Founder and International MD of BeecherMadden, MD at Nicoll Curtin, Cyber Security Awards Judge, Industry Speaker.
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At the start of the year, around 85% of people I surveyed for my annual salary report said they were considering changing jobs during 2020. I asked again in April and found that number had almost totally reversed — 80% of people said they were not considering changing jobs this year.
Job security is now a priority for us all. People who have lost their job will obviously be searching. But if you are lucky enough to still be employed, it doesn’t mean that your aspirations have changed. If you were looking to move your career forward at the start of the year, it doesn’t mean that you have to put that on hold. There are a number of industries that are expanding and still hiring. If you need to change jobs in the current environment, it can feel daunting. So here are my tips for making it happen.
1. Do your research.
Consider which companies are hiring. There are several free resources that will give you a list of companies that are looking to hire. This includes job boards. As well as researching who is hiring, consider what roles they are hiring for. Can you update your resume or skill set to be more relevant? If so, do this straight away so you are targeting jobs that people need to hire for. The job market has changed a lot in the past few years, and it is important to make sure you are showcasing your most relevant skills.
2. Put in the time.
Many companies will be looking to cut recruitment costs at the moment, and they may not be advertising as widely as they were before. You will need to visit their websites or contact their HR managers directly to find out what they are recruiting for. This takes longer, and the application process on direct company sites can be lengthy. Expect that it will take a while to just work through the application process. Finding a new job right now will take a lot of time and energy. Be prepared to dedicate the time to your search, and it will yield results.
3. Update your online profile.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to update your online presence. Start with having a complete LinkedIn profile that includes a professional headshot. You can and should feature articles, videos or other media you would like to showcase on your profile. You can also let recruiters know you are open to opportunities by changing your settings. Consider where else people can find you online. This may be other professional networking sites, such as Xing, or it may involve contributing to industry blogs and websites. Maximize your presence, and make sure it is professional.
4. Network.
You may not be able to network in person right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t network. You can reach out online to people you know or would like to know. This type of networking is less invasive on someone else’s time, and many people value this type of connection. There are lots of webinars and conferences that have moved online. Some of these conferences have built-in networking opportunities. If not, consider reaching out directly to the people speaking. Be honest with what you are looking to achieve, and consider what you can offer them as well. Being reactive is key here, so make sure you respond quickly when someone does reach out or respond.
5. Be job-offer ready.
If you are serious about finding a new role, you need to be ready to make that move. Make sure you know exactly what remuneration you are looking for. Only apply for jobs in locations that you are actually able to work in. Be ready to interview on short notice by having time free in your calendar to make appointments in. Discuss a potential move with anyone who has an interest in it, such as your family. They need to be on board with you accepting any job you have applied for, otherwise you are wasting your own time as well as everyone else’s.
The job market may be down compared to last year, but that is no reason to put your career on hold. Companies are still hiring. Staying positive and taking action will be key to ensuring career success over the next year. If you take these steps, you will be able to change jobs and even progress your career too.
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