New job in 2023? 5 things to do now to land your dream job

The past few years have been all about The Great Resignation – a trend that came out of the pandemic as huge numbers of job-seekers decide to look for roles that feel like a better fit.

In fact, ABS data shows that in the year leading up to February 2022, 9.5 percent of all employed people (1.3 million Australians) changed jobs; the highest annual job mobility rate since 2012.

And researchers say they’re doing it because they want to (not because they have to), simply because there’s such a plentiful supply of opportunities out there.

If you’re one of them, and you’re hoping to snap up your dream job in 2023, here are the 5 things to do right now.

1. Tweak your online presence.

Did you know that 79 percent of recruiters say they’ve rejected a candidate based on their digital footprint? Those are scary stats, and they tell us a) that potential employers do check you out online (even if you think they don’t) and b) it’s critical to ensure your online presence is positioning you in the best possible light.

To set yourself apart from other candidates, review your socials: make sure you’ve got a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile, and update the copy to reflect any new experience or skills you’ve acquired. Use keywords that reflect the types of jobs you’re going for, so you pop up in searches, too. You may want to curate your FB, Twitter or Instagram and check your privacy settings, locking down any profiles you don’t want viewed by employers.

2. Revamp your CV and cover letter.

If you’ve tweaked your LinkedIn, the next step is to ensure your resume is in good shape as well. Make sure your experience and skills are up to date and there are no typos. Plus, be aware that job applications often go through applicant tracking software (ATS) before they’re reviewed by a human, so keeping the format straightforward with lots of bullet points is key.

Drafting a couple of cover letters so you have them ready to edit and send out when you do come across ads you’d like to apply for is a great time-saver. And you might want to also pick up the phone and chat to key people you’ve worked with to see if they’d be okay with giving you a reference. Let them know you’ll be applying for roles in the new year and that you may call on them, so they’re prepared rather than being put on the spot.

3. Reconnect with people.

Job ads are great, but did you know there’s also a hidden jobs market out there, too? This is where going back through your emails and DMs and re-connecting with recruiters, past colleagues and friends can pay off. Let them know you’re looking for opportunities and ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of anything in your industry.

Networking generally at informal meet-ups or professional industry events can also be incredibly powerful in connecting you with the right people. It may also help in bringing referrals to your door and ensuring you hear of jobs that are available but haven’t made it to jobs websites.

4. Build professional relationships.

If you do interview for any positions that aren’t quite right for you, but you’re keen to work within that company, stay in touch with the hiring manager. Make it clear that you’d be keen to hear about other opportunities that might come up. Connect with that person on LinkedIn and make a point of leaving a comment on their posts occasionally, or send them an updated CV when necessary, just so you’re top of mind.

Building those relationships by touching base occasionally, being friendly and showing that you’re interested in future work can pay dividends in the future. You never know what’ll pop up or where you’ll be remembered and mentioned for a potential role.

5. Be systematic in your approach.

If you’ve outgrown your current job and want to move on as soon as possible, it probably makes sense to take a scattergun approach to applying for whatever jobs interest you. But instead, take a step back, think about what’s important to you in a role, and look for companies with values that align with yours.

You could contact those companies directly or see if they have job vacancies currently available. It’s also a good idea to create a jobs tracker so you can monitor how your job-seeking efforts are paying off for you – this could be a simple Excel spreadsheet or just a list of the jobs you’ve applied for, so you can keep track and set reminders to follow up.

So when’s the best time to search for your dream role?

The start of the year is traditionally considered a great time to look for a new job. It’s when companies start being super proactive about placing job ads and hiring fresh talent – and research shows there’s often a lot more jobs to choose from, particularly towards the end of January.

So put your job-seeking plan in place and you could find you’re being offered interviews before you know it. Good luck!