It’s that time of year again. Everywhere you look love is in the air.

We can’t help find you the perfect partner, but we do think that everyone should have the chance to love their job, particularly as there’s so much to be fond of in the startup and scaleup world. So, whether you are looking to find a new role or it’s your first time, here are 10 top tips to land a job you love this Valentine’s Day. 

Everybody’s looking for the one

Post covid, more people are looking for purpose in their jobs than ever before. 67% of employees say that having a sense of purpose in their job is more important now than before the pandemic. But with everybody looking for the one, knowing exactly what you want out of your next job is key. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. So, regardless of whether this is your first job search or if you are gearing up to get back on the market, it can help to make a list of questions to answer.

• What do I value in a role?
• Where do I want my career to go?
• What role suits my skillset the best?
• What skills do I want to learn/improve?
• What is my ideal salary?
• Do I want to work a remote/hybrid role?
• What company environment suits me the best?
• What progression opportunities are important to me?

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you know what companies to approach or what to tell a recruiter. 

Honesty is the best policy

It should go without saying that lying on your CV is a bad idea. If you are expecting honesty from the companies you are interviewing at, then you need to give that in return. Dishonesty may get you a 1^st stage interview, but it won’t get you the job. Likewise, if you are working with a recruiter and they ask what salary you want- be honest! They can then have this conversation with the client for you. And if you still get offered at a lower salary that you know isn’t right for you, then be honest with yourself. Are you underselling yourself? Or do the company not value your skills? You can’t be honest with all parties if you’re not honest with yourself first. 

Stop playing hard to get

There is a fine line between playing hard to get and appearing disinterested. Ideally, you want to avoid both. It can be hard to put yourself out there and risk rejection. Nobody likes to feel vulnerable. But a company will look for someone who is passionate about the role. And although the market may currently be in your favour, but there will still be plenty of other enthusiastic candidates lining up to take your place. And like any relationship, it’s a two-way thing. In some cases a company can be really unresponsive and leave you in the lurch. If you feel like communication is bad right from the start, have a think about what this might mean for the wider culture. If both you and the company are playing hard to get then no one will get very much out of the experience! 

Keep an open mind

At first glance a job ad may not look 100% right, but once you meet the team and get a taste for the culture your head could be turned. If you’re faced with multiple choices, it can be hard to step back and take an objective view. One way of solving this is by making a scorecard. Write a list of the things you look for in a role alongside the companies you are applying for and give each one a score out of 10. This will allow you to  see which companies stand out and where they aren’t quite hitting the mark. It can be easy to stick to what we know- but sometimes the things that bring the best results happen when we step outside of our comfort zone. 

There are plenty more fish in the sea

Inevitably you will receive a few rejections before you land your dream job. Don’t let this discourage you. Instead, take what you have learned from the experience and use it to help you continue your job hunt. If you receive a no after the interview, it is worth reaching out and asking what you can do to improve. If it’s a case of right role, wrong time then keeping in touch could open doors in the future. And if it’s a case of wrong role, wrong time, there are plenty more roles on the market- and one of them will be your perfect catch. 

Nobody wants to be your bit on the side

Nobody enjoys being messed around- transparency is so important in the recruitment (and relationship!) process. If you’re working with a recruiter then keep them in the loop. And if you’re interviewing at several companies then make sure you disclose this. Likewise, if you’ve previously been in contact with the company or applied directly before then this is something you should mention. It stops wires being crossed further down the line. 

Nobody likes to be ghosted

If you interview for a job, you expect to hear back- even if it’s bad news. Likewise, if you interview for a role and you don’t think it is for you, then don’t just drop off the grid. Don’t let them guess you’re not interested in a second date! Go back to the employer and tell them your hesitations, then they may be able to come to an agreement with you. 

A cheeky profile stalk

Do your research. Rock up to the interview with a good knowledge of what the company does and why you want to be part of it. But be aware this tactic goes both ways. A prospective employer will often do some background checks on your social media before the interview. If your social pages are public then bear this in mind on your next wild night out. Instead, if you are passionate about the industry you are applying to work in, share relevant news/info that could help make you stand out. 

Being late was never fashionable

When it comes to interviews, early is on-time. Nobody wants to be kept waiting and it’s the worst way to kick off an interview. You don’t want to be working twice as hard to get the interviewer back on your side. First impressions count. 

Dress to impress

Regardless of what the companies dress code is, turn up to the interview dressed to impress. And if it is a virtual interview and you are in your pjs from the waist down- remember this before you stand up or lean back in your chair! Finding a job is just like finding your perfect match, but you will never find the one until you put yourself out there. So, this Valentine’s Day take time to consider what you want and then go out and get it. The right role is out there for all of us! If you want any help finding your dream role then don’t hesitate to get in touch at: 0117 4280600