Millions of workers feel undervalued in their current workplace and many say they 'don't see themselves' in their current role in 12 monthsAccording to online job board, Totaljobs, millions of UK workers are going into 2019 feeling undervalued in their current workplace. The second annual Job Satisfaction Index figures suggest a growing trend of dissatisfaction among the UK workforce at a time where employers are finding it increasingly difficult to retain their top talent.
The research indicates that these frustrations are making UK workers increasingly likely to explore their options.
This is Money compiled ten top tips from leading recruitment and employment experts on how to conduct a great job search:
- Don’t let Brexit hold you back
Although Brexit is ruffling some feathers, there’s no telling what kind of impact it will have, especially if we crash out of the EU with No Deal.
But, employers tell a different story.
Simon Winfield, managing directly of Hays UK&I points out: ‘The availability of skills is set to be a developing picture, however whilst we wait to hear the outcome of Brexit negotiations employers are demonstrating clear intentions to hire for the year ahead.
He adds: ‘The outlook is positive for job seekers for the year ahead as in our recent survey of almost 23,000 people, over three quarters of UK employers say they are planning to hire.
‘There are a number of areas which are particularly skills short and, as such, job seekers can use this to their advantage.’
- Update your CV and social profiles
Recruiters are searching the net 24/7. Don’t let an outdated CV put them off considering you for a role!
Career author James Innes explains: ‘I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to have a strong online brand and this means your LinkedIn profile has to be up to date and keyword rich.
‘Update your CV and make sure it stands out by highlighting achievements and using the right keywords to get past those pesky Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS’s).’
- Skills gap
If you’re still concerned, the trick may be to land a job that is future-proofed to take on any knocks whether it be from Brexit or another sort of economic hurdle.
- Don’t call in sick or make up an excuse to attend interviews
It’s best to be honest with your potential employer if you’re finding it difficult to get time off from work to attend the interviews.
Winfield says: ‘Employers are more flexible than you may think, especially as the availability of talent is scarce many employers will happily conduct interviews either before or after work to accommodate.
‘If this isn’t possible, your next best option is to book annual leave if you have enough time to do so.
‘Taking the day off will allow you to clear your mind ahead of the interview without worrying where your employer may think you are.
‘If this isn’t an option, then try to avoid calling in sick or making an unrealistic excuse. You can opt to ask for a couple of hours off for an appointment instead and then offer to make the time back.’
- Skills training
Perhaps 2019 is the year for change?
According to job search-engine Adzuna, software engineers and quantity surveyors are two of the most in demand roles.
Adzuna highlights there are currently 17,887 vacancies currently available for software engineers who earn an average of £51,300 per annum.
Adzuna says: ‘This has been boosted by huge hiring efforts at tech giants Amazon, Google & Facebook: together currently looking to fill over 2,000 open roles, close to record hiring levels.’
- Use apps to look for your dream job
There are plenty of job apps and websites for job searching including Monster, LinkedIn and Indeed. But there are some new specialist apps that make the jobs application process less formal.
Job Today for instance is a mobile hiring app that is revolutionising the way millennials find work. To date, 100 million candidates to over 400,000 businesses and counts the likes of Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger and EAT among its regular clients.
Instead of posting an ad on a website, or asking prospective candidates for CVs, the job search app connects employers with future staff, allowing them to message back and forth to discuss roles and speed up the hiring process.
- Don’t job-hunt at work
Totaljobs says 55 per cent of employees have admitted to looking for a new role during working hours, an increase on the 50 per cent who admitted doing so in 2017.
It also adds that 69 per cent of workers say they don’t feel their boss supported their career goals.
- Don’t be put off joining the gig economy
No full-time job is ever 100 per cent secure. However, freelancers or contractor have to deal with the lack of job security and an ever-changing monthly income.
But Innes says this shouldn’t put job-seekers off. ‘The advantages are obvious – the flexibility, the variety and, hopefully, the potential to earn quite a bit more.’
- Apply for the right role
If you don’t want to be in the same situation this time next year, act now. With the digital age there are so many opportunities to jobhunt and search for your ideal role.
Winfield explains: ‘It can be tempting to take advantage of advanced ways of applying for jobs with ‘one click’ applications, however unsuccessful candidates are often those who have dived head-first into the job search process, without thinking about what they really want and what exactly they need to do to get there.
‘As a result, they end up applying for roles that aren’t necessarily right for them at that moment in time.’
- Be prepared
Do your research about the company and the people that are interviewing you. Be informed and come with savvy questions about the role and the company. Ask questions to make sure the job is right for you so you’re not sat in the same boat in 2020.
