January has arrived. It’s a new year and a new decade and maybe the time is right for you to find a new job, or even a new career?
Like most business functions, recruiting and hiring activity has ebbs and flows, and if you pay attention, you just might be able to time your application to when a hiring manager is most eager to bring in new talent.
If you are one of those people that has ‘find a new job’ on their New Year’s resolution list, then you may be glad to hear that January is the perfect month to job hunt. Here’s why and what you need to do to make sure you have the best chance possible of securing an exciting new role.
Employers are looking for new employees
In the New Year, employers are feeling motivated for the new year ahead and are eager to see what talent they can employ to help achieve their business goals. They have a clearer mindset at this time of the year as they are less likely to be tied down to deadlines and projects, so you will find that there is a tantalising array of opportunities to get your teeth into. This is also the time of year when the greatest number of decision-makers are likely to be in the office together, so you can get a “Yes” much faster and secure that new job you want!
New budgets
Companies usually get their new hiring budgets for the year in January, and a lot of the hiring activity that was delayed in November and December can now move forward. This means that the first quarter of the new year (and in particular January and February) is always a busy time for recruiting.
Managers are also generally given their new budgets at the start of every year, so this gives candidates a better chance at finding a new job and being hired as the budget has not yet been allocated elsewhere. Additionally, linking your application with a company’s new budgets may mean that the company will have more money to allocate to the salaries of new hires!
What you can do to prepare yourself
As January is the month for job hunting, there also tends to be a lot more competition for these opportunities, allowing employers to choose carefully and a greater chance of you needing to impress them. Here are some things you must do to have the best chance of securing your dream job.
Update your CV
Spend some time making sure that your CV is as good as it can possibly be. The time and energy you spend in preparing your CV will pay dividends when it comes to getting noticed and helping you to stand out among the many applicants that may be challenging you for that dream job.
Brush up on your interview technique
January usually starts slowly as people come back from their holidays, but by the middle of the month, things are running smoothly. Once that happens, hiring pick up pretty fast and lots of phone interviews and first round interviews start happening. Make sure you’ve done your research and prepared and practiced your interview and presentation technique to give you the best chance possible to make a great impression.
Update your social presence
Although your CV and cover letter will be the first documents an employer will look at, it is also beneficial to keep your social channels up to date. Recruiters may look at your LinkedIn for example to see if your experience matches up with your experience on your CV. You should ensure that you have a professional photo on your profile, that your work experience is up to date and you have the relevant skills listed as this can be a decider for some employers.
When it comes to connecting with the right job opportunity, timing isn’t everything, but it’s certainly something. If you feel the time is right for you to make your next big career move, we can help you to find the best opportunities and help you to be in the right place at the right time to achieve career success.
If you would like any free and confidential advice on how to secure your ideal job in the Animal Health, Agricultural, Equine or Pet industries, please do get in touch. Our team is here to help make your career dreams a reality.
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