Top job search trends for 2018

The job market is ever-evolving as is technology and digital trends. As we head into the New Year now might be the time to reflect on your online job search and how you can take a fresh approach to landing that job.

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd in 2018, you’ll need to know the top job search trends to keep up with the competition.

The New Year is set to focus on these three things:

Online presence

A recent study revealed that 70% of employers use social media along with Google searches, to screen candidates before hiring them. For some candidates, this has paid off as 44% of recruiters admitted to finding something online that caused them to hire the candidate, including supporting evidence of qualifications and an impressive professional image.

Tip: Optimise your social media accounts for job searching. Take down the inappropriate photos of you and your nights out! Don’t view your social media clean-up as a one-time deal, but instead, an extension of your professional image and CV that needs regular updates. If you’ve got specific skills or hobbies that align with the jobs you’re applying for then use your social channels to showcase them. 

Accessibility

With 90% of all job searches starting from a mobile device and over 50% of email being opened first on mobile over desktop, it’s clear that if you’re job hunting you need to be accessible and able to respond quickly so as to not miss out. It’s also been reported that 41% of employers would be likely to schedule a job interview via text or arrange a phone interview before inviting you in for the next stage.

Tip: If you don’t want to miss an opportunity, you need to stay mobile and check your phone and email often. HR departments are using new technology every day to schedule interviews, including text messages.

Personality

The average job opening attracts around 250 applicants and HR Managers have admitted to making a decision within the first 6 seconds as to whether you CV matches what they’re looking for, so you need to stand out.

Adding a personalised cover letter to your application will immediately set you apart as it shows you’ve taken the time to show your interest in the role as opposed to just applying for any old position. Take a look at our blog about how to make your CV standout here.

Tip: This is a great example of a time to use your online social media presence to your advantage. Employers with a strong company culture are looking at more than just your job experience, use your personal accounts to convey your personality, and share your hobbies and favourite pastimes (within reason).

Whether you are seeking new career opportunities in the North West or you’re a business looking to expand your workforce, Rapid Recruit want to hear from you. Contact us today to discuss your recruitment requirements with our local experts who can find you the most suitable job vacancies across the whole of Northern England.