Time for a transition?
A self-led job change can be a gutsy move when there is little obvious predictability in the economic environment. Yet, after the last Covid bump there were plenty of vacancies and many employers were having a hard time recruiting good people.
It seems like the ‘bounce back’ has ‘bounced back’. So if you’re feeling daring to make a move right now, these 7 handy job search tips are a guide to fast-track a career move toward a better salary or new target role.
Some industries, (and whole states), continue to suffer the Covid legacy, but there are actually plenty of employers out there, who would love to be able to find you – especially if you have some highly sought-after qualities like adaptability and a collaborative style of working. Directly after the first Covid ‘wave’, vacancies were on a steep trajectory upwards. Today in Newcastle alone, 307 new jobs popped up on Seek. Seems about double the average (pre-Covid). This report from Seek provides stats as they see it. “Highest number of job ads posted in a month in SEEK’s 23 year history”. Crazy.
If you’ve been contemplating a change in career direction, there may be no time, like right now. As employers concede they may need to be more negotiable on ‘must have’ skills, you might have some bargaining power around pay, conditions and even responsibilities. And, there’s still plenty of subsidized training, if you take time to look.
This is a great time to review your job preferences and take positive steps to improving your chances of securing the job you really want and ‘future-proofing’ in areas of high demand. Here’s 7 essentials you can do any time you’re ready to reap the rewards of work that is a little closer to your dream job.
1. Do some detailed research on the job you think you want
Do thorough research on what you think you’d like to do and start digging deeper. Will you like the culture of the industry / employer? Does it pay enough? Do you already have the required skills? Are there some skills or tickets that would give you the edge? What can you do to improve your chances of promotion where you are now and protect your security and employability in the future? What could make you indispensable in a market where you could be difficult to replace?
There is excellent data available about various sectors and desirable skills sets, such as that included in this report by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee. Drilling down on the data highlights some surprising findings on industries such as rail, auto, property and financial services.
There’s interesting information too about what employers say are their priority skills – hint: you might even use some of these in your resume update.
Look for industry news and contacts
Surf the net, read reviews and speak with peak bodies (industry associations), watch who is advertising on key job search platforms. Search for contacts in your target industry in LinkedIn and connect with them if they’re open to it. Using their company name and location to search can turn up some gems.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Think about your extended network
Examine your network but extend that thinking to wonder who might they know, from the industry or role you’re interested in. A drawn web, (with, you, like the spider in the middle), linking to contacts will surprise you – yes you have a support team!
And don’t forget that people like to help, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let people you trust know that you are looking for opportunities and ask them to keep a lookout for roles that might suit you. From the pub to footy field and craft club, people are happy to help but you have to put the word out.
Consider some informational interviews (instead of job interviews)
Offer a coffee to someone, maybe even a leader, from the industry you’d like to work in and ask for help and information, not a job. Ask intelligent and well-considered questions you’d like to know the answer to. You’ll be cool, calm and collected, because this is not a job interview! You might even like to ask for some feedback on your resume.
Eventually, they may be able to offer some work or know someone who can. You’ll be the person they remember. In the meantime, you’ll have the insider information you need to update your resume and take confident steps in your career transition.
Talk to a career consultant
If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with a career consultant or job coach,, to consider labour market stats and possible future directions. A career plan, formulated in unison with a skilled career practitioner can help keep you accountable and keep momentum with your decision to move.
They can help too with identifying whether you have the skills you need to succeed in a target role, what the market expects and even more likely, they can help you identify the skills you undervalue! Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference.
Talk to training providers
Training providers will generally be able to tell you exactly which tickets / training you need to successfully apply for particular jobs, in their area of expertise. Sometimes there are licenses required in addition to the training. Some of this information is also available at www.training.nsw.edu.au and www.training.gov.au
2. Commence training to address skill gaps and because knowledge is power
Even if you’ve only just started a training course, a current enrolment shows you are on a career pathway and have already taken active steps toward achieving a transition. This in itself shows a willingness to improve and follow through on career goals. We all have training gaps, but those who engage in life-long learning are giving themselves a leg up in the job market. No learning is wasted!
Update your CV again when the training is completed.
Qualifications can be highly regarded by some employers but there is some learning you simply have to have, like the licenses for industry offered here by 123 Training Solutions , (love the service!). Others are advantageous in almost ALL industries. First Aid is one such ticket. As a recruiter, I’m always impressed when an applicant has gone out of their way to ensure they can actively assist when injuries occur in a workplace.
Choose a quality training provider
Some training providers offer training and assessment services at reduced rates, thanks to funding from the State Government. Training companies with subsidized training are likely to offer a better service, due to the hoops they are legislated to jump through, to ensure quality.
Unfortunately, not all courses receive the same push from government. This can change under certain circumstances, like Covid or Skill Shortages. But, using funded opportunities as a ‘taster’ for new industries can be a great way to jump into something new, boots and all.
Check out the credentials of the trainers and consider online reviews. While you might think you like the idea of just getting the easy sign off, it will be embarrassing to show up for a new job and not have a clue about the basics! Learning from someone who is motivated to stay current themselves is a good idea, as they make the best trainers.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable the training provider will diligently support your learning and your trainer should be able to accommodate challenges you might have as a learner. Ultimately, it can be a high value transaction, so a seeking great customer experience makes sense.
Consider face-to-face learning if its available, as learning with other participants offers a whole range of opportunities – like an expanded network, new pals with shared interests and the occasion for human interaction. This is where real learning and opportunities ramp up!
Thought about uni?
It’s never too late to step up and take on undergraduate or post graduate learning. Unfortunately, debt can be a deterrent, however, there are currently a number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available via various universities.
Surf the net or check out the Good Universities Guide. You might be surprised what government is funding – from dementia studies to architecture, data sciences, teaching and psychology.
There are quite a few options to choose from but don’t forget to consider your interests, values and skills too. A professional career counsellor can help with study goals and pathways too.
3. Update your CV
Reviewing your CV (or resume), provides close reflection on skills gaps you might need to address to become competitive. Add training to your CV, including the name of the reputable training provider, the name of the course and when you completed it, (or if currently enrolled). This will add validity to your credentials.
Choose the skills you want to highlight and make sure they are well placed for the reader to see easily. This may mean tailoring your resume for each role.
Take time to have others review your CV or other job search documents. Try people you connected with in training or the person you met via that informational interview mentioned above, or a professional resume writer. Minimize spelling and grammatical errors. They can seriously reduce your chances of gaining an interview, especially for professional roles.
There are thousands of free resume templates available to assist with the basics. Use your current job description to ramp up industry-relevant jargon and note achievements while they’re still fresh in your mind. Make sure contact details of referees are correct. If you are short on referees, consider that colleagues, suppliers, customers can be alternative referees to your direct supervisor. If you don’t have any referees, work on that. Volunteering may help.
4. Brush up on your interview skills
There is tons of free information available about how you can perform better in a job interview. One top tip is simply to be able to identify, concisely, exactly what you can bring to the table. Telling someone you ‘need a job’ simply won’t cut it in a any job market.
Research the most likely top ten interview questions and rehearse a bit. You’ll improve beyond belief with just a little effort. Practice with family and friends or source a qualified interview coach. The investment is worthwhile, as you’ll learn skills for future job applications too.
5. Do some volunteering
It’s great if you can volunteer in an area that you’d also like to work in, but any volunteering is valuable for your resume and career opportunities.
Volunteering can underpin new skill development for current or future plans – think of skills like leadership, coordination or caring. It can help with provision of fresh referees too, who can add a different perspective from your current employer on what you do well.
Online searches will assist with choosing or you can contact the Hunter Volunteers Centre www.hvc.org.au to review options.
6. Attend to your appearance
Now may be the time, budget-permitting, to explore options to improve your appearance. Think creatively. If you need to get your teeth fixed, there’s not time like the present.
Clothes don’t have to be fancy or fashionable, but if you are attending interviews or starting a new role, you’ll need to be clean and tidy. This is one investment, you must make. Op shops are a seriously good (and sustainably-thoughtful) option. Make sure you’re got job interview outfits ready to go.
On a less obvious level, visualize interview scenarios and think about how you present. Again, rehearse a bit, with awareness of smile, posture and demeanor.
7. Improve your computer literacy
There is no doubt that rapidly-changing technology is here to stay. Eventually, there will be no excuse not to know the basics, as tablets and digital platforms are integrated into most industries, including transport and construction.
If you’re already a competent user, you might like to get learning about data analytics, network security or digital marketing. These are all on the future jobs hot list and will build confidence for workers in modern workplaces.
So, despite the previously gloomy predictions and a few sectors, like tourism, still facing a long road to recovery, many jobseekers have landed on their feet. Now is an ideal time to back yourself and lock in a plan of attack. Some sectors are booming, while Covid brightly shone a light on new untapped markets and previously under-utilized, flexible working arrangements.
There are opportunities waiting for your exploration and demanding employers focus more on capabilities, attitude and self-management skills than in previous years of at least the last decade. Learn what you can, practice what you can and look as sharp as possible. From an employer’s perspective, applicants who have gone out of their way to chase a role via upskilling, research and good presentation have plenty to bring to the table.