Entering the job market after many years can be a daunting task, especially in the fast-paced world of IT and Technology. With advancements happening at breakneck speed, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed when suddenly thrown into starting your job search journey anew. However, there are simple steps you can take to get you started, ease the transition, and help you in landing your new dream job. At Recruit I.T., we've seen many experienced candidates successfully navigate this path, and we're here to share some valuable advice with you. 1. Revamp Your CV Your CV is your ticket to securing interviews, so it is crucial to ensure it’s up-to-date and tailored to the roles you are applying for. If yours is still in typewritten format and doesn’t include what you’ve been up to for the last 10 years, now is the time to get it updated. Ensure it includes your most recent and relevant roles, delete your high school work experience, and highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements prominently, focusing on how they align with the requirements of the positions you're targeting. If you are unsure where to start, collaborating with a specialised recruiter like Recruit I.T. can provide valuable insights and guidance in crafting a compelling resume. 2. Leverage Your Network Don't underestimate the power of networking, especially in the tight-knit IT and Technology community in New Zealand. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, clients, and industry connections to let them know you're actively seeking opportunities. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences to expand your network further. Many job opportunities are filled through referrals, so make sure to stay connected and keep your network informed about your job search. 3. Explore Both General and Specialised Job Boards You may have found your first job via a newspaper classified, but times have changed! While general online job boards like Seek and Trade Me, as well as LinkedIn Jobs are a good starting point, consider exploring specialised job boards focused specifically on IT and Technology roles, and register with a relevant recruitment agency like Recruit I.T. as specialised platforms like our website job board cater to this niche market, offering a curated selection of job openings tailored to your expertise. By targeting your search on these platforms, you increase your chances of finding roles that align with your skills and career goals. 4. Prepare for Interviews Brush up on your interview skills to ensure you make a strong impression during the selection process. Research the company and the role thoroughly, familiarising yourself with STAR and behavioural-based interview techniques (there is lots of info online!), practising common interview questions, and preparing examples that highlight your abilities and experiences. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the latest industry trends and developments to demonstrate your awareness and relevance in the field. It also won’t hurt to review and brush up on your verbal and numerical reasoning skills – once again, there are lots of free resources online to help you practise these types of tests/exercises. 5. Update Your Skills The IT and Technology landscape evolves rapidly, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. Whilst you’ve developed your abilities on the job, do take the time to update your skills and knowledge with formal certifications and training to remain competitive in the market. Consider enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications relevant to your field. Not only does this demonstrate your commitment to growth, but it also enhances your attractiveness to potential employers. 6. Be Flexible and Open-Minded The job market can be unpredictable, so it's essential to remain flexible and open-minded throughout your job search. Be willing to consider different roles, industries, or a short-term contract opportunity that may not align precisely with your previous experience. Embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth, as they can lead to unexpected career advancements and personal fulfilment. 7. Seek Guidance from Experts Navigating the job market alone can be overwhelming, especially after being out of the game for some time. In many cases, if your position has been made redundant, your organisation may provide outplacement services to offer help with CV crafting, interview prep, job search, practise testing and in some instances will also provide free access to training platforms. Consider seeking guidance from experienced specialised recruiters like our Recruit I.T. consultants. Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the IT and Technology industries, along with extensive networks and resources to support your job search journey. From resume optimisation to interview preparation, we can provide valuable assistance every step of the way. Utilise all the free and skilled help you can access! 8. Embrace Your Experience and Life Skills It's easy to feel apprehensive about re-entering the job market after a long tenure with a single company or a prolonged absence, but remember to embrace the wealth of experience and life skills you've accumulated over the years. Your past successes, whether in your career or personal life, have equipped you with valuable insights, problem-solving abilities, and resilience that will be sought-after and appreciated by employers. While you may not have a recent job application or job hunt history, your track-record speaks volumes about your capabilities and adaptability. Have confidence in your abilities, and don't underestimate the value you bring to the table. Highlight your accomplishments and transferable skills during interviews, showcasing how they make you an asset to any organisation. By owning your experience and life skills, you can instill trust and credibility in potential employers, setting yourself apart from other candidates in the competitive job market. Embarking on a job search journey after many years can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By revamping your resume, leveraging your network, exploring job boards, preparing for interviews, updating your skills, remaining flexible, seeking guidance from experts, and remaining confident in your experience and skills, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive New Zealand job market. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right support and resources, you will find your next opportunity. Our team are always happy to shout the coffee and provide some expert friendly and constructive advice to help you get started on your job hunt, so reach out anytime!