The beginning of the year is a good time to make new beginnings, and updating your job search could be great! Recruiters are raring to go and companies have new budgets ready for the taking (already!) so volumes of hires will be happening as everyone wants to tick those hiring boxes early on. “What You Need to Know to Get Hired this Month” explores the key things you ought to know to get hired.
But then again, the job market has changed so what worked a few years ago may not be working anymore. So here are your basics on how to capitalize in this hot hiring month when it comes down bagging a job.
Let’s dive in!
1. Skills Over Experience
The growth and evolution of skills-based hiring is arguably one of the most impactful trends occurring in recruitment today. Employers care more about what you can do than where and how long for your job title, or went to school.
Great news for anyone who has taken the road less travelled in their career. You should leverage this shift by having a well-laid resume that talks about the skills required for your desired job.
Highlight your major achievements that demonstrate your skill set. Maybe in project management skills to handle complex projects or some innovative problem-solving power-technical knowledge you possess.
Nowadays, employers are looking for people who can work immediately on hands-on tasks. That means: bringing the nuts and bolts value right in front.
2. Get Noticed By Using Technology
Hiring is becoming more tech-savvy. Now, more companies are utilizing AI systems to automatically filter through resumes so only the top few candidates make it further — before they even reach a recruiter. In other words, it has to be an ATS-friendly resume.
Just A Reminder: It’s NOT just about beating the algorithm. Recruiters still love technology but at the end of it all they want that human touch.
Make your application specific to the role by including a reference in your cover letter, whether that be insights from their latest projects or values, etc. Show them you know the ins and outs — it can make or break a tech-heavy process, especially when compared with other candidates.
3. Take Advantage of Prime Recruitment Months
Two of the most favourable months for jobseekers are January and February. Recruiters are eager to start filling roles as companies finalize their budgets and new positions become available.
There are fewer candidates available on the job market in these months, so your application is more likely to leave a better impression.
Apply throughout the year but process and grant applications early in the year. You can get in front of the pack later this year when more competition enters the job market.
Organize Yourself: Track your applications, keep an eye on deadlines and reach out to recruiters in mentioning interest for specific roles.
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4. This is a little-known secret: Your Networking and Referrals Power.
This is the reason why referrals still are one of the best ways to get that job.
Referred candidates are more likely to be hired, and tend to stay with the company for longer periods as well. Want to land a job? You need to make networking your number one priority.
Feel free to ask friends, family members, ex-colleagues or LinkedIn connections if they have any job leads or can put you in touch with a person working within your field of interest.
Read also: Business Analyst Vs Project Manager
5. Take Advantage of the Candidate-Centric Market
Businesses recognize that good talent is valuable, and as such they are offering increased benefits, flexible work arrangements, or a better workplace culture.
That means that as a job-seeking candidate, you are in more demand and have the right to be picky with roles. Because most scammers do, so be vigilant when you just receive an employment offer!
Dig through their company reviews on Glassdoor, follow them on social and scroll selectively while visiting your potential employer’s website for a full scoop of culture/values. Are they committed to D&I? Do they offer benefits that matter to you?
6. Companies Are Judging, Too — Employer Branding
Companies will have to do due diligence on candidates – Jobseekers are also doing their homework when it comes to companies.
You have more resources than ever to find information about employers via social media and employer review sites.
When you apply for jobs, be selective about only considering opportunities with companies that more or less align with what you’re looking for.
An employer brand that is robust can act as a beacon to attract the best talent out there by communicating this message; here you want to work and build your career with us.
Read also: Which Business Analyst Certification is Best?
7. Importance of Diversity & Inclusion at an All-Time High
Employers Still Focused on Diversity and Inclusion Innovative companies have diverse teams, and those with inclusive work environments lead to better employee satisfaction rates which has been shown time and again.
If you are from an unusual background leading to an enriched workplace then do write this in your job applications.
Your past work experience, volunteering or travels that have shown you are committed to supporting diversity in the workplace is very attractive to employers who understand diverse practice values.
Image source: pixabay
8. Use more than just Job Boards
LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor are the common job boards however those can not be just relied on. In reality, a good number of jobs are actually filled with internal promotions or through networking or referral programs that never get advertised over the Internet.
Reach out to companies you like directly, and apply even when they don’t have open positions published. This way, you can express that to the employer which then puts you on their radar for when they do have positions available.
You can also check out industry-specific niche job boards where you may find less competition but with as good of a chance to land a great role.
Conclusion
There is no month of the year that is specific for hiring because employers are always on the lookout for job seekers. Employers are eager to fill up their vacant positions with the right candidates around this time. However, there are certain things that employees need to know before sending out applications. There has been a notable shift from just experience to skill, literacy in technology, and usage of AI tools.
There is power in networking and referrals – they are always crucial in landing jobs. Additionally, you need to be selective about the companies that you apply to. Make sure to confirm that the company values and mission aligns with the goal you have in mind. By doing so, you will be able to set your eyes straight on your desired role.
