Look at industry statistics
I’m a great believer (especially if you are “sector agnostic” – i.e you don’t mind what the employer does) in checking out the monthly Office for National Statistics figures.
The BBC reports these figures regularly in explainers such this as these, and right now the hottest sectors are health (no surprise there), hospitality and retail and transport.
Look up indeed.com, Google Jobs or set a job alert for these industries and your function and see what comes up.
Focus on where the jobs are
Although it’s common sense to focus on where the jobs are, you’d be surprised how many people stick to what they know – even if their sector is not doing well. In business there’s a saying: ‘Focus on where the money is’. In job search, it’s ‘Focus on where the jobs are’ (not where you wish they were!).
Network!
Talk to your friends and find out if their organisations are struggling to fill vacancies and/or are growing fast. Start making lists of target companies. Learn about them and their sectors by reading about them online – then see if there’s anyone in your network who knows something about them.
Take advantage of the current climate
When there are many vacancies in a sector, this often means that employers will consider you when you are from a different sector (and be willing to pay more than what you imagined is the market rate). This really is a candidates’ market, so be confident that opportunities are everywhere. Do your bit to make sure that companies of interest know you exist and that you’re interested in working for them.
Thinking about your job search (or changing roles)? Have a conversation with us: https://www.thecareercoach.co.uk/book-a-session/