All signs point to a competitive job market in Canada as we head into January 2025. For those thinking about entering the market and making a job change, it means doing more to stand out. With Canada’s unemployment rate up to 6.8% (as of November 2024), you can expect more people to compete for jobs. You’ll need to dig deeper and be creative with how you can be different from other job seekers.
We have you covered! Our IT recruiters in Toronto have 5 tips to offer to help you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market this January.
5 ways to stand out in a competitive job market in 2025
We all want to stand out and get that call for an interview. Here are 5 common sense things our recruiters suggest you do to find a job in a competitive job market:
1. Start now
Don’t wait for things to change. You can’t control the market. Things could get worse before they get better. So start your search now. Pay attention to what is happening in your industry. Pay attention to trends and news. This can help you create a plan for how you are going to approach your job search.
2. Know what you want and what you’re looking for in an employer
Who do you want to work for? What type of job do you want? Are there certain roles and responsibilities you really want? What things don’t you want in a job? A big part of having success in your job search is knowing what you want. Set goals and objectives so you have something to work toward. Employers appreciate people who know what they want.
3. Meet more people
We all know that networking is important, yet too many people continue to underestimate its power when looking for a job. Use your personal and professional network to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and let them know you are in the market and looking for new opportunities.
4. Keep improving your online presence
Your online presence can be a big help or a detriment when looking for a job. Your personal brand and presence online matters. Employers will look at and potentially use the information they find to assess your candidacy. So, it’s important to take steps to ensure employers only see positive things. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean up your digital footprint: Create the best version of your online presence as possible.
- Look through your social media: Remove old posts that could hurt your job search.
- Google yourself: Know what comes up and take steps to improve it.
5. Put more effort into your resume and job applications
A great resume is one of the best ways to capture the attention of an employer. So, forget about the generic resume and application. If you find a job you want, put that extra effort into your resume. Create an application package that will put you at the top of the pile.
More Advice To Have Success During The Hiring Process
A Candidates Guide to Prepare for a Screening Interview
How to Answer “What’s Your Desired Salary?” in an Interview
Ultimate Job Interviews Guide for Candidates & Employers: 103 Insights for Successful Interviews
