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5 ways to set good habits when job searching during a pandemic

Have you found yourself sitting at your desk at home, or scrolling through your phone looking for a new job? Some can find it tiring, but we have some excellent tips to take your job search to the next level, using an efficient and productive approach to not only finding yourself your next opportunity, but increasing your employability in the process.

Take time to look after your mental health

Mental health is often overlooked, but in such strange times, it’s crucial to put it at the top of your priority list to ensure spirits are kept high and to have a sense of feeling control over the situation you are in. To better your mental health, choose to be productive in your everyday life. Stick to your usual routine as much as possible, start your day with a refreshing glass of water, sit down and set aside a bit of time to get on top of your finances so that you have a clear picture of where you stand for the foreseeable future. The more in control you are with other aspects of your life, the less time you will have to worry about them and thus can focus your full attention on finding that dream job. For more useful tips and advice on how to stay in control of your mental health during Coronavirus, see Mentalhealth.org.uk’s blog here: https://bit.ly/2YBvHWw

Set aside a specific amount of time during the day to look for jobs

Although sitting at your computer sifting through jobs boards for hours on end may seem like the best and quickest way to find your next opportunity, it may not be the most productive approach. Just as you would take breaks whilst at work, the same applies for job searching. You need the break from your phone/computer, whichever device you are using to refresh your mind and refocus. Not only that, but did you know, constant sitting puts you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and obesity? Take a 5 minute break every hour to get up and move around, even if it is a quick walk around the garden.

Think outside the box - make connections within the industry you’re looking to work in

So you have a specific company, or industry you’d like your next opportunity to be based in. If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account and take to the search bar to find hiring managers, recruitment agencies, even current workers working on projects within the industry of your interest. By building up a network of connections, you will not only undoubtedly be aware of any new opportunities by joining in conversations on the platform, but you will also be at the forefront of their minds and be more likely to get recommended/considered for new opportunities. Think outside the box! Get started with LinkedIn today: https://www.linkedin.com/home

Focus on bettering yourself to increase your employability

The one thing you probably have right now is time. Use that time wisely. By this, we mean as well as searching for your next job and connecting with people in the industry you want to work in, take a step back to analyse exactly what you want to do. Does the industry you’re looking to venture into have a particular skills shortage? If so, this spare time could be the perfect opportunity to look into studying that particular skill. There are some excellent websites offering short courses, some for free! Take advantage of this whilst you have the time. https://bit.ly/2YCdSGO

Not only will you benefit from learning new skills, but if you have been out of work for a period of time, but have used that time to improve your skills and knowledge, that will reflect on you as a person when it does come to interviewing. It will paint you in a very positive light.

Take it one day at a time and don’t panic

The main thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this. Remember that this is just a phase and it too shall pass. Your dream job is out there, but in the meantime, focus on bettering yourself, making yourself more employable and instilling control in as many aspects of your life as possible. As Conrad Hilton once said, “Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving.” Keep moving and positive things will come of it.

For an additional boost to your job search, sign up to First Recruitment Group’s job alerts to receive new job alerts matching your criteria, straight to your inbox. https://bit.ly/3flrcVH

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

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