January is when employers launch a new raft of jobs.
Job hunting activity is at its highest in January as people are determined to turn a new leaf and finding a new job is among the common pledges made for New Year’s Resolutions.
January to February is the busiest time of the year for recruitment and the best time of the year to look for a job.
These are two of the best months to look for long-term, full-time jobs, as these are the months most companies receive updated budgets and sales forecasts.
Executives have a better idea of what they need and whether they can afford to hire new team members. Career advisors consider these the top months for hiring.
Don’t wait until the middle or latter part of January to send your resume out.
Keep an eye on job boards and set up an alert so you receive up-to-date postings.
Get yourself a LinkedIn account. Recruiters scan them but more importantly, employers place jobs directly on LinkedIn. Put a headshot photo up – smile please – and put plenty of detail about what you’ve achieved.
Next, ask your friends, family and former colleagues for information on up and coming jobs. Job hunting is about people hunting.
The three most important things about a resume are that it’s up to date, it has your name and contact details and that it has results.
When applying for a job, tailor your resume to that specific job. Don’t send out a generic resume.
If you’re writing your own resume, focus on your achievements, not duties.
Include awards or received commendations you’ve received at work.
List your best referee first and make sure the contact number is correct.
Always check the fine print in an employment contract and make sure you are being paid the Award wage and super. Wage theft is on the march.
And don’t forget to go outside, smell the flowers and pat a dog.