As we approach the festive season, job hunting may not be your top priority. However, if you’re considering a career change in 2024, now is an excellent time to explore the market. The market is also really busy right now, with law firms in all practice areas looking to recruit across the North West, Yorkshire and the West Midlands.
Here’s why it might be a good idea to start your search early:
There’ll be less competition
January sees a surge of job seekers as many people make it a New Year’s resolution to change jobs. By starting now, you can beat the rush and avoid the fierce competition in the job market.
You’re more likely to secure a pay rise
Lower demand means you may have an advantage in negotiating a better salary. The lawyers who we arranged an interview for last December were able to achieve a salary of, on average, 7% more than those who interviewed in January.
Even if you aren’t looking to move right now, if you’re interested to know whether your current pay is in line with the rest of the market, it might be worth checking out our Winter 2023 Salary Guides. You can request a copy for your practice area here.
You’ll settle into your new role sooner
Consider your notice period, which is often three months or longer. Starting your search now allows you to make a move earlier, ensuring a quicker transition into your new position.
You’ll have access to firms you’re interested in
The specialist recruitment consultants at Realm have relationships with teams across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands, ranging from boutique firms to national or international firms. We can make discreet inquiries on your behalf and help you secure the perfect position at the firm you’ve had your eye on.
Festive cheer might just help things go in your favour
At this time of year, everyone tends to be in a better mood, so it’s a great time moment to approach recruiters. Interestingly, high spirits and festive cheer mean that a higher percentage of December interviews result in job offers compared to the first quarter of the following year, after the festive break.
Whether you choose to apply and interview before the Christmas holiday or simply speak to a recruiter to get a feel for what kind of opportunities will be available in the New Year, taking action now can reduce competition and increase the chances of your application standing out.
If you’re eager to kickstart your job search for the New Year or discuss potential opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at 03300 245 606 or email us at hello@realmrecruit.com.
