24 Job Search Tips for 2024

Finding a job can be hard enough without the pressure of the cost of living crisis and the new year ahead. As industries continue to transform and adapt, jobseekers are faced with new challenges and responsibilities. To successfully navigate the job market, it’s important to embrace innovative strategies to enhance your job search. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to search for a job in 2024.

In this blog, you will learn

• The best ways to look for a job in 2024
• Tips and advice to improve your job searching chances
• How to find and apply for the best jobs

1. Timing

Is the timing right for you? It’s important to make sure you are ready to look for a new job before you take the first steps. It’s ok to take time off before you dive into the career pool. 2024 might be the year for a new job and a new you!

2. Self assessment

Before starting your job search, reflect on your skills, strengths, and career goals. Knowing exactly what type of roles are suitable for your skills and career goals is essential and significantly improves the accuracy and effectiveness of your job search. 

It could be that your current skills are transferred across into a different sector, opening up a whole new world of career opportunities!

3. Sell yourself on your CV

If you want to stand out in a crowded candidate market, you need to sell yourself on your CV! Ensure your CV is up to date, tailored to each employer, highlighting your recent accomplishments and experiences. 

Avoid being too general or cliche and prioritise important achievements. It’s vital to not only include what you did in previous roles but what impact you had on the business as a result. 

4. Create a routine for you

When searching for a new job, set yourself workable targets and goals, or create a plan of action e.g. apply to 5 jobs a day. Follow a practical, effective and workable routine - just like a job, to stay focused.

5. Clean up your online profile

Fill your social media with useful content that demonstrates your skills and showcases your personality- it’s not just about experience and qualifications. According to Shoo Social Media, 91% of UK employers used social media during the recruitment process. Many companies use social media to do pre-employment checks, so your social media needs to reflect your professionalism and experience. 

Employers want to get to know you prior to the interview stage so make sure you have an online presence. Optimise your LinkedIn profile by listing your skills, choosing a professional photo and connecting with relevant industry professionals.

6. Use social media to find a job

According to Glassdoor, 86% of applicants find jobs through social media. Actively look for jobs and opportunities to identify potential employers to add to your network. Use hashtags to find relevant discussions and to increase visibility and boost engagement on your social media posts. 

This way, your posts will be more searchable to recruiters and you might gain some influential followers in the process!

7. Be specific

It’s incredibly important to customise every job application. Don’t send the same documents to every company you apply for. Even if it is the same role but a different company, each employer has different requirements and specifications so make sure you aren’t too generic about your skills or experience. 

Sending a generic CV could give the impression that you’re either lazy or not that bothered about getting that particular job.

8. Keywords

The best way to search for information, jobs or anything on social media is through keywords.  In today's world, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), a computer software program that manages the hiring process. These systems prescreen CV’s before humans even see the document, scanning for keywords, as highlighted in the job description. 

You want to make sure your CV is optimised for the ATS, by mirroring the keywords and requirements in the job description to craft a high-quality application to improve your visibility and desirability. Not only does this narrow down the recruitment process, but it also proves that you’ve read the job description and understand what is required and expected for the role.

9. Research, research, research!

Show your interest in a company through research to gain an idea of their goals, successes and failures, and recent developments. 

If you’re granted an interview, you need to be prepared to prove your enthusiasm and show the employer that you are engaged in the workings of the company. 

10. Target specific companies

Make a list of companies that align with your career values, goals and aspirations. Targeted applications tend to be of higher quality and reflect your proactive approach to job hunting. 

Focus your time and effort strategically on high-potential opportunities and be selective about the jobs you apply for. Evaluate each job you’re applying for to make sure you are qualified and that it fits your professional experience. 

By targeting companies that align with your career goals, you’ll increase the likelihood of finding a role that resonates with you.

11. Join an agency

Why not sign up to a recruitment agency? Recruitment agencies which operate in your industry can give you tailored career advice, help you to prepare for interviews and negotiate a better salary. 

Recruitment agencies will work with a portfolio of clients and by signing up to an agency, you could hear about opportunities before they are even posted online. .

Register with Spencer Clarke Group

At Spencer Clarke Group, we operate in 11 specialisms across the public and private sector. If you’re searching for your next role, why not upload your CV or start searching for jobs now! 

12. Grow your network

Put yourself out there and attend career fairs and industry events to expand your network. Networking gives you the opportunity to find out about jobs, apprenticeships or training schemes. 

You can find advice, information and the tools you need to acquire new skills and enhance your chances of employment.

13. Develop your skills

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, upskilling is essential to benefit your career and increase your chances of employment. 

Upskilling encourages continuous learning to meet the demands of industries and technology and help employees advance their careers.

Ways to upskill

• Enrol in free online courses -  it will improve your chances of being noticed and it looks great on your CV.
• Volunteer or intern to build experience and expand your network.
• Participate in webinars and workshops.
• Self-study - Use textbooks, research papers, online resources and tutorials to independently learn about specific subjects.
• Consider freelance or gig opportunities to gain experience and income.

14. Keep your options open!

You may have a degree or experience in a particular field, but that doesn't mean you can't do something else. If you find yourself interested in other career opportunities, look into them. 

Research what more you can do with your degree or qualifications besides the obvious. You might find you have some transferable skills and be open to even more work opportunities.

15. Share your ideas

Pitch an idea, story or project that would be of interest to a company. Start conversations, join discussions and share your insights. Knowing how to converse with others allows you to convey your thoughts, ideas and perspectives in a clear and articulate manner. 

Showcase your critical-thinking skills by offering observations and speak about the process by which you would execute ideas. A good idea could lead to a job opportunity!

16. Set up job alerts

The majority of generic and niche job boards will let you set up job alerts to be notified when relevant jobs which match what you’re looking for become available. 

You'd want to be the first to know when a job or opportunity arises in your area that matches your skill set and career goals so your CV can be at the top of the pile!

17. Practice interviews

Prepare for interviews with remote interview tools, techniques and role play to improve your interview skills. Conduct mock interviews to test your knowledge of the business and boost your confidence. 

Why not check out the 64 most common interview questions which you could be asked? When the time comes for a real interview, you’ll be much more comfortable and ready to deal with the questions they ask.

18. Write a cover letter

Cover letters aren’t always mandatory but they provide the hiring manager with a first impression of you as a potential employee and how your experience aligns with the external brand and messaging of the company. 

Companies are looking for people who fit into their company culture and share the same workplace beliefs, values, attitudes, standards and behaviours. A cover letter is a great place to demonstrate your passion for the company and emphasise how well you would fit.

It could be wise to have a cover letter template so you can edit it for each role you apply for.

19. Remote or hybrid - what is best for you?

Consider remote or hybrid roles that offer flexibility and a wider range of job options. Don’t be limited by geographical location, avoid the daily commute and make yourself more available for further opportunities with a hybrid role opportunity. 

20. Stay in contact with the hiring manager

Heard nothing back from a hiring manager post interview? If you’re past the time in which you were supposed to hear back, be the first to get in touch to ask for an update. 

Send follow up emails, ask questions, ask for feedback, personal points and tips on how to improve in future interviews. 

Keep the communication going to establish meaningful professional connections and take advantage of their expertise and advice.

21. Make use of feedback

If you are given feedback from an employer regarding your application or an interview, take the advice on board! All interview experiences are good experiences as they are opportunities to learn and grow. 

Making those changes could be the difference between your next interview and job offer.

22. Consider short term contracts

Searching for temporary short term contracts could enhance your prospects of securing work.  

Not only does a temporary contract pay the bills, increase your knowledge & experience, and prevent gaps on your CV, but once you’re in, you may find career opportunities to leverage. 

Short term contracts are regularly extended if the employer is satisfied with the work provided by the contractor. 

Even if the contract ends, a permanent role could be on the horizon if you have made a substantial impression.

23. Have fun

Have a life outside of job hunting - don't let the job search take over your life. Job hunting can be all consuming, and you might feel like it’s taking over. 

Create some time for yourself and have the discipline to maintain a healthy balance to prepare yourself for when you are employed again. 

You can carry on having fun and doing what you want while you search. You can still engage with content, discussions, and news relevant to your field but don’t forget that you could be more successful and productive with scheduled breaks.

24. Stay positive

Don’t take rejection personally - the job market is extremely competitive. Looking for jobs can be challenging, stressful and take a toll on your mental well-being. 

Be patient, stay persistent and don't get discouraged by rejections. 

Prioritise your mental and physical health by setting small objectives, creating a balanced routine and appreciating your accomplishments to feel like you’re progressing.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

For 6 years, we’ve been pushing the limits and expectations of recruitment. We know recruitment isn’t simply about matching candidates and clients, but about making a positive impact on everyone. 

From clients and partners, to our employees and company culture, we strive to make a difference. We are eager to enhance the recruitment experience to give candidates the opportunity to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health (Have you checked out the SCG Wellness Project?)

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients work well with candidates that we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.