The sixth CareerAGILITY Job Seeker Workshop, hosted by Trevor Churchley, Managing Director of Talentology, on Wednesday, 16 October provided valuable advice to help job seekers navigate the complexities of today’s ever-changing job market. The interactive session focused on practical strategies, personal branding, and networking, equipping participants with essential tools to improve their visibility and job search success.
Soft Skills & Networking: Key to Success
Trevor began by highlighting the growing importance of soft skills and professional networking. With many job opportunities going unadvertised, networking has become crucial for job seekers. Trevor encouraged participants to actively engage on LinkedIn, recommending they post, comment, and connect with industry professionals to boost their visibility and access hidden opportunities. By sharing LinkedIn profiles during the session, attendees were able to expand their networks, with the aim of each participant gaining 20–30 new connections.
Adapting to a Changing Job Market
The post-COVID job market has seen significant shifts, with fewer job opportunities and many candidates feeling isolated. Trevor pointed out that the average job tenure is now about 17 months, stressing the need for job seekers to remain adaptable and continuously upskill. With recruitment trends evolving, it’s vital that job seekers stay flexible and ready to navigate change as they pursue their next career opportunity.
Proactive Self-Promotion & Personal Branding
Trevor emphasised the importance of self-promotion and personal branding in standing out to potential employers. He encouraged participants to develop a clear and concise elevator pitch, refine their LinkedIn profiles, and create resumes that are simple and easy to navigate. Key information such as dates, employers, roles, responsibilities, and achievements should be prominent in the first few sections to capture a recruiter’s attention quickly.
The Reality of Ghosting in Recruitment
Ghosting—where candidates receive no feedback after interviews or job applications—was a major topic. Trevor explained that recruiters usually work for their clients, not for job seekers, which can lead to unmet expectations regarding communication. Despite this, he urged participants to be proactive in seeking feedback and to persist, even when communication is lacking.
Building Resilience & Taking Charge of the Job Search
Trevor shared stories of job seekers who quickly secured contracts by focusing on networking and improving their visibility. He encouraged participants to take control of their job search by treating it like a full-time job, engaging in regular prospecting, and staying informed about market trends. Building resilience is essential, and Trevor advised attendees to be kind to themselves while maintaining persistence, even in the face of rejections or ghosting.
Using AI in the Recruitment Process
The workshop also covered the impact of AI on recruitment. Trevor discussed how tools like ChatGPT can help optimise resumes by aligning them with job descriptions and identifying any gaps. He recommended using keywords from job descriptions in resumes and LinkedIn profiles to increase visibility with both recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Community Support & Ongoing Resources
Throughout the session, Trevor emphasised the importance of community support. He highlighted Talentology’s free job seeker services, including a job portal, resume feedback sessions, and a list of preferred recruiters. He encouraged participants to rely on the CareerAGILITY community for support and to build relationships with others facing similar challenges.
The next CareerAGILITY Job Seeker Workshop is set for 30 October 2024, giving job seekers another opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and community support that Trevor and the Talentology team provide. Participants left the session equipped with strategies to help them stand out in a competitive market—focusing on self-promotion, networking, and resilience.
Stay tuned for more CareerAGILITY events, as Talentology continues to advocate for IT talent and empower job seekers to confidently navigate the evolving job market.
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