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9 best tips for your new job search in 2021

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WIth 2020 behind us, we begin 2021 with new dreams and ambitions. 

The pandemic took a toll on every aspect of our lives— especially, the way we work and what our job searches look like this year.

With unemployment and remote work on the rise, more people are now applying for any given job posting. That can make it harder for you to stand out from the crowd. It can also mean that you could be in for a longer job search.

Life is too short to be doing something that doesn’t delight and engage you each day. We devote countless hours of effort to our chosen position, so it only makes sense to fill the time with something you can be genuinely passionate about.

If you’re one of the many people currently looking for a new job or planning to start a job search soon, here’s what you need to know about finding a job in 2021.

  1. Ask yourself the difficult questions.

A good place to start your job search is to evaluate your career. Do a deep dive with difficult questions, such as –

Is this what you want to be doing here and now? Are you happy in your job? Is your current job contributing to or hindering your career progression? Are you learning new skills in your current role? Are you too afraid to look for a new job in the uncertain times

2. Take stock of your transferable skills.

You have skills you have developed form your previous industry. Determine which skills will be most relevant and transferable and think about how you might build or enhance them. Work with an experienced Recruiter who can present your transferable skills to potential employers in a compelling way.

With tech advancements you may need to be proactive and invest in short courses such as specialised certificates aligned closely to developing trends in your sector. There are plenty of online tutorials on how to learn from and upskill in order to advance your career in 2021.

3. Create a winning CV – Customise your CV for every job application. Each employer has a different purpose and values, your application (cover letter and CV) needs to align with this. The person screening applicants needs to connect with you as a person.

Studies have shown that on average recruiters spend just seven seconds looking at a CV before deciding whether a candidate is suitable for the role.  Start strong with a sharp summary of your skills to grab the attention of the recruiter. Focus on results rather than responsibilities.

Show your human side to connect with the recruiter. How did the pandemic help you grow? Talk about the positives, what you have learnt and how the pandemic shaped you as a person.

Creating an interview winning CV  can be time-consuming, but it is your opportunity to present your accomplishments and skills to your future employer. The more you study the job description and the industry, the better equipped you will be to make your CV stand out.

4. Be agile.

Temporary, Freelance, and Contract Work will be on the rise. Companies are still treading carefully. According to recent Monster survey data, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, 92% of respondents said they think now is a good time to look into the gig economy.

You as a jobseeker, may need to consider applying for positions you would not have considered in the past. This could mean branching out into a new industry, taking on some freelance work, finding creative ways to update your skill set, or trying out different job search strategies. Be willing to explore different short term employment opportunities before making the commitment in the long term.

5. Look toward industries that are growing despite pandemic setbacks.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has a major negative impact on many sectors, there are certainly industries that have been thriving through 2020 and are projected to exceed expectations into 2021.  Here are some of the key growth sectors –

  • E-Commerce
  • Tech and Telecommunications
  • Healthcare and Health Tech
  • Fintech
  • Customer Service
  • Renewable energy
  • Logistics

6. Do not be afraid to negotiate your salary or ask for a promotion.

Don’t let pandemic setbacks prevent you from seeking the salary you deserve. Think long term, this pandemic will pass. This mindset will help you get the perspective you need to make a change or seek better compensation for your work.

Be flexible yet firm.

7. Stay in touch with your networks.

Stay connected, reach out to your network of recruiters and industry contacts. Recruiters are experts in job market trends, they know who is and isn’t hiring and what skills are in demand. Talking to recruiters will give you valuable insights.

8. Diversity and Inclusion – do your research. Building diverse teams will be high priority for employers in 2021. Do your research to evaluate the company’s diversity and inclusion policy and values.

Use Glassdoor’s new DEI tools to ensure that you are directing your job search toward companies that align with your values, and that provide an equitable and inclusive work environment.

9. Build resilience and ask for feedback- remember not getting the job you applied for is not a personal failure. Decisions being made by employers and hiring managers are usually more about what the business needs are rather than any deficiency in your skills and experience.

If you don’t get the job, ask why. The feedback will help you become more self-aware. By asking for feedback, you are demonstrating your emotional intelligence. Feedback will guide you on how to advance your career.

For more jobsesarch ideas watch our New Year New Job VIDEO.

To get professional job market insights and be connected with opportunities nationwide reach out to Amrutha Murali at JobFitts Consultants.

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