We’re not going to sugarcoat it. Securing a role is hard—we see it every day.

Since the pandemic, the job market’s been a rollercoaster (to say the least). Anyone searching for a new role now, as we switch into an employers’ market, would probably agree that it’s becoming more difficult to find a job out there—because it’s so competitive.

But don’t get us wrong, we’re not here to be all doom and gloom. If you’re on the hunt to find your next role for 2024, there’s no better time to start than right now. It’s all about the preparation…

As recruiters, here’s some friendly advice from us to you:

1.     Reach out to all your potential connections on LinkedIn

Every. Single. One. You. Can. Think. Of. Well, the ones that are relevant, of course! The more the better; and be strategic.

Reach out to previous colleagues you’ve worked with—you never know who might be in high places and can help you out. What’s that saying? It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

2.     And get referrals

Referrals go a long way, and if you have one from someone important like an actual manager or CEO, (you get the picture), it could be your golden ticket to being offered the job you want. LinkedIn’s there for a reason—to connect with people, so take advantage of it.

If you and the hiring manager have a mutual connection, then ask for a referral from that person—but only if you know them. To state the obvious, don’t ask someone you’ve never met to write you a glowing reference…

3.     Create a website/portfolio or make a resume video (Depending on your current or desired position.)

Stop an employer right in their tracks with a creative website or portfolio that’s designed as a game or something that’s more impressive than a typical black-and-white CV. Anything but a black-and-white CV...

(If it’s impressive enough, they’ll call you straight into an interview—if it’s memorable, it tends to have that effect.) We’ve seen it across the Design and Software spaces, and it works!

C-Suite. Okay, this may not have the same impact, but hopefully you all get the general gist and perhaps we can help you with our sixth point.

4.     Go to events to meet and talk to people

The overarching message? Get your name out there. Talk to people, socialise, crack a few jokes and beers open, and bond over something funny. Not wanting to go on your own? Ask a fellow colleague to be a wingman/ask someone to go to the bar and enjoy a free drink (or a few) to limber up those talking vibes and make connections.

If you’re looking for your next networking event, did you know we throw regular meetups in our offices covering everything from design, marketing, and development events? Speaking of, did you know UXmas is approaching? Get your tickets to one of the biggest UX and Product Christmas parties in Brisbane.

To stay up to date on all of our upcoming events, sign up for our fortnightly newsletter and get the details straight into your inbox.

5.     Freelance

Getting beaten by job after job can feel like absolute trash. If you’re feeling this way, give freelancing a go. Sure, there’s no certain security, but you know what there is? Confidence boosting (and money, of course—and sometimes lots of it). If you’ve got several clients paying you for the work that you do, you’ll regain that flicker of hope that job hunting probably squashed.

6.     Contact us—we’re your cheerleader

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: we want to work with you! We’re here to help job seekers connect with leading companies and want to find win-win solutions for everyone involved. If you feel it’s difficult to find a job in your industry, you know where to find us.

Do you have a question for us? If you’re noticing that it’s difficult to find a job or are a hiring manager looking to fill a position and need a helping hand to do the hard yards for you, contact us at Just Digital People!