ASK THE EXPERT – PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR JOB HUNT

I’m determined to start 2022 off in a brand-new role but am I better to wait until after Christmas to start my job search?

It is common for the start of a new year to prompt a flurry of job seekers into the market. Many people return from the festive break hoping to land a new role meaning that come January there will be increased competition for the best opportunity. Be quick off the mark now and you could find that being one step ahead will see you land that dream job before others have finished brushing up their CVs.

Spend some time researching the current job market to ensure that your CV stands you in the best possible position for the role that you want. By checking out the job descriptions for roles being advertised you will be able to see what skills and attributes are in demand from employer and can start listing your experience accordingly. Make sure to include your current role and spend some time detailing any newly acquired qualifications information on the impact you have had in your present position.

On the subject of CVs - when was the last time you took a good look at it? More than likely it will have been just before you secured your current role so there will be some updating that will be needed to ensure your latest achievements and any additional responsibilities you have undertaken are included. Even if you have brushed up your CV on a regular basis, it is important to give it a thorough read to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

Also take time to review your references and check that those you have listed are happy to continue to be included and update any details such as job roles and contact details. Remember that most would-be employers will want to speak with your current employer once they have offered you the role.

As well as adding in current information, it is just as important to edit and remove any details which are no longer relevant. Your CV must give the best possible impression of you but keep it succinct and use it as an opportunity to really consider which elements of your previous roles are going to be most valuable as you move forward in the next step of your career.

Many employers will start their search for new team members before taking time off for the festive break; whilst waiting until January may seem like a smart move for employers as they may have a bigger pool of candidates from which to select from, it can mean that there will be more companies with the same idea. And with more job opportunities available, it increases competition between employers for the best candidates and could see a longer, more drawn-out process of negotiation and counter- offers. Savvy businesses should be looking to snap up top talent ahead of their competitors so they can ensure their new recruits are in place as early as possible in the new year.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to find out more.

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