When you hear the phrase “Be prepared” what does that make you think of? The Scouts perhaps? When Baden Powell (Father of the Scouting movement) first decided on that motto he was asked “prepared for what?” Baden’s reply was “be prepared means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body”. 115 years later it’s still sound advice. So, what does being “job market-ready” mean and why should you be job market-ready anyway?
Changes in the job market
Not wanting to state the obvious but the past two years have seen a big shift in the job market. We’ve seen a huge cultural shift in the way people do their jobs and where they do them and many employees voted with their feet during the “great resignation”. In order to attract and retain the top talent, recruiters have had to significantly update their terms, conditions, flexible working options, rewards and corporate benefits. And in order to cope with the changes in the economy employers have also had to look at their labour costs. In the wake of covid, the job market is in a constant state of flux. Being market-ready even when you are not actively looking for a role means that you are perfectly positioned to apply quickly and effectively when you see that wonderful opportunity instead of starting from scratch.
An active jobs market means that you never know when opportunities might present themselves at short notice. You might be perfectly happy where you are now, or you might already be thinking about your next move. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to be ready to toss your hat into the ring if and when an opportunity presents itself.
Hitting the ground running
You’ve seen your dream job. Right money, right place, perfect role. The deadline is looming, but you haven't updated your CV since 2010. It's the career equivalent of being asked to run a marathon when you’ve left your trainers caked in mud at the back of the shoe rack.
If you’re seeing opportunities even when you are not actively seeking to apply – what do they tell you about the market? Whether you ultimately decide to take any job you are offered or not is up to you, but options give you freedom. Being prepared means that in an uncertain job market you have options and peace of mind.
If you are continually scanning the market, looking for the next opportunity then if you were ever to be made redundant or there was a downturn in your sector you would be in a much stronger position.
Shifting into job search mode at short notice
So how do you make sure you’re ready to apply if your dream job does come up? I’ve pulled together your very own “Be Prepared” checklist to make it easy for you
1. Know your personal career goals
What do you want to do next? Are you changing sectors? Do you want a more senior role? Are you looking for a less hands-on or a more hands-on role? Knowing what you want to do means you’re more likely to spot opportunities as they arise.
2. Update your CV regularly
Keep your CV up to date all the time. If you change roles or have extra responsibilities added to your current role, include them in your CV. If you do a course or qualification add it to your CV. Overhauling a CV that hasn’t been dusted off for several years can be a daunting task. Make sure yours is alive and current. It’s also a good way to remind yourself of all the skills and experience you have to offer.
3. Elevator pitch – write one
In the job market, you are selling yourself. Elevator pitches are a great way of introducing yourself, getting across your key strengths, and making a connection with someone. They are handy to have any time you're at an event where you might meet prospective job or networking connections.
4. Networking/professional organisations/memberships – expanding contacts, attending events
Using your elevator pitch and building your connections means you're more likely to be in the front of someone's mind when the right opportunity comes up. If you’ve met someone at an event and you’ve told them who you are and what your key skills are, if the right job comes up there’s more chance they’ll give you a heads up. Having conversations and making connections means you’ll get to hear about potential opportunities before the deadline has passed. There’s nothing worse than seeing an advert for your dream job the day after the closing date.
5. Social media profile updates – especially LinkedIn
Does your profile reflect where you are now and what you’re currently doing? If head-hunters or recruiters are looking for a certain set of skills, would they bypass your profile because it's not up to date? Your LinkedIn profile is your living, breathing CV and it could do a lot of the heavy lifting for you when it comes to landing your next job.
6. Accomplishment journal
We are learning new skills every day and often we are too busy to realise. Keeping an accomplishment journal is a great way of reflecting and acknowledging all the skills and experience you have accumulated. Don’t just use this journal for formal qualifications. Make sure to note down challenges or difficult situations. In interviews or application forms we are often asked to demonstrate situations in which we have shown leadership, initiative, or teamwork. Having a notebook full of genuine examples will give you more choice when it comes to completing the application and an abundance of examples to draw on in an interview. It’s also a great confidence booster to pick up every so often.
7. Personal development plan – skills, knowledge, and self-improvement. What do I need for the next step?
If you’ve got your eye on the next rung of the job ladder, what do you need in order to get there? Identifying any gaps in your skills, knowledge or qualifications is key to being prepared for when the job you want comes up. Be ready for it.
8. Keep up to speed with opportunities in your sector
Even if you don’t want to apply for anything right now, do you have what you need when you are ready? What are the job specs, what are recruiters looking for, and does what you have to offer match their expectations?
9. Look for trends in your sector
In certain sectors, vacancies tend to come up at set times during the year. Post pandemic that may no longer be the case. You may have to consider positions you wouldn't have previously as organisations restructure. Trends will also change as some industries respond to sudden growth.
10. Who would you ask for a recommendation or reference?
Make a list of anyone you might ask for a recommendation or a reference, people who have managed you or you have directly reported to. They should all know you well. When you apply for your job, narrow your list down. Who is in the best position to speak about your skills and qualifications relevant to this job? Then when you’re ready to name them make sure they know what position you’re applying for so they can tailor your reference accordingly.
In a competitive and uncertain job market, you need to be your own best friend. You have a personal brand and you need to be comfortable and confident in presenting yourself and showcasing your talent. If you’re happy where you are right now that's great, but it still won’t hurt to take the steps outlined above. If you’re ready to move on but not sure what your next step is, this is great prep work and you can be proactive until you do know.
If you know you want to move on from where you are now why not book a Career Power Hour to help you get started - you can find all the details here
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