How to change jobs – and raise your salary
Do you want to be paid more? It might be time to find a new job, according to new research from the Resolution Foundation. The study reveals that it pays to move jobs more often, with earnings rising almost three times more quickly for 18 to 29 year olds who switch than they do for those who choose to stay put.
In a crowded jobs market with lots of young professionals vying for the top-paying positions, it’s important to make yourself attractive to potential employers when considering a switch. And even if you’re not actively job hunting, promoting yourself professionally will put you on the radar of businesses looking for great talent, paving the way for new opportunities to boost your career (and your bank balance).
Here are my top tips for getting your online brand up to scratch to attract your next employer:
Polish your professional image
When you apply for a new job or approach a potential new employer, the likelihood is that they will look you up online, so it’s important to make sure your digital footprint gives a good first impression.
First thing’s first, if you haven’t got a LinkedIn profile, get one. It’s very easy to get started and its professional nature sets it apart from other social networks. Make sure your profile is up to date and leads with a strong headline – completed profiles are more likely to be viewed by potential employers. And if an online search reveals something you’d rather an employer didn’t see, it may be time for a digital spring clean.
Show, don’t tell when it comes to your skills
Memories of writing multiple applications for your first job can make it all too easy to fall into career clichés. We know that people overuse the words “motivated”, “creative”, “enthusiastic” and “track-record” when talking about themselves on LinkedIn, so make yourself stand out by injecting some personality to your profile.
Bring your skills to life by attaching examples of work, presentations and achievements to your online professional profile to actively demonstrate your experience to employers. There’s no need for tired terms when your work speaks for itself.
Build your network
Be sure to make time for networking in your daily routine. Building up a strong list of offline and online connections inside and outside of your current job will help to unlock new opportunities. We’ve found that nine minutes a day is all you need to spend maintaining your LinkedIn network to see a significant impact on the quality of your connections. And the stronger your profile is, the more likely you are to be “found” by the right people.
Although it can be daunting, putting yourself forward to attend events and industry functions will get you seen and give you the chance to network with new people offline. You never know who might open a door to your next career move.
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
Proactivity counts for a lot in the working world. Putting your hand up for things in a professional environment and being proactive with your ideas will help you show your value.
Follow organisations that you’d like to work for on LinkedIn, share their updates, and engage with relevant groups. This shows that you’re plugged into what’s happening in your industry and will help to catch the attention of potential employers.