The September Job Search: A 4-Step Guide to Finding a New Job
The September Job Search: A 4-Step Guide to Finding a New Job
As the summer begins to draw to a close, we approach the best time of year to start a new job. The summer can often be too hectic to even consider entertaining the application process. But, if you’ve been finding yourself restless in your current position, September is your golden window of opportunity. The festive season is fast approaching, and for most individuals it is important to have job security and a steady income on the lead up.
So, we suggest that you take the time during September to see what’s out there. This’ll also give time to settle in before the holidays. With that said, here is our 4-step guide to finding a new job:
- Make a list of priorities
Whether you’re partial to a mind map or a list, use whatever method works best for you, to put together a list of your priorities. It is also important to rank these points based on how willing you are to sacrifice each one. What truly matters to you in a new role?
As a part of this process, you’ll also need to do your research on salary. Look at your experience, research the current market rate and see what salary aligns with your experience. Make sure to have a minimum figure, and an ideal figure in mind.
In the interest of your future job satisfaction, take some time to analyse why you’re wanting to leave your current job, make sure not to choose another role that’ll take you down the same path. Consider what you want long-term, whether that be a large salary or progression. When it comes to the interview stage, try your best to assess if this company will be able to accommodate your ambitions.
If you’re struggling to figure out what path to take, we do offer career coaching, facilitated by our wonderful Recruitment Business Partner, Maria Prentice. For more information on this, please send an introduction email to Maria@dovetailrecruitment.co.uk, outlining your current situation.
- Spruce up your CV
There are some amazing resources out there to help you make your CV stand out. It’s also always worth getting an extra pair of eyes to double check the little things. You would be surprised at how many people make spelling errors on their CVs!
A few points to mention:
- Discuss the industries you’ve worked in – industry knowledge is invaluable
- Use specific figures – targets you’ve met or exceeded, or other quantifiable achievements
- Bullet points – make your CV easy to read and scan through
- Be clear on what you’re looking for – In your introduction, write a short sentence about what you are looking for
- Include your reasons for leaving – especially if you have a few short stints
For some advice on how to write a good CV, please refer to our previous blog post. Alternatively, for 1-2-1 professional coaching, contact our partner, Interview Mentor.
- Contact your local recruitment agency
Start building a relationship with an agency you trust. Building a strong relationship with a good agency comes with a plethora of benefits. When you first reach out, try to facilitate an open discussion, talk about your priorities and the reason you’re looking to leave your current position, that way we can help you avoid the same situation in your next role.
Even if we don’t have anything at that moment in time, we know the local businesses. This means we’ll know what roles are coming in before they are advertised, but also, whether a client is open to considering your details on a speculative basis. If you make a good impression, we’ll be more likely to remember you for roles that come up in the future.
Take a look at our reviews from previous candidates we’ve worked with, to find out if we’d be a good fit in helping you with your next job search.
- Brush up on your interview techniques
Our secret to smashing any interview, is to get in touch with the team at Interview Mentor, who offer 1-2-1 coaching and workshops for interview technique. If you’re a little rusty, we recommend reaching out and seeing how they can help. Their services also include help with CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
Once you’ve got the insight to great interview technique, it’s all about practice. The delivery of your answers is very important, there’s a careful balance between a concise answer and a terse one. You can master this balance, and ensure your answers come across naturally by getting a friend to ask you a range of questions and answering on the spot. It’s best to record this practice so you can look back on any particularly gold star worthy responses. To help get you started, here’s a previous blog post that outlines a few top tips.
Whilst The September Job Search: A 4-Step Guide to Finding a New Job isn’t entirely comprehensive, we hope it gives you a good starting point and a little more confidence as you begin your September job search. For some insight into the current job market, take a look at our current vacancies. The Dovetail team wish you the best of luck, we know job searching is tough!
Job Search Tips:
Top Interview Tips
Dovetail Job Search Toolkit
Interview Tips: How to be presentable
Dovetail Recruitment are an independent Recruitment Agency in Bournemouth. Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Hampshire & Dorset + HR news, as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.
 |
 |
 |
 |
