Modern job searching in Brexit Britain

Although the UK is poised to leave the EU on October 31^st, little is known about how Brexit will affect job seekers. With sectors such as manufacturing, food, retail and finance already making redundancies and reporting concern about future prosperity, the modern job market is set to be even more competitive than it has been in recent years.  So how can you plan successful job searching if you are facing a career transition?

Whether as a result of Brexit or not, moving from employment to becoming a job seeker can be an emotional and stressful process. Looking at the change as a positive opportunity rather than as a step backwards will help you take control of your job search, cope with the change, and increase positive results.  In order to master the art of modern job searching you will need to adopt certain traits:

Self-Awareness

Jobseekers who are self-aware and know what transferable skills they have to offer are much more likely to succeed than those with no plans at all. All too often those who have been made redundant immediately look to find a similar job elsewhere, so why not take a step back and consider whether the job you were in before is really what you want? Whether you are unclear which direction to take, or you are looking for a career change, it’s advisable to spend time on a self-analysis.

• What values are important to you?
• What are your priorities?
• What are your genuine interests?
• What responsibilities have you enjoyed in your previous roles?
• What are your job essentials and desirables?

Clarity

Clarity is an important trait when job searching, as it enables a more targeted job search. If you’re working with Recruitment Consultants, they will have more to work with if you have a good idea of what your next opportunity needs to look like. Knowing your career priorities and the skills you want to use is the first step towards finding suitable matching opportunities.  Maintaining this focus throughout the entire process is also important as it will help you keep up momentum.

Positivity

Individuals who are undergoing a career transition can sometimes go through a range of emotions including shock, anger and disbelief. However, if you adopt a negative attitude during this time, it will adversely affect your job search. It is important to stay positive throughout every aspect of job searching – when making applications, attending interviews, and setting your goals. First impressions count and employers will look upon a positive and enthusiastic candidate much more favourably than a candidate who appears frustrated and demotivated.

Adaptability

The current job market is competitive and may be overwhelming for those who have not had to search for jobs recently. Being frustrated with the process is understandable, however you need to ensure this doesn’t come across to recruiters and employers.

Successful jobseekers are:

• Willing to adapt
• Take advice and feedback and act upon it
• Try new approaches and embrace new technologies

Candidates need to stand out, and only those willing to adapt and improve will thrive in the evolving job market. You may need to consider adjusting expectations on salary and location.

Motivation

Jobseekers need to actively seek out opportunities by using a variety of methods including consulting online job boards, contacting friends and colleagues and calling upon their professional network, as well as making direct approaches to target organisations. Taking a committed, productive and proactive approach to the job search process will maximise your chances of securing more interviews and having the opportunity to really sell yourself to potential employers.

Preparation

Being able to promote yourself effectively is a skill in its own right. It requires confidence and self-assurance. If you have fully prepared in advance, you will automatically feel more confident and in control and you will have more chance of standing out at interview and going forward to the next round or to secure the role.

Successful candidates will:

• Research the organisation, the key staff, their business plans and fully understand what the role entails.
• Consider the questions they might be asked and will have practised their responses (out loud).
• Prepare questions for the interviewer and feel confidently prepared before they set foot in the door.

Taking the time to adequately prepare and practice before the interview really will make a difference.

Renovo is one of the UK’s leading providers of outplacement and career transition support. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you, please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk