours?
  • Make a list of skills you have and the list of skills you need to do your new job and decide on the time frame and a cost. You might need to invest in yourself a little to make the change.
  • Write a plan of action you can follow every day to move closer to your ideal job. Learn from free online courses, watch YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, read blog posts.
  • If you are easily distracted or have a lack of motivation you need someone to make you accountable at least in the beginning. Get a coach or find someone close to you  who can support or help you. Listen to motivational material to keep your mind away from the doubts of doing the wrong thing when times get hard.
  • Look at online forums in your area of expertise and help people. It will keep your skills fresh and keep your confidence levels up until you make it and you never know, you might be helping your future clients.

Whatever your choice be patient and remember it’s you who will decide if this is a new opportunity or a disaster. 

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2020 UK Job Market Job Hunt Strategy

How to change your job hunting strategy and what you can do as a candidate to stand out in the 2020 UK job market?

2020 UK Job Hunt Strategy

With the growth of technology the concept of the traditional career path has changed. Jobs which were once deemed as secure are now much less so. Job longevity, so sought after by employers is no longer feasible with the average job lasting between two and four years. Partly this is due to millennials and their reluctance to stay with one company indefinitely. Secondly there is no longer the stability in the job market previous generations were once used to.

Companies which would once invest in the development of their employees to retain their knowledge and expertise are now much less reluctant to do so. The changes in the economy and the volatile job market make it impossible for the a company to offer a stability in the role. Therefore the career is now in your hands only and not the hands of your company.

Companies have changed their focus to hiring skilled contractors who can solve problems they have without needing to invest in their career. You are not valuable to an employer if you don’t have the skillset they need anymore. If you find that you are not developing your skillset within your current job, now is the right time to assess your career strategy. You need to be prepared in case you find yourself on the job market. Invest in your training and education and update your skills, both soft and technical. If work doesn’t provide you with learning opportunities search online for free courses, use LinkedIn learning and do your research. Remember your career is in your own hands.

The job new market is becoming more and more project based. The focus is on the skill and not the job title anymore. It doesn’t matter what you did last 10 years but what skills you have to offer to the company now and in the future.  It is a market of uncertainty and you can view it in one of the two ways;  a risk to your career or an opportunity.

6 Tips to help you stand out and succeed in your job hunt strategy in the uncertain UK job market

6 Tips to help you stand out and succeed in your job hunt strategy in the uncertain UK job market
  1. Start with building your network and your connections to help you get your profile in front of the right people. Companies will most likely access their own networks and the networks of their employees via a referral system first. This is to attract new talent without paying any agency fees. Most companies will only advertise roles and go through agencies when they exhaust the referral route.
  2. Set up or review your LinkedIn profile and connect with people who can help you and recommend you if there are suitable opportunities available.  Follow groups and forums you are interested in or which can benefit your career and enhance your skills. Post articles and share posts to increase your online presence. Comment on interesting posts and offer your expertise where relevant. Position yourself as a brand or a business that can solve a need or a problem by giving free advice.
  3. Update your technical skills by doing courses and free learning but don’t forget your soft skills e.g. communication skills. Soft skills are in demand as much as the technical skills so invest in these too.
  4. Make sure your profile and experience are clear so the company knows what you have to offer. Make your CV and profile tailored to the role you are applying for. Highlight your niche or expertise by using the right keywords. Remember to show you are a specialist who can solve a company’s needs.
  5. Join the right recruitment or headhunting agencies. These people are experts, they will send your profile for the roles in their network but bear in mind they are there to serve the client. You as a candidate are secondary and they will only send your CV if you are a perfect match for the role the client is advertising. Again make sure you don’t send a generalist profile but focus on being the specialist in whatever you are doing.
  6. Don’t be afraid to take time to rethink your career, ask for help, find a mentor or a coach. Get some clarity on what is important to you in your job or career and start taking action towards it.

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