The UK job market continues to evolve rapidly, with new industries, jobs, and technologies emerging yearly. To keep up with this change, we must constantly update our skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the job market. And we’d like to pass on some of this knowledge to you.
It’s true for both employers and employees – the more we know about the current job market, the better prepared we can be to adapt and thrive in it. So, there’s something for everyone here – candidates and employers alike.
When recruitment isn’t your day job, the UK recruitment market can seem a bit like a game of Monopoly where the rules are written in invisible ink, the counter moves by itself, and to make it more challenging, you’re dealing with play that moves faster than Usain Bolt at the Olympics. “Crikey!” I hear you mutter, “How on earth do I stay ahead?” Don’t fret, my friend! Here’s your guide.
Staying Conversant with the Latest Trends
First things first, become an industry insider. Nobody wants to be the last one to know that bell bottoms are back in style, right? (Just kidding, God forbid they’re not! Oh, they are…)
Being aware of trends gives you an advantage. Being part of the conversation about trends gives you leverage. You don’t want to jump on bandwagons – you want to be in the driver’s seat.
There are plenty of ways to stay current. Read and contribute to industry publications, attend industry conferences, follow influencers on social media and engage with them regularly. But don’t just passively consume content; actively respond to and create it! When you see something that resonates with you, share it with your network and give credit where credit is due. Create content that sparks and stimulates discussion.
Subscribing to relevant LinkedIn groups, participating in webinars, and following industry leaders on social media are great ways to stay in the know. Attending industry events (virtual or otherwise), reading trade journals, and engaging in online forums also help you learn about the ‘next big thing’ before it becomes yesterday’s news.
Developing Relevant Skills
Do you remember the Nokia 3310? It was the Chuck Norris of mobile phones, but it wouldn’t get you far today. That’s the cruel reality of life, and it’s the same with your skills. ‘Grow or become obsolete’ is the mantra.
For candidates, this means researching your field, deciding where you want to take your career and determining how to get there. Discover the skills that employers are most interested in and develop them. This valuable professional development exercise will help you stand out from the crowd and ensure you don’t become another casualty of technological advances.
For employers, this means developing a skills-first approach to your hiring strategy. Identify the skills required to achieve your business objectives, where you have skills deficits and where you need to prioritise skills development opportunities and recruitment. Create a wish list based on priority and make it visible to the business and your hiring managers. Use this as a guide when recruiting new talent, and remember that pre-existing skills are not necessarily a prerequisite when you can ask for competencies that can be developed through your own training and development programmes.
Networking and Recruitment Consultants
You know the old saying, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know.’ Well, there’s a solid truth bomb for you right there. Networking is essential no matter which end of the recruitment table you’re sitting at. Don’t pounce on people discussing job opportunities at events; play it cool. Start with building relationships and sharing knowledge.
Using recruitment consultants can also give your career or candidate search an edge. Look for ‘recruitment consultants near me’; you’ll find a goldmine of professionals with the inside scoop on job vacancies and talent availability.
Continuous Learning
Lastly, candidates, keep your grey matter from gathering dust. Even if development opportunities in your current role could be better, you can take control in your own time. Take advantage of online resources. Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer professional courses on a multitude of subjects. Not only does this keep your brain ticking, it will also fill your CV with up-to-date qualifications.
Employers, the development opportunities available at an organisation are a massive factor for modern candidates in role consideration. 92% of job candidates use learning and development opportunities as a deciding factor when considering job offers from two or more employers. A study by e-learning solutions provider IMC has billed this trend as the “Great Upskill”. Pushing (and making a BIG noise about) upskilling efforts for employees is the most important thing an organisation can do to stay ahead of the curve and attract talent.
Ready to take charge of your career? Want to stay ahead of the competition in this war for talent? Contact Intec Select today to learn how we can help give you the edge you need to stay ahead of the recruitment game.
