Advancing your career can be complex. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you might get a call from a headhunter and a week later, you’ll have taken your next career step. However, for most people, the reality is that finding a new job is a full-time job. If you already have a well-established career and are looking for a permanent position in the UK, then this information is for you.
When looking for a new role there are a few options to consider. These are the main resources which are generally used by mid to senior level applicants:
- Online platforms
- Applying directly
- Job boards
- Headhunters
Preparation
Writing a good CV
Preparing for an interview
Competency-based interview questions
online platforms
Technology platforms such as LinkedIn, have a ubiquitous omnipresence and are seen as professional networking sites. They’re also similar to job boards and CV libraries.
Popular technology platforms include:
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
applying directly
Almost every organisation with a communications department will have a dedicated space on their website, where jobs are posted. Until recently, these boards have mainly listed junior roles, but times are beginning to change. Organisations are increasingly advertising senior roles (even strategic roles) and encouraging job seekers to apply directly.
When people apply directly to company websites, applications that are not relevant can be often be missed. The Talent Acquisition, who review applications, may not necessarily have the expertise to identify you as a potential candidate.
Our advice: Respect the application process, but also consider contacting the Line Manager directly. Don’t do this unless you’re sure you’re a highly suitable candidate.
Platforms you can use that will link straight to a company’s website, include:
- Indeed
WARNING: Most organisations that post jobs on company websites also work with recruitment firms, so make sure you don’t apply for the same role twice. There’s not one rule about which is better, but do consider that your application could potentially get lost. Recruiters will deliver directly to the company and get back to you quickly.
job boards
There are many different job boards, some of which are specialist and dedicated to our industry, and others that cover larger sections. The Guardian and PR Week are good examples of generalist job boards, but you can also tailor your search to a desired role. For example, if you are looking for a position in public affairs, Public Affairs Networking would be your go-to site. Whereas the Health Service Journal would be a better choice for health roles, obviously.
List of job boards
This national tabloid also caters to your career with a search engine all set up for you to use.
This site offers job listings, personalised consultancy, training and advice to help communicators succeed.
For anyone looking to break into the world of political communications, this site is for you.
With a broad range of roles across public affairs, government relations, policy and communications, this site offers comprehensive job listings as well as events.
headhunters
Contact us for help and advice regarding your next career move. We help to recruit the entire communications and advocacy team, from the most senior people to everyone who reports to them. We specialise in all aspects of Corporate Communications, Internal Communications, Public Affairs, Policy, Digital & Social Media, Consumer PR, Financial PR, Sustainability & CSR.
Visit our jobs page for a wide variety of roles we are working on now, and some that have already been appointed, as examples of our work.