Believe it or not, 2022 is just a few short months away. As the new year approaches, many of us start thinking about our resolutions, both personal and professional, to make 2022 the best year it can be. According to LinkedIn, 85% of job seekers are open to looking for new job opportunities – if you are part of this group and are considering a new job, there has never been a better time to give your strategy an overhaul than in the dawn of a brand new year.
Here are our picks for how to rethink your job search strategy for 2022.
Research New Companies
During a stressful job search, it can be tempting to simply accept the first job that is offered. However, according to CNN, there are a record high number of job openings across the country – over 10 million as of July 2021. With more jobs than ever to choose from, job seekers have more leverage than ever before when it comes to finding a new position. Keeping this in mind, before you apply to a job, it may be worthwhile to do some research on companies that you want to work for, rather than just taking the first job that comes along.
If you find yourself in a position where there are multiple options available, take some time to evaluate your options and choose which makes the most sense for you in terms of wages, work-life balance and more.
Learn a New Skill
Upskilling was one of the biggest trends of the last several months – taking time to earn certifications or develop stronger interpersonal skills that can help job seekers become more competitive candidates. There is no downside to learning a new skill, and it can help open up more doors into different roles and industries that may have not been within reach before. You can either take formal courses or simply take time on your own to improve skills like computer literacy, effective communication, and more.
Explore a Different Industry
There are a number of industries that are experiencing extreme labor shortages, including the skilled trades, warehousing and manufacturing. If you have been toying with the idea of entering a new industry, now is the time! Not only will these industries be hiring in large volumes over the coming months, but they are likely to be offering attractive wages and benefits in order to attract and retain new workers.
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Corresponding with a heightened demand for workers in specific industries, more and more employers will be evaluating candidates based on their interpersonal skills just as much as their technical experience. In fact, a recent study found that a whopping 93% of employers felt that soft skills were essential in new employees. What this means is regardless of whether or not a candidate has directly related work experience to the job in question, their soft skills like communication, problem-solving, attention to detail and teamwork can be just as useful in helping them secure a new job.
Take some time to think what your strengths are and be sure to emphasize them when connecting with potential employers, because they very well could be your ticket to a new position.
Work with a Staffing Agency
Sometimes, searching for a job alone can be stressful and time-consuming. If you are struggling to secure a position that you love on your own, a staffing agency can provide a world of support and insight into helping you land a new job. Collaborating with a recruiter can give direction to your job search and reduce the time it takes to find work. Having access to their wide networks of employers, as well as gaining insight towards resume writing and interview preparation, means you will be better positioned to get noticed by employers.
Are you gearing up for a 2022 job search? When the time is right, reach out to Select Staff. Our forty years of experience helping job seekers across Texas find fulfilling positions make us the ideal search partner. Contact us to learn more.