New year, new job and other clichés

By Claire Angus – Head of the Recruitment Gateway at Cambridge Network

new job

It’s that time of year, “new year new job” posts are dominating LinkedIn and social media platforms, but what is in store for job seekers and hiring companies in 2023?

The last couple of years have been challenging for most in terms of workforce planning. With new demands on businesses to offer flexible working and better pay. It would be easy for recruiting companies to continue into 2023 with the same urgency, and risk making costly hiring mistakes.

On the other side of the fence, many candidates will have been forced to look at roles with higher salaries to keep up with the hike in the cost of living, maybe increasing personal pressure with the demands of their new role.

What could this mean for the local jobs market? And what can companies and job seekers do to prepare themselves for change?

It could mean that companies will need to pause and rethink their recruitment and retention strategies. Employer brands will need to be strong to attract and retain the best talent.

Job seekers will need to have the very best tools if they are considering stepping back out into the jobs market, after making possible rash and now regretful career decisions at the back end of 2022.

In both cases preparation and forward planning are key.

How can job seekers prepare themselves for a new’s years job hunt?
  1. Get your CV up to date – it’s old advice but solid.
  2. Network – online and face to face, get out and about. Attend company open days, connect with reputable head-hunters and recruiters, less is more. Ask around and only register with recommended people that you know will be honest and proactive on your behalf.
  3. New to this? Want to know if upskilling could get you your dream job? Look at job’s boards. Do an analysis of jobs roles that appeal to you. What skills do you have already that fit those jobs? Can you fill the gaps by taking any courses? (I found some great free content Marketing roles online recently for a candidate) sign up for these and don’t forget to add all learning to your CV and LinkedIn Profile
  4. Get a LinkedIn profile!
  5. Attend online jobs fairs. Do your prep before these events. What do you want to find out? What key questions can you ask to help you with your search?

Cambridge Network have many resources for both candidates and companies to assist with planning into 2023 and beyond. Our ever-popular online Virtual Jobs & Careers fairs are back for 2023. A fantastic way for companies to showcase their Employer brands, and for candidates to connect with Employers and gather valuable careers advice.

Image credit: Thinglass from Getty Images (Canva For Teams/' licencing)