Jobseeker tips

Starting a new role is so exciting but can sometimes feel like a whirlwind—there’s so much to take in. That’s why we’ve broken it down into a simple 30-60-90 day plan—to help you settle in, make an impact early, get aligned on your KPIs, and feel a sense of achievement from day one.

Nailing an interview requires more than just showing up and answering some questions. It’s about preparation, presenting yourself in a way that leaves a lasting impression and following up well.

In today’s market, it can be overwhelming when you're up against many candidates vying for the same role. But there are ways to make your application stand out and catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager. Below are our team's top tips to help you get noticed and increase your chances of landing that dream job. 1. Tailored approach While it may seem tedious, personalising your CV for each job is essential. Hiring managers are incredibly prescriptive in a candidate-rich market and will be looking for someone who ticks all their boxes. Tailor your CV to make it crystal clear that you possess the necessary skills and experience for the specific role. Use the job ad or JD as a guide, highlighting relevant experiences and key strengths that align directly and use the same keywords. A one-size-fits-all approach might make you fade into the background, so stand out by showing you’re the perfect match. 2. Showcase Achievements Having direct, relevant experience in your field will naturally draw attention to your application. When listing your past roles, focus on what you achieved rather than simply what you did. Employers want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous positions, so highlight any quantifiable results, improvements, or successes you’ve been a part of. The more you can demonstrate your value through real-world examples, the stronger your application will be. 3. Boost your CV with links to your work One of the easiest ways to set yourself apart from the sea of applicants is to make your CV more interactive. If you’ve worked on significant projects or have a portfolio of work, don’t be afraid to show it off! Include hyperlinks to any notable creative work or projects. For example, if you’ve been part of a marketing campaign or creative project, link to it in your CV. For agency client service roles, this is especially crucial. Let your experience shine through examples rather than just bullet points. 4. The use of video Video applications are becoming increasingly popular as a way to add a personal touch to your submission. If the offer is there, take advantage of the opportunity to sell yourself via video. A short, engaging video introducing yourself and explaining why you’re the right candidate for the job can help you stand out. This is especially true for roles that require strong communication skills or client-facing positions. A video application allows you to express your enthusiasm and personality—something a CV alone can’t do. Keep it brief, professional, and impactful. 5. Specialist Recruiters Finding a job can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s where working with a specialist recruiter can make all the difference. Recruiters in your field know the ins and outs of the industry and often have access to roles that aren’t advertised publicly. A specialist recruiter will work with you to understand your goals and match you with the right roles, often helping you secure a position faster than you could on your own. Leverage their expertise and network to your advantage. 6. Personal Brand Your personal brand is your digital handshake—it introduces you to potential employers before they’ve even met you. If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, experience, and personality. Make sure it aligns with the details on your CV and gives a fuller picture of who you are as a professional. At the same time, ensure any other social media accounts are private unless they’re also part of your professional brand. 7. Community contribution Engaging with your community can be a powerful differentiator. Whether it’s volunteering, contributing to local causes, or simply being active in professional groups, community involvement shows a level of initiative and engagement that employers value. If you’re not already involved, look into opportunities to give back or participate in industry events or associations. Not only will this boost your resume, but it will also broaden your network and potentially open doors to new opportunities. In a market overflowing with exceptional candidates, distinguishing yourself can seem challenging. However, with a well-crafted strategy, you can significantly enhance your prospects. Begin by actioning some of our top tips here - making a positive impression on potential employers has never been more achievable.

Being out of work can be tough. The days can feel long and the inbox can feel empty. The current employment market is tricky, so to those of you who are currently in between jobs know that you’re: a/ not alone and b/ market conditions aren’t optimal But, like any bump in the road, it’s important to remain positive and better still, make use of the extra time available. As they say – when life gives you lemons…you know the rest. Here are some thought starters which might help: Limit your job search time to an hour a day and only apply to roles that really speak to your interest and experience. Don’t fall into the trap of applying for anything, it will only give you application fatigue and could leave you feeling more demotivated. Consider further study; use the time to learn something new and broaden your skills, this could relate to what you do now or help you to pivot in a new direction. Network; catch up with old colleagues and clients and put yourself on people’s radar. You never know how your next role might come to you, and talking to your advocates may prove more productive than you think. Don’t be afraid to lean on your network for support, advice or referral. Consider volunteering; whether that’s at your favourite charity, local soup kitchen, or kids school canteen, it’s sure to help fill your time with something meaningful and give you a sense of purpose. Personal brand; invest some serious time here. Write a blog article to push out on socials, modernize your CV, give your LI profile an overhaul, offer to speak at an industry event. Try something new; open yourself up to contract, invest time in a side hustle, attend a seminar of a motivational speaker you admire, or Fresh air; with Spring upon us ensure you take advantage of Australia’s best asset – the great outdoors. Take a walk, go on a hike, feel the sand between your toes. Fresh air and a dose of vitamin D will help clear your head, sharpen your focus and remind you of life’s more simple pleasures. And as the adage goes ‘This too shall pass’. There are always peaks and troughs in the employment market and we anticipate that we’ll start to see more traction and hiring confidence return in the coming months. If you have any questions or need further support during this time, don't hesitate to reach out to myself ( Sheryn ) or our dedicated talent partners . We're here to help you navigate the current job market and find the right role for you. Additionally, if you're interested in understanding the latest market trends, download our latest Salary Guide . It's packed with valuable insights that can help you position yourself competitively in the industry. Stay connected, stay informed, stay in the kno w .

Your guide to shorter term contracts in the marketing world.

Salary negotiation can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and some prep work, you can achieve the best possible result. iknowho Lead Talent consultant, Sheryn Small says “asking your boss for a pay rise is no different to pitching an idea to your client. Do your research. Know your audience. Come armed with facts. Get your timing right, keep it tight and leave your emotions at the door.” Based on our annual Marketers Survey (2023) 53% of respondents received a pay increase in the last year and from those that didn’t, 72% said they were open to looking for a new role. So, we’re here to help prepare you to have that sometimes tricky conversation with some simple tips in order to potentially avoid having to jump ship: 1. Know Your Worth Before entering any salary negotiation, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your skills, expertise, and what sets you apart from your colleagues. Ask yourself: · What are my unique skills and strengths? · What accomplishments or projects have I successfully completed? · How have I added value to my current or previous employers? The key is not focusing on your desire to have more money but rather on your value and contribution. 2. Gather Supporting Evidence In any negotiation, information is power. To make a strong case for the salary you want, round up some solid facts and figures to back it up. Create a business case with your accomplishments, highlight instances where your contributions led to increased revenue, cost savings, or improved processes. You need to go beyond how you’re delivering on your current KPI’s, it’s about showing how you’re delivering above and beyond. iknowho GM Kahli Fenn says, “I encourage candidates to keep track of their achievements throughout the year. You might like to create a folder in your inbox of those moments where you know you have performed well. It might be that great piece of feedback you had from a client or some fantastic results delivered on a campaign. It’s easy to forget all those wins but if you file them away, it can be helpful when it comes time to have the conversation.” 3. Research Market Guides To ensure your salary expectations are realistic and in line with industry standards, research market guides and salary surveys . These resources provide valuable insights into the typical packages for your role and experience level. Having this information, you can confidently negotiate a salary that aligns with not only your skill but market rates as well. 4. Practice makes perfect Be prepared to articulate your case clearly and professionally. Consider the following communication tips: · Practice in advance. · Be confident and assertive but not confrontational. · If you don’t get the response you’re looking for initially, ask for some time to think it over, don’t feel the pressure to leave the conversation there. · Listen actively to the responses and be open to compromise. Which leads us to our next point… 5. Be Open to Non-Salary Benefits While a higher salary is often the primary focus, don't overlook other benefits that can make your overall situation better. These may include flexible work arrangements, additional annual leave days, development opportunities, bonuses. Be open and prepared to discuss these aspects as well. 6. Timing Matters Picking the right time to talk salary changes can really make a difference. Ideally, initiate these conversations during performance reviews, when you're receiving a new job offer, or when you're taking on more responsibilities. Ask for time in your managers diary outside of your standard catch ups, letting them know that you’d like a meeting to discuss your performance and contribution to the team. This gives your manager the opportunity to not be caught off guard and enter into the conversation in the right headspace. Bec Godkin our Senior Talent Consultant also encourages "Being prepared is critical, success is in the detail. Approach the conversation armed with evidence-based examples of your contribution. Demonstrating your direct involvement highlights and reinforces your dedication" Salary discussions need not be intimidating, but rather a persuasive pitch, armed with facts and confidence. Get in touch with your iknowho consultant if you’d like more tailored advice to your situation, we’re here to help. Click here to download the latest Salary Guide for the Marketing World.

Resigning from a job can be a daunting experience, but it's a crucial moment that can define how your professional legacy will be remembered. While your achievements during your tenure matter, it's often how you leave a business that lingers in the minds of your managers and colleagues.

Being made redundant can feel like a significant blow. Loss of income, daily routine, self esteem, even identity can significantly impact your mental health. So with that in mind we’ve prepared some simple tips to get you back on track if you find yourself in this situation. 1.First, take care of yourself. It's okay to feel upset, frustrated, or uncertain about the future. Allow yourself time to process your emotions. Once you've had a chance to reflect, it's time to focus on the future. Most redundancies are not personal, so focus on shifting your perspective and see this as an opportunity for career growth. 2. Approach your former managers and ask them to be referees. It’s also a great help if they will write you a recommendation on LinkedIn, or provide a written reference (or both). Having these on hand to share with potential employers will really help support your job search. 3. Get crystal clear about what you want to do next. What are the must haves vs nice to haves in a new role? What sort of company do you want to work for? Is location important to you? What elements of your previous role did you love? What skills to you have? What are your strengths? If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to former colleagues / managers and ask them what they think your strengths are. This is also a great confidence booster 🙌 4. Update your CV & LinkedIn profile. If you were in a permanent role the chances are your CV isn’t up to date. Reflect on your recent achievements and identify your strengths so you can showcase these. Be specific. Include facts & figures where possible. Click here for more CV tips. 5. Reach out to your network directly, or through LinkedIn and let them know what you are looking for. This includes former colleagues you’d like to work with again, people you know at companies you’d like to work for, friends, relatives, friends of friends. Follow up any invitations, accept coffee chats, you never know where they may lead you. Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, and directly with companies that appeal to you. 6. Connect with recruiters who specialise in your area of expertise. Finding yourself unexpectedly back in the job market can feel overwhelming. Along with CV & interview tips, recruiters can introduce you to relevant contacts, and are often briefed on roles which have not been advertised yet - often giving you exclusive access to these roles. 7. Be proactive and focused on your job search. Set aside a few hours each day to take specific action such as applying for jobs, researching companies of interest, growing your network, chatting to recruiters who might be able to help. Adopting a positive attitude can make all the difference when it comes to finding a new job. Remember, you are not defined by your redundancy, and there are plenty of opportunities out there. If redundancy has affected you, reach out to one of our specialist consultants for a confidential chat. We’d love to hear from you!