5 tips for finding your next job as vacancies in the UK soar past 1 million for first time on record

Job vacancies in the UK have reached the one million mark for the first time ever. If you’re out of a job, here are five tips to help you land one.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Thoughtful anxious asian business woman looking away thinking solving problem

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

It’s a fact that thousands of people in the UK lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are currently out of work or looking to make a career move, the good news is that job vacancies in the UK are rising.

Here’s a brief overview of the current job vacancy situation in the country and some useful tips to help you land a new role.

[top_pitch]

How many job vacancies are there in the UK?

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of job vacancies in the UK rose by 35.2% between June and August to hit 1,034,000.

This is the first time that the number of vacancies has passed the million mark since official records began. Vacancies are now 249,000 above pre-pandemic levels.

According to the ONS figures, all industries experienced growth in job vacancies. The accommodation and food services sector, which includes hotels, restaurants and pubs, has seen the most growth (75.4%).

[middle_pitch]

Does a rise in job vacancies mean it’s easier to get a job?

Not necessarily.

The rise in job vacancies is certainly welcome news for those looking for work. It undoubtedly means there are more opportunities out there. But remember that statistics are only part of the picture. You must still get out there, actively search for job vacancies, apply and ultimately prove that you are the right person for the job.

How can you improve your chances of finding a job?

Here are five tips to boost your chances of landing a job.

1. Tailor your CV to the job application

If you are looking for a job, it’s very easy to create a single CV and then send it out with every application. This is not a particularly effective way to get an interview. Employers can tell when applicants have done their research and tailored their CV to the job.

A tailored CV is more effective at showing how you meet the requirements of particular job vacancies and increases your chances of getting an interview.

Tailoring may include, but is not limited to:

  • Adjusting your work objectives to reflect what a prospective employer is looking for
  • Customising your list of qualifications based on the skills or requirements described in the job posting
  • Including search-optimised keywords or industry-specific terminology throughout your CV that match those in the job posting

2. Highlight your accomplishments

Don’t sell yourself short when applying for job vacancies. Clearly list any accomplishments and any attributes you think set you apart from others. This can massively increase your odds of landing the job.

3. Tap into your network

Networking is an important element of the job process. You should always be looking to grow your personal network. Talking with others can help you learn more about your areas of interest and make you aware of unpublished job vacancies.

Don’t be afraid to let people in your network know that you are looking for a job. If possible, try to build contacts with other unemployed people or people in your field who are looking for work so that you can share success strategies.

4. Consider job vacancies offering remote working

When looking for work, don’t limit yourself to local options or job vacancies that require you to go to an office. The pandemic has massively changed the way we approach work. It’s forced many companies to embrace the option of remote work. And if you get a job that you can do from home, it could save you time and money.

5. Learn to adapt and be flexible

Some sectors have recovered from the pandemic faster than others, resulting in more job vacancies in those sectors. If you are having problems finding jobs in your field, consider being flexible and looking for something in another field.

Being flexible could also mean taking a part-time job or a temporary position if you cannot find a full-time one. You can then use the position to build your skills and experience while continuing to look for better job vacancies.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »