HOT TIPS FOR COOLER TIMES
On first impressions, the current employment market may not seem the easiest environment in which to advance your career. However, with a strategic approach your career can flourish.
Look towards the Long Term:
Job security has inevitably come to the fore of candidates’ minds and this focus on the long term is a good development. Rather than focusing on short term gains through a string of successive employers, candidates should carefully consider their choice of employer and work with reputable companies where the experience will aid long term career goals and long term tenure can be achieved – this is the time to look towards future career stability rather than a short term fix.
Add Value:
With businesses understandably looking at process and cost improvements, it follows that their ideal candidate can offer strategic value. So now is the time to build your abilities in this area.
Well Rounded Skills:
In some sectors where businesses are becoming leaner, “all rounders” are in very high demand therefore broadening your skills based is a very positive step. If there is additional work to be done, make sure you are available and learn a new set of skills!
Flexibility:
It follows that with a broadened skills base in demand, and with employers having a much broader choice, you should demonstrate your flexibility to take on additional work, wherever and whenever possible!
It’s Not Just About Money:
Flexibility in terms of salary is important. Higher candidate availability has leveled salaries and candidates should adopt more realistic expectations rather than approaching salary discussions with a hard line approach! While candidates with the best skills may still secure higher rates of pay, overall we expect lifestyle benefits such as flexible working hours to be offered in place of salary increases.
Consider Temp or Contract Work:
Temp or contract work is on the rise in many sectors. The advantage for employers is the ability to overcome workload peaks until budgets are reassessed while simultaneously maintaining a degree of flexibility for the future. For candidates the advantages include a broader depth of opportunities, experience and skills development.
Be Patient:
The hiring process has lengthened, with employers enjoying the luxury of increased candidate choice. Consequently, expect a longer hiring timeframe.
Determination:
Given that employers have a much greater choice, they have become more specific in their ideal candidate. So while it may take a little longer to receive an offer, it will come from a company for which you are the best fit! Determination and persistence will eventually pay off.
Maintain Confidence:
The top candidates today are those who are sure of their ability to make a difference and who approach an interview with a positive and confident attitude!