It doesn’t hurt to have a plan in case you find yourself looking for a new job. Although the demand for skilled talent remains strong, professionals need to be increasingly strategic and intentional when making career moves, says David King, a senior managing director with Robert Half, a global talent solutions and business consulting firm.
“Workers should make a point of highlighting the value they bring to potential employers. This begins with knowing what companies seek in prospective hires, and pulling relevant strengths to the forefront.”
A recent survey by Robert Half reveals five key considerations for those launching a job search.
- Resume red flags— When evaluating candidates’ resumes, top factors that give employers pause include:
- Frequent job hopping (80 per cent)
- Insufficient skills for the position (80 per cent)
- Vague descriptions of past jobs (79 per cent)
- Referrals — Nearly 9 in 10 managers (86 per cent) are more likely to hire a candidate with a referral from a current employer.
- Range of knowledge— Sixty-two per cent of team leaders prefer hiring specialists with deep subject matter expertise in a particular field of study over generalists with varied skills and knowledge across multiple areas.
- Remote compensation — Companies hiring workers who live outside their location are setting pay by:
- Employee location: 37 per cent
- Company location: 36 per cent
- Candidate’s experience only (location is irrelevant): 27 per cent
- Returnships — Sixty-five per cent of managers have rehired a former employee who left the company on good terms. The biggest benefits of returning employees are that they:
- Bring in-demand skills, knowledge and experience (22 per cent)
- Have proven job performance and skill sets (22 per cent)
- Can quickly assimilate and begin contributing (21 per cent)
“Today’s employers are looking to hire professionals who can make an immediate impact and want to build their career with the company,” added King. “When it comes to hiring in the current labor market, some companies are being more discerning, which is why it is critical for job seekers to ensure they stand out.”