Job Hunting in a Turbulent Market

There’s no doubt that starting job hunting is a big decision. In a turbulent market with high anxiety and uncertainty levels, deciding to change employers is bigger than ever.

But if you’re committed to job hunting when others might not be, it’s a prime opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Here are some top job hunting tips to help you make the right moves and adapt, giving you the edge over the competition.

Be open-minded?

When working with a recruiter, think of it as a partnership. They’ll present roles that match your needs, but don’t judge a job by its advert or title alone. Instead, pick up the phone and chat through any concerns before ruling it out based on wording alone.

Your recruiter has likely met with the client or had in-depth discussions, so they can bring the role to life and provide valuable context.

Stay true to what excites you. If certain aspects of a role don’t spark your interest, speak up. This helps your recruiter refine their search and find the right fit for you.

Be responsive?

It might go without saying, but it’s always worth a reminder, that speed shows interest. The quicker you respond to your recruiter, the faster they can move on your behalf.

If you're serious about your job search, act fast. Whether it’s updating your CV, providing references, confirming interview availability, or signing and returning contracts.

Life gets busy, but setting aside time to return calls and keep everyone in the loop can make all the difference.

Be receptive?

With technology playing a bigger role in recruitment than ever, it’s crucial to feel confident with telephone and video interviews—treat them just like face-to-face meetings.

Take the time to practice using the software and make sure you know how everything works well in advance. Like anything, the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become.

Be productive?

Make sure you know your CV inside out and take the time to refine it. Include key details about the companies you’ve worked for—turnover, industry, and team size—but most importantly, highlight your key achievements.

Even for short-term temporary roles, always showcase the positive impact you made. Every experience counts!

Be reflective?

Take a moment to reflect on your current role, your next step, and what you really want. Salary isn’t everything, but it’s important to know what you’d be willing to accept.

Get clear on your priorities now, so that when the right opportunity comes along, you can make a confident decision.

Be positive?

In a challenging market, things might not be as busy as they once were, but staying positive is key. The right opportunities will come along, so patience is essential.

Stay ready, stay optimistic, and be prepared to act when the perfect role appears.

If you’re in the finance, tax, treasury, or legal space and need support with your job search, get in touch with the HJ team. We’re ready to guide you through the market and help you find the right opportunities.