Looking for your next career opportunity is no mean feat. In fact, 58% of New Zealanders feel that looking for a new job is a huge task, with 38% agreeing that the search gets harder the longer you look. When it comes to job seeking, preparation is key. However, how soon is too soon to start your job search? Do you even need to be ready to leave your existing place of employment? Not necessarily.
A large proportion of New Zealanders, namely 58%, who are currently searching for a new job have been looking for up to six months, which tells us that it’s a good idea to keep abreast of the job market earlier than you need to. Find out why job seeking before you intend to leave your current job, will stand you in good stead for your future career plans.
A large proportion of New Zealanders, namely 58%, who are currently searching for a new job have been looking for up to six months, which tells us that it’s a good idea to keep abreast of the job market earlier than you need to.
- Know what’s out there. Knowledge is power they say, and knowing what kind of jobs are available to you well in advance will help you make the right decisions for your future. For example, you may be working in a specific role that is hard to come by and requires particular skills that may not be so transferrable.
Once you discover whether there are jobs a plenty, or far and few between, you can plan what your next career step will be, whether it be further study, volunteer work or an industry change.
- Know what you’re worth. As the job market changes, and certain positions and industries become more or less in demand, so do their median salaries. Doing some regular research on SEEK to find out what your current and potential future roles pay, will prepare you for the notorious salary expectation question when the time comes to interview again. Not only will you be armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to aim for a role that meets your salary expectations and level of experience.
- Gain exposure behind-the-scenes. Luckily for our careers, today we can meet and connect with people without even venturing out of the office. Setting up a SEEK profile gives you exposure to a large network of employers and recruiters, without having to actively apply for jobs. All you need to do is add information such as your resume, job status and what you’re looking for in your next role, and the right employers will be able to view your experience and get in touch with jobs suited to you.
We’ve got some good news about the job market for architects, carpenters and other professionals seeking new roles.
