Set your sights on a new job in 2016

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, many people across the country made a resolution; find a new job. Here, Karen Sharpin, Director of Operations (South West) for specialist recruitment and training agency, Acorn, offers her tips on what people can do to get ahead with their job search.

The beginning of the year can hit twice as hard if you are dreading the return to work following a lengthy break, but if you are seriously looking for a new job, you could be in luck. January is an incredibly busy time for the recruitment industry. With the first Monday of the year, known as #MassiveMonday cited as the most popular of the calendar, it’s a great opportunity to make sure your CV is seen online.

To ensure you use #MassiveMonday to your advantage, I’ve pulled together five key tips for you to follow:

• Be prepared – make sure your CV is up-to-date and includes your key strengths, such as any IT ability and is factually accurate. Use as many keywords as possible and remember to adapt your CV to every job you apply for – one size does not fit all. Be willing to spend time on your CV, this is arguably the best way to be successful. Be consistent with the information you present.

• Be social media savvy – the growth of social media over the last decade means that prospective employers can now find out quite a bit about you before they even meet you. So, either review your on-line privacy options or avoid posting anything inappropriate. Think of your social media profiles as an extension of your personality; use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to network yourself, whilst following relevant employers, recruitment agencies and job boards.

• Advertise yourself – make sure that potential employers and recruiters can find you easily – this is vital in a forever growing digital world. Stand out by including all the relevant words for the jobs you want to appeal to.

• Use your contacts – if you need help or advice, ask for it! Ask family and friends to proof read your CV, and build working relationships with your Recruitment Consultants so they understand your strengths and weaknesses.

• Don’t give up – finding the perfect role doesn’t happen overnight, give yourself time. It may take several attempts to find the right job. Be persistent, listen to feedback, take advice and constantly adjust your game plan to ensure it is in line with your goals.

So, if a New Year means a new job for you, start updating your CV today to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

With more than 23 years in the business, Acorn is in the leading 1% of all agencies across the UK, operating from 39 branches across Wales and the South West, North West and South East of England, including in Barnstaple, Bideford, Chippenham, Truro, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Exeter, Tiverton, Taunton and Yeovil locations.