BUSINESS
NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER CONT.
by using keywords related to the job criteria to search
the CV database. So if your CV mentions these
sought after keywords frequently, the ATS will rank
you higher for shortlisting. However, make sure you
use these keywords alongside proof that you have
the capability and skills, rather than just on their
own. Skills should be demonstrated not simply a
long bullet point list of claims.
Once you have done the hard work of securing an
interview, either in person, over the phone or via
Skype, make sure you are prepared. Many companies
have moved away from traditional competency based
questions, preferring to ask scenario based ones
instead. This is where they describe a situation and
ask how you would handle it. What the employer is
looking for here isn’t a correct answer, but to see
how you react and your thought process.
Some companies ask some really strange questions,
that can seem completely unrelated to the job, but
the best way to deal with these, and any other
questions, is to stay calm. Take a sip of water, think
it through, and explain your answer methodically.
Remember, there is no right or wrong. It is a way
for the employer to see how you deal with situations,
so the worst thing you can do is clam up and
not answer, or just blurt out the first thing that
comes to mind.
148
Perhaps for 2020 you are looking at more than just
a different job? With the future of employment
heading towards more remote working, a change of
location could be just what you need. Working from
home and flexible working can provide you with the
contentment you are seeking, and there are more
and more opportunities out there – with some studies
showing that the number of home-based jobs have
more than doubled in the last four years.
Businesses across the UK are adapting their working
practices more than ever, to suit the needs of their
staff. There are regular stories in the press where
companies have introduced a four day week, allowed
employees to take as much holiday time as they wish,
allowed employees to work from whichever location
they want, and some where you can even determine
your own salary! This change in mindset, coupled
with the advances in technology, means that remote
working could be just the change you are looking
for. Not only to boost your career, but also to strike
the right work/life balance that you have been
striving for.
Or perhaps this will be the year that you start working
for yourself? If you are a secret entrepreneur, now
could be the time to make those dreams a reality.
Self-employment has been steadily rising over the
last two decades, and self-employed workers now
account for one in every seven people working in
the UK today - the UK was even dubbed the self-
employment capital of Western Europe in 2014.
Self-employment includes entrepreneurs, freelancers,
interim managers, consultants and contractors.
With our thirst for flexible working and the advances
in wi-fi, cloud sharing and video calls, we live in a
work where we can work from anywhere at any
time. One of the biggest benefits of being self-
employed is the freedom – having the ability to make
your own choice about where you work, what times
your work, who you work for and being able to
effectively balance home and work life. As Jordan
Marshall, policy development manager at the
Association of Independent Professionals and the
Self Employed (IPSE), said: "Being self-employed
allows people to work on the projects they are truly
passionate about, when and where they want.
Technology has made this all so much easier, whether
finding work through online platforms or even being
a 'digital nomad' - travelling the world while doing
remote freelance work.” With the growing self-
employed workforce, and an increasing requirement
for ‘on-demand’ services, 2020 could well be the
year of the self-employed.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that getting
a new job is a two-way process. It needs to feel right
and suit your individual circumstances. If it doesn’t
feel right, then walk away.