Is January the right time to job hunt?
When it comes to your career, January might seem like the perfect time to kick off a fresh start and job hunt. New year, new you, right? Wrong. At least, not in the creative sector.
Here’s the thing: the jobs market for creative & marketing roles doesn’t wake up until the mid-latter part of February, although recent economic instability makes it hard to make predictions. It’s not because employers are too busy nursing post-holiday hangovers (although, let’s be honest, there’s a bit of that). It’s more structural than that. Budgets need sorting, business plans need to be tightened, targets & forecasts need to be set, and recruitment strategies aligning. To top it off, most decision-makers might be playing catch-up after the festive break.
It’s worth noting that 2024 saw a dramatic drop in hiring across many sectors, but in our experience, when there is a drop, it’s normally followed by an upturn in activity. There are little signs that things are picking up with business confidence returning, and if this does happen, it makes sense to be prepared.
So, what does that mean for you, the job seeker? Do you just sit back and wait for the market to thaw? Absolutely not. This is your prep time – and what you do now can make or break your job hunt when the market finally gets going.
Try different things.
As humans, we always place restrictions on ourselves that can limit us. We don’t like to sugar coat things – a job hunt is tough, so why not try a few different things. Make that creative CV, curate a slightly different LinkedIn profile, or apply to jobs you wouldn’t necessarily go for – what’s the worst thing that can happen – not much, bar a thanks, but no thanks.
Everyone has an opinion on everything, so delete the noise and find methods that work for you. You can try & do things differently at a gradual pace and learn from what works and what doesn’t. Every now and then, we have to break the mould.
Get your CV in order.
Never underestimate the power of a belting CV. Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s a marketing document. It needs to tell a story of you, what you’re about and what impact have you made. And, while you’re at it, get rid of the fluff, instead focus on clear, measurable achievements. There is no harm in going down the creative route but ensure the balance is right and the important content does not get lost.
Polish your LinkedIn profile.
Let’s face it, we all like a quick peek at someone, so recruiters and hiring managers will look at your LinkedIn profile. Unfortunately, it’s no longer optional. Let people see the real you as this bit doesn’t have to be as formal as your CV. Make your headline more than just your job title and your “About” section enticing. And for the love of all things creative, make sure your skills and experience sections are in sync with your CV. It does not have to be identical but huge inconsistencies aren’t a good look.
Get your work noticed.
You can use LinkedIn to get achievements and successful projects noticed as it’s all too easy to get overlooked if you aren’t blowing your own trumpet, so to speak. Obtain a few recommendations, too. This is particularly useful for creatives or social media practitioners where you can provide factual data on how your work and ideas have improved the profile of current or recent employers.
Define your target.
Before you start your job hunt, be clear on what you’re looking for. Don’t play darts blindfolded. What kind of role & company culture suits you? And let’s not forget the practical stuff: salary, location, and flexibility. If you’re vague about what you want, it will lead to a lot of frustration. You’ve got to know what you’re aiming for, or at least some idea of what you don’t want.
Research.
This is the perfect time to dig into the companies you’d love to work for. Follow them on social media, engage with their content, and learn about them & recent projects. By the time you’re ready to apply, you’ll already be on their radar (and have plenty to talk about in an interview).
Build your network.
Use this quieter period to connect with people in your industry. Comment on their posts, join relevant groups, and don’t be afraid to slide into their DMs (respectfully, of course). A simple message highlighting your interest in their brand can go a long way. Networking isn’t about asking for jobs; it’s about building relationships, for now and the long term.
Stay patient & focused.
Yes, February feels far away when you’re eager to move. But trust the process. There’s no harm in keeping an eye on the market during January, but use this time wisely, and you’ll hit the ground running when it wakes up.
Most of all, we realise how tough it is as most job searches aren’t straightforward, so if you need a hand, please do get in touch. Come February, you’ll be glad you did.