This year has absolutely flown by and 2023 will be here before we know it. Mid-January to the end of February is one of the best times to conduct a job search. Organisations implement hiring plans, while the new year triggers many to create resolutions about job progression and/or change.

It typically takes 3-5 months to find a new job, which means the process to progress in the new year might have already started with a search. October is not the worst month to land a job, but November and December are historically slow.

Hit the job market at the best time

More likely for those starting job searches now, they will come to fruition early next year. However, the rest of 2022 could still be very well-spent on preparation to hit the market at the time of maximum opportunity. Here are a few tips.

If you’ve not been in the job market for a while, it’s worth reviewing job adverts to ensure your skills and experiences are up to date. Interviewees will typically only need one example of a skill, so doing a strategic project before year-end could address any experience gaps. Alternatively, doing a short course or research can address knowledge or skills gaps.

Reflect on achievements through 2022 and update your CV. Try applying for a few positions to ensure that your CV is resonating with recruiters before applying for jobs that you’d love to get. Follow up with recruiters, seek feedback and start building relationships.

Even if you are unhappy in your workplace, it can offer value. Ask for insight from managers and colleagues relevant to your goal, like what it takes to progress, or work in a different role.
According to one US study, 93% of people feel anxious before job interviews. It may feel like you’re a long way off from your next interview, but considering likely questions now provides another opportunity to address shortcomings.

Common interview questions

Aside from being asked why you want the job and why you want to work for the organisation, you are likely to be asked variants of the following questions:
• Tell me about a challenge and how you overcame it.
• What experience do you have of [this type of work]?
• What are the qualities needed for this job? How have you demonstrated them?
• Tell me about when you used a key skill associated with the job.
• Give an example of when you influenced/led/supported someone.

Good luck if you are on the hunt for a new job for 2023.