If you've been contemplating a career change, or window shopping for a new role, then the new year marks the ideal time to turn these thoughts into tangible plans.
And it’s not just the new year, new career vibe that we’re talking about, either. In the months running up to the holiday season, recruitment slows down, big time. With holidays, end-of-year campaigns and a general sense of winding down, the amount of jobs on the market decreases.
But in Q1 all that changes. Here’s why we think it’s such a great time for a career move 👇
Hiring is back on the agenda
💰Many companies revisit their budgets and hiring plans at the beginning of the year.
Looking at the strategy for the year ahead often brings fresh opportunities for organisations to expand their teams. This is because they might see a shift in operational needs, profit margins, or teams could be shifting. If you align your job search with this surge in hiring, then you’ll increase your chances of finding that perfect role.
New employee initiatives
Have you got a New Year’s resolution? Nor us. However, the new year is often characterised by a period of reflection, which leads to a focus on employee satisfaction and success.
💆 This means new initiatives and perks may well be introduced, as well as a focus on team wellbeing and training. It’s a good opportunity to involve yourself with this positive momentum.
People are keen to network
🌐 The new year provides an excellent excuse to reconnect with professional contacts and expand your network.
Attend industry events, virtual conferences, and networking meet-ups. Strengthening your connections can lead to valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and even potential job referrals. A solid network is a key asset in any successful job search.
Hiring moves faster
🚀 With a keenness to get stuck into the quarter, hiring managers will be focusing on getting people into open positions. There’s a sense of urgency towards kickstarting projects and meeting quarterly goals, which motivates the hiring process.
Plus, fewer people tend to take holidays at this time of year, so you shouldn’t experience the same delays as you might in the summer or over the festive season.
This fast-paced, healthy job market means you need to be well-prepared and responsive. Polish your CV or profile, practice your interviewing skills and start getting your applications in.