The prospect of starting a new job search can be daunting. Figuring out your dream job and decking out your recruitment armoury to stand out may feel overwhelming, but these challenges are surmountable. With the right approach, your job search can be smooth and effective.
Dream Big: What Do You Want?
Go all in. Outline exactly what your ideal role would look like: industry, function, salary, company culture – everything. Use job search websites like Guardian Jobs to explore options. If your dream job seems elusive, remove criteria one at a time, starting with the least important factors, and watch your options grow.
What DON’T You Want?
Know your bottom line and dealbreakers. Are you looking for more money, a new sector, team growth opportunities, or a shorter commute? Be open-minded but confident; don’t compromise on the aspects that truly matter to you. Remember, perks are great, but a job’s substance is more important.
Counter-Offers
When leaving a role, your employer may offer more money or a promotion to stay. However, around 80% of people who accept counteroffers leave within six months. Ask yourself: if you were truly valued, why did it take the threat of resignation to elicit action?
CV Bootcamp
Make your CV targeted and focused on your most relevant experience for each application. Upload your CV to TagCrowd to generate a word cloud and ensure you’re emphasizing the right skills rather than irrelevant details.
Do Your Own PR
VMA GROUP knows the power of good PR. Optimising your LinkedIn profile is key to attracting employers. Remember the four ‘PRs’:
- Profile: Keep it up-to-date and client-ready.
- Preferences: Update your Jobs tab preferences to target the right opportunities.
- Privacy: Toggle ‘Let recruiters know you’re open’ in preferences to be visible to recruiters for 90 days. Notify your network of updates for passive signalling.
- Prioritise: Engage with company content on LinkedIn to increase chances of recruiter contact. Liking, sharing, or following content from a company boosts your visibility to recruiters.
Ask the Experts: Use a Specialist Recruiter
Many companies recruit exclusively via agencies. At VMA GROUP, we focus solely on communications and marketing roles. Our expertise helps guide candidates through the process at no cost, acting as an intermediary during offer negotiations and uncovering roles you may not find independently. Specialist recruiters ensure you cover all bases and maximise your opportunities.
Written by Natalie Shall. For advice from an experienced consultant about developing your career in communications, digital, or marketing, please contact us today.
