If you are looking to jumpstart your career in 2024 by getting a new job, this article is good for you. We present important tips you can use to navigate the job market and get the right position that suits your career objectives.
The global job market will continue growing smoothly in 2024. The public and private sectors will exhibit moderate to high demand for new talent. The steady increase in opportunities will be common in various industries.
However, there will be increased competitiveness among job seekers. This will be in response to changes in technology and how companies adopt new methods of sporting and hiring talent.
Therefore, if you are looking for a new job in 2024, it would be wise to understand these trends and how to navigate them. Here are important tips to help you jumpstart your career in 2024.
Tips for Landing a Job in 2024
Looking for a job can be a tedious and frustrating process. This is particularly true if you approach the process without a concrete plan or strategy. It is difficult to land an interview if you simply send applications to any random company that advertises for positions.
You need to approach your job search systematically to increase your chances of landing the right position for yourself.
Repackage Yourself.
Whether you have been laid off or you would like to change careers, it is necessary to repackage your professional profile before starting to respond to job openings. Similarly, suppose you are fresh from college and would like to land an entry-level position as fast as possible. In that case, it is important to develop a new professional profile before starting the search for a job.
Potential employers look for individuals who match their expectations. Redefining your professional profile helps you identify and highlight important attributes that may match specific job openings. Here are some of the things you can do to repackage yourself as a professional.
1. Evaluate your Skills.
Recent research about trends in the hiring process shows that many recruiters are adopting a skills-based hiring approach. Skills-based recruitment is a process that emphasizes the possession of skills that match a job instead of academic qualifications.
Many employers in various industries, including tech and marketing communications are keen on getting employees who have the requisite skills. However, this trend does not mean that employers are no longer interested in other attributes like academic qualifications.
Take time to evaluate your skills. Identify some of the new skills you have acquired in your recent position. Some of these skills may come with accreditations. If this is the case, indicate the accreditation for any skill you may have attained in your previous job.
Also, categorize your skills into the core and non-core ones. Ensure the core skills are in line with the positions you are looking for next. Your core skills will be the key selling point during the job hunt.
Remember to include soft skills because employers pay much attention to soft skills when hiring staff. Soft skills such as the ability to solve problems, good listening skills, and excellent verbal and written communication are equally important. Having such skills raises your overall professional profile.
2. Define your Goals
It is common for young professionals to forget to refine their objectives when looking for a new job. If you approach the job search process with vague objectives, you may end up landing a position that does not suit your career growth plan.
It is simple to define your goals when searching for a job. The first thing entails deciding the position you will be looking for. Let us assume you are a young marketing professional. You hold a degree in marketing and have been working for a global marketing agency as an Account Executive for two years.
Let us assume that you would like to change jobs because your current employer is not offering you any chances for career growth. Your main goal for searching for a new position would be to land a marketing associate position in an agency. Given that you have been in the agency environment since the start of your career, it may be difficult to shift to the client side.
After defining the target position, you may now describe the kinds of agencies you would target and other things like remuneration. Ask yourself whether you would like to get a job in a global or local marketing agency. What is the ideal salary for your new marketing position? This is an important question because your response will help you screen the right job openings to pursue.
Another important goal to define when repackaging yourself for a new job search relates to the nature of the job. Here, have clear objectives about the nature of the job you would like to have. Some of the issues include the following:
- Should it be a fully remote position?
- Can I take a hybrid job?
- Am I looking for a fully onsite position?
- Does the job include a lot of traveling?
3. Update your CV
Once you have updated your skills and set specific objectives for your dream job, it is time to update your CV. Updating your CV should not be a difficult task. There are hundreds of companies that can help you do this task at affordable rates. However, it may be a good idea to do it yourself. If you decide to update your CV, you can still use the free tools that are available online to get the job done.
One important thing about revamping your CV relates to the modern recruitment processes. Recruiters and hiring managers nowadays use Applicant Tracking Software to manage recruitment activities.
This software scans the CVs of applicants for specific skills and keywords. It then selects only those CVs that match the relevant queries. Therefore, ensure your CV is ATS-compliant by including keywords and skills that match the requirements for the position you target.
4. Review your online presence
It is necessary to review your digital presence before applying for jobs. Employers are keen on understanding their recruits. Many recruiters ask the job applicants to provide links to their social media pages. The employers then check your posts and other activities on such platforms to understand your values and character.
Searching for the Job
The next step in the process of looking for a job is the actual search. At this point, you are now ready to respond to job offers and, if possible, attend interviews. Remember, searching for a job may be tedious and time-consuming. Besides, many recruiters may turn down your application. Therefore, being resilient, patient, and optimistic may help you. Here are some of the steps you can take to search for your dream job.
1. Look for job offers online
It is common for employers to post job offers online. However, searching for the right jobs may be tricky. It does not make sense to simply apply to any opportunity you see online.
The volume of your applications is not related to the chances of landing a job. This is a common mistake that many job seekers make when looking for work. Always, take time to read all the requirements of the opportunity before applying.
Also, determine whether you are a good fit for the position before you send an application to the recruiters. If you miss key requirements for a job, do not apply. The chances are that the recruiters will eliminate your application early in the process when they notice that you do not meet the basic requirements for the job.
2. Tailor your application to every job offer
Some job seekers think that it is a good idea to send generic job application letters to employers. Although doing this saves time, it may be counterproductive. Recruiters are not impressed by generic applications.
Once you have read and understood the requirements of a target job, take time to tailor your application. You can do this by writing a cover letter that directly responds to the requirements of the offer.
If the application process entails filling out a Google form, for example, ensure you respond to every question on the form. Do not leave black pages unless the recruiter has indicated so.
3. Monitor the application process
It is a good idea to track the job search process. You can use MS Excel to record all the important details of any job offer you respond to. The key details include the job title, the name of the potential employer, and the stages of the application process.
Tracking the job search process is important for many reasons. For example, you will be prepared to respond to an invitation for an interview. It will be easy to understand the specific employers who may invite you to an interview or assessment if you have their details available.
4. Use multiple channels
Use as many channels as possible to search for a job. For example, you can use Google or any other search engine to look for work. Set the notifications for the search query. The search engine will prompt you whenever an application that matches your keywords is posted online.
In addition to search engines, visit professional networking sites for job offers. LinkedIn is one of the most common professional networking sites. Many employers post jobs on LinkedIn for this reason. Therefore, search for job offers on such a platform and apply. Also, if you decide to use LinkedIn, ensure your professional profile is up to date. The employers will certainly check your profile when processing applications.
Interviews
Every company has its hiring process. However, all the recruitment procedures include interviewing or assessment. The employer uses this step to understand the capabilities of the potential employees.
Employers typically select very few job applicants for interviews. Therefore, when you get an invitation for an interview, you should be well-prepared to impress the recruiters.
Some companies carry out virtual interviews. If this is the case, you will be required to attend the session via Zoom, Google Meet, or other online video calling platforms. Other companies may ask you to be available for a phone interview or organize a physical session. Here are some important things to do before interviewing for a job.
1. Research the potential employer
Employers hire people who understand their job descriptions and the nature of the companies they will be working for. Visit the website of the potential employer and learn about their activities as much as possible. When you have this information, you will be comfortable answering questions about the company that the recruiters often ask job applicants.
2. Rehearse the interview sessions
Every interview session has its unique features. For example, physical interviews provide employers with a chance to meet you in person. The individuals who interview you physically learn about you from your body language. They evaluate you from the moment you step into the interview room.
You can rehearse a physical interview session with a friend. Let the friend play the role of the employer and you act as a job seeker. Go through the mock interview then review the feedback from your friend. Use the results of the mock interview to improve your performance as you prepare for the real one.
4. Prepare answers for critical questions
One of the most common questions that employers ask job applicants relates to salary. Many job applicants do not understand how to respond to this question. However, you should not worry about telling recruiters what you would like to earn.
Research the salaries that companies pay with job titles similar to yours. In addition to this, decide how much you think the employer should pay you. You can argue for a higher pay than what the employers offer by proving that you can bring much value to the company. Also, make it clear that you are willing to negotiate about salary.
Conclusion
You can find the right job in 2024 if you search for one properly. Review your skills and revamp the CV for the start. Focus on the jobs that you are qualified for when looking for work online. Furthermore, diversify the online channels you use during the job hunting process. Use common search engines and specialized job boards. You can also rely on professional networking sites to find opportunities. During the search, ensure you tailor your application to every job offer you respond to. Avoid using generic cover letters when applying for a job. Lastly, track the job application process and prepare for the interview.
