As the great January search begins, stand out from the crowd in the job market with experts’ tips

IS YOUR New Year resolution to find a new job?

The great January search has begun, with the next three weeks normally the busiest of the year for recruiters.

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Here are our expert tips on the best way to land a new job this year[/caption]

But things are looking a little different in 2023.

The looming threat of recession, and fears for job security, mean just eight per cent of staff are seeking a new permanent role, according to jobs board Totaljobs.com.

But the number of people searching for temporary work has doubled compared to this time last year, reveals staffing platform IndeedFlex.co.uk, as house-holds seek extra cash to survive the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The one thing all job- hunters want, though, is a higher salary. Three in five say they will ignore a job advert that does not disclose salary, while 52 per cent are taking a greater interest in company performance to ensure the firm can ride out unfavourable economic headwinds.

So what is the best way to land a new job, or new staff, this year? Here are our expert tips . . . 

HOW TO SECURE A JOB

COLLETTE DOBBS, a Department of Work and Pensions jobs coach based in Scunthorpe says: “January can lead people to make life changes and a new role is often at the forefront of their minds.” 

She advises . . . 

• Do your research: Swot up on the employer or  sector you’re interested in, and drill into fine details. 
• Update your CV: Tailor it to the role you are applying for. Many of your skills will be transferable so make sure you highlight these, and relevant experience. 
• Utilise Jobcentre Plus: Work Coaches like me help with tailored support. We can help you upskill and we host recruitment events in Jobcentres, with many employers offering jobs on the spot. 

HOW TO SECURE STAFF

STEVE WARNHAM, senior researcher at jobs board Totaljobs said: “High levels of vacancies mean businesses need to ensure they are doing their best to  promote theirs, and engage potential hires.”

• Be specific about salary: Including the pay on your job ad increases applicant numbers by up to 20 per cent. If you’re stating a  pay range, make this as small as possible. You can also detail the amount of annual leave offered, pension  contributions and maybe any company car allowance.
• Consider transferable skills in your search: More than half of people who change jobs move into a new industry. Look out for those candidates who might fall a bit outside your usual search.
• Consider applicants’ travel and childcare needs:  Now, more than ever, is the time to come up with job offers that cater to the individual needs of candidates.

You starting, pal?

TODAY  is Founder Friday – the favourite day of the year for  budding entrepreneurs to set up in business.

To help, Virgin StartUp is offering a free service where you can book a 30-minute slot with an experienced business advisor. It offers advice from business plans and  forecasting, to applying for loans. Andy Fishburn, at Virgin StartUp, said: By doing this, we hope to give founders the best start.”

Details at virginstartup.org/founder-friday#start.

Time to trade up

NEW initiative Trade-Up aims to move 10,000 adults into skilled trades over the next 12 months. 

Set up by industry contacts site Checkatrade, the platform offers local training and hands-on experience. 

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Trade-Up aims to move 10,000 adults into skilled trades over the next 12 months[/caption]

Richard Harpin, CEO at HomeServe PLC and Chair of Trade-Up, said: “We are equipping people with the necessary skills and know-how to not only embark upon a successful career but to keep building  Britain.”

See trade-up.co.uk

How to climb ladder

AIMING for a promotion?

Here are six skills that can help, says Bernard Marr, author of new book Future Skills: The 20 Skills And Competencies Everyone Needs To Succeed In A Digital World.

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Author Bernard Marr reveals six tips you should learn if you’re aiming for a promotion[/caption]

1. SOFT SKILLS: These include emotional intelligence, collaboration and good communication and are key to working with others.
2. THINK CRITICALLY AND CONFIDENTLY: Crucial  for making decisions in  the digital age.
3. BECOME A NUMBERS PERSON: Getting comfortable with analysing information can help you understand your audience and spot opportunities, meaning you can bring to your next performance review some big ideas on how your firm can grow.
4. LEARN TO LEAD: Promotions often come with extra responsibility, so leadership and time-management skills are hugely beneficial.
5. HELP OTHERS TO THRIVE: Making sure everyone is working towards the same goal is a sign of a strong team-player – a trait that organisations are always on the look out for. 
6. CURIOSITY AND  DESIRE TO LEARN: If you can develop these traits and continue to embrace change, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of a successful and fulfilling career.