I always know when it’s a bear market because the number of high quality CVs in my inbox starts stacking up. This is even more the case with senior execs who are looking for a move, because naturally those jobs are fewer.
Moving jobs when you’re young can cause issues, but when you’re older, with more responsibilities, it can add a different level of stress to the equation.
Here are my TOP TIPS if you’re looking for a #new #job in a #bearmarket.
1. Polish off your CV
Polish off your CV, keep it short, but give a nice overview for each role, make sure the other person gets the ‘feeling’ of the part you played in each company. Avoid listing responsibilities, esp. if you’re applying to a role that’s similar, most people will understand your CV just from your job title – combined with a few bullet points. Instead briefly explain what situation you inherited and what you did to make it better. What were the key things achieved at that time for that employer?
2. Get to know the key recruiters and the key contacts in the area.
Every recruiter has a niche of clients that is a little bit like them, if there’s someone you chimed with in the past, reach back to them, chances are good they will remember you and will be more able to help you. Don’t stop at recruiters though, search on Linkedin for the key hiring managers and HR people at your preferred organisations. Reach out to them with a short email explaining what you’re looking for and what you bring. If you can’t do this directly, ask your recruiter to help.
3. Start with internal opportunities
A bear market isn’t the best time to get people to take a chance on you. If you’d love to get into a new area, I would recommend doing this internally, i.e. look for companies that can use your skills exactly the way they are now, but who also offer other services that are more like the area you’re trying to get into. E.g. if you’re a Co Sec for Private Clients, but you’d like to move towards Funds, try to work for a company that offers both. You can add value working on the PC work at the start, but later once they know you, there could be a chance to progress.
3. Update your LinkedIn – Key Words!
Your LinkedIn should not be as detailed as your CV, but it DOES need to have KEY WORDS mentioned. This is how recruiters will find you; by “key word searches” on LinkedIn. If the key words aren’t on your profile, you’re less likely to get found. Mention key responsibilities, funds, and broadly mention the type of client (although never the names of clients).
4. Own your mindset.
Remember things are moving slowly, it’s not you, it’s the market. Keep a spreadsheet of all the jobs you’re applying to (aim for 10-20 a day), and keep working on that as a process. What should become just as important, isn’t the number of interviews you’re getting, but how well you’re managing that process. If you build a solid process with say, 10 reach-outs a day, then something will come through in time.
5. Be flexible and make the most of the time you have.
Remember that most jobs can be worked on in time. For now, try to enjoy the extra time you have, do sport, walk in nature, learn something, or train up on a new skill.
