Job hunting? Why right now is the perfect time

Searching for a job is stressful at the best of times. Add the uncertainty of a global health crisis, and it’s understandable why you would be cautious about finding your next role. But, while the upheaval of 2021 has driven a more competitive job market, it has also opened up opportunities for candidates.

Whether you want to switch careers or are simply looking for a new challenge, here’s why 2022 is the right time to start job hunting.

Networking is streamlined

When searching for a job, networking is always essential. Reaching out to former colleagues or organisations connected to your industry puts the word out that you’re looking – and what you’re looking for. We’ve all had to shift much of our lives online over the past years, and networking is no different. You can now harness that experience to get connected with potential employers faster. As Glassdoor career expert, Alison Sullivan, explains, “a new professional acquaintance may be more open to email correspondences or a virtual coffee or drink during a time when many are craving social interaction and have a more open calendar.” An increased opportunity for networking means a better chance of finding a job that’s right for you.

Remote working equals flexibility

If you are one of the many Australians currently working from home, you have already seen the increased flexibility this provides. This makes searching for a job far simpler, too. There’s no need to take time off for interviews or step away from your desk to take a call. Everything can be done from the comfort of your own home. Plus, the time saved by not commuting to and from the office can be used to take an online course or gain skills which will position you for the role you want. Moreover, 67% of workers in Australia want to continue working remotely at least some of the time in the future. Flexible working is something you can expect going into your next role, as more organisations adapt to meet employee demands.

Perspective on priorities

The past year has given many of us pause for thought about what our priorities are. Perhaps you no longer feel challenged in your job, or maybe you want something more fulfilling. Being laid off isn’t often seen as a positive, but this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what you truly want out of work. Assess your strengths and areas you want to improve in. Pay attention to what you enjoy doing. This way, you can search for a role which aligns with your values now and will satisfy you well into the future.

Company culture is highlighted

How organisations react in times of crisis speaks volumes. Was your health prioritised? Did the company embrace remote working? Were you provided with the right equipment to do your job? If you felt your organisation’s response was lacking, this is the time to look elsewhere. When searching, look at potential employers’ online presence as it will give you a good overview of their behaviour during the crisis. If they helped the community or have realigned strategies to ensure employee safety and comfort, this is a sign of a healthy, positive workplace.

Candidate pools are being developed

Recruiters and organisations are shifting strategies to adapt to the new normal. Part of this includes building pipelines of both active and passive candidates. This ensures that, even if there are no open positions now, they can rapidly fill them in the future. Get in contact and network with organisations you are interested in working for. Building that relationship now positions you to get hired when they start searching through their candidate pool.

You now have a key skill

Looking for a job right now, whatever your situation, can be daunting. 2020 and 2021 saw stress levels rise and uncertainty become the norm. But this doesn’t have to be all negative. Getting through this tough time, and having to continually shift expectations and goals, means you are a candidate ready for the future of work. You now have one of the most highly sought-after skills – resilience.

By harnessing all that you’ve learnt throughout this year of ever-shifting workplace challenges, you can set your sights on a new role or career. Contact us today – before you know it, you’ll have landed that dream job!