The UK is attempting an economic recovery following the Coronavirus pandemic. With companies in some sectors across the UK implementing job cuts and reducing new job openings, roles in other sectors including care, warehouse and delivery driving have thrived in the current climate. Although the jobs market has become more competitive, you should maintain a positive attitude, focus on setting yourself apart from other candidates and utilising this time to plan and prepare. This will ensure that when new opportunities do become available, you are ready and familiar with all the tools to guide you through the hiring process.
Below are some of our recommendations on being creative with your transferable skills to find a job.
Set up job alerts
In most cases, you can set up job alerts with online job boards and recruitment agencies. This will enable you to receive notifications as soon as roles you are interested in arise. This is particularly useful in industries where opportunities are advertised and filled quickly, and especially for temporary or fixed term contract roles.
Volunteer
Job seekers often overlook volunteering whilst they are searching for new roles. It is important to remember that volunteering looks great on your CV, demonstrating your passion for charities and other causes and simultaneously fills any employment gaps. Dedicating a few hours, just one day a week to a voluntary cause will help you build your transferable skills, meet new people, and upskill yourself.
Notify your network
Everyone knows someone and that someone could help you!
In the first instance, update your online profiles, particularly LinkedIn, ensure your connections are aware of your availability to work. You could also privately message your network and kindly ask previous colleagues to endorse you.
If you are part of any clubs, associations, groups on Facebook, let other members know. Remember, a job will not be handed to you, and letting people know that you are looking for work may give you exposure to roles that are not usually promoted on job boards.
Improve your skills
It is often difficult to find the time to invest in yourself when you are working. Therefore, it is worth welcoming upskilling opportunities whilst you are job seeking. We suggest that you take the time to research and enroll onto relevant courses, especially if you are looking for jobs beyond your previous work experience. You may also want to research skills that you will need for developing industries e.g. coding, cyber security.
Search Hashtags
Social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram are useful when looking for a new job. Spend a few minutes each day to search hashtags including #AdminJobs etc. You may find that you come across jobs that are not available on other search engines.
Be flexible
It is important to remember that as the UK and the rest of the world recovers economically, it will take time. Try to stay open minded, if you are looking for a permanent position, seriously consider a temporary role in the meantime. If you are searching for a graduate position, it may be worth considering an entry level role just to gain some experience.