Thinking About a Job Change? Plan Your Next Move With Robert Half’s Job Seekers’ Guide

When was the last time you reflected on your career? Do you feel valued, fulfilled and proud to work at your company, or are you just going through the motions? Maybe you’re deep into a job search already.

Robert Half research shows now may be a great time to take the leap.

The job market has changed in recent years, and so have strategies for making a career move. So whether you’re actively looking for a new role or just considering your career prospects, Job Search Landscape 2024: Planning Your Next Career Move delivers research-driven insights on the state of the U.S. labor market, career planning strategies and where job opportunities can be found.

The insights and advice draw on the market knowledge of Robert Half recruiters and exclusive survey data exploring workers’ job-seeking plans and managers’ hiring experiences. Read on for guidance on how to navigate and take advantage of the current market.

Our research reveals the vigorous job-seeking climate of the immediate post-pandemic years has calmed, with fewer workers planning to look for a new position in the next six months. With the churn of the Great Resignation behind us, 77% of workers say they are generally happy in their role, and 85% report they maintain a good work-life balance.

The so-called “Big Stay” means less competition from other job seekers, so now may be a great time to look for a new role. Job openings remain high, and talent shortages persist. Organizations of all sizes are looking to hire but struggling to find skilled candidates. As a result, many employers are adjusting their recruiting strategies to attract and land the best available talent.

Consider these strategies recommended by Robert Half recruiters. Accompanying tips are covered fully in the guide.

Make sure your skills are up to date. Most of the workers we surveyed (73%) say they are confident in their abilities, but they still have taken steps to learn new skills and increase their employability.

Cast a wider net. Our research shows most professionals rely on job boards and company websites to drum up leads. Try additional approaches like joining a professional organization and attending industry events. Leverage your network to find unadvertised job opportunities and try out a job fair in person or online.

Craft compelling application materials customized to each opportunity. More than half of workers (59%) say their biggest challenge when applying for jobs is making their resume stand out. One way to do that is to make it easy to digest. In fact, hiring managers scored an easy-to-read resume among the three most important elements when evaluating candidates. Another thing to consider: Almost one-third of job seekers today use generative AI to write their resumes, online professional profiles and cover letters.

Make sure the opportunity is right for you. Hiring is a two-way street. Just as an employer wants to find the most skilled candidate for the role, you need to make sure the job is a good fit for you. A mismatch can often be avoided with some self-reflection. Consider what matters most to you in a job and view all potential opportunities through this lens. Are these activities you will welcome and want to spend your time doing? Do they align with your abilities as well as your long-term career goals?

Take risks. You may be able to land a job even when you don’t check every box in the description. Our research shows that, in a tight hiring market, many employers are willing to hire candidates who lack certain criteria but display an eagerness for upskilling once on board. This may present an opportunity to apply for a “reach” role or explore a new industry.

Maximize the job interview. Consider every meeting with a hiring manager to be a networking opportunity. Even if you don’t get the job, if you’ve made a memorable impression, you may leave with a valuable new contact. Before the interview, do your research on the company, industry and hiring manager. Conclude the interview by telling the hiring manager you want the position and why you’re right for it. Follow up with a sincere thank-you note that reinforces your interest in the role.

Explore more tips from Robert Half on acing the interview.

Be open to different types of work. A permanent job isn’t the only career path you can follow. Contract work can provide exposure to different organizations, teams and industries, as well as greater flexibility. And many employers leverage contract talent throughout the year. Options Robert Half provides:

Permanent — A full-time position at a company

Contract — Hired for a specific project, service or amount of time, often with the possibility of converting to a permanent position

Full-time engagement professional — A unique arrangement from Robert Half that allows you to take on a variety of challenging engagements with different clients while enjoying the security of a full-time job.

Team up with a recruiter. Job seekers who build a strong relationship with a recruiter can get more than just leads. A recruiter who specializes in your field can offer insight on your local market — who’s hiring and open roles that aren’t yet publicly posted — and advocate for you, highlighting your talents and how they suit the employer’s needs. You may also get help with preparing for interviews and negotiating a compensation package both you and the employer will be happy with.

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