Whether you’re taking time off over Christmas to enjoy the last few days of 2018 or are already looking ahead to what 2019 will bring, the end of the year is the ideal time to pause and think. We’ve looked back at some of the highs and lows of the year, to help you reflect on what’s gone well for you in 2018. We’ve also included a round-up of our most helpful blogs from this year, so that you can plan ahead and get 2019 off to a successful start.

2018 in review

This year has been challenging for business in general, and this has an impact on employees. When talking with candidates, one of the things that often comes up is the issue of job security – and many of you tell us that you’d like more!

Brexit is causing uncertainty, and the effects have been widely felt, particularly in the automotive sector. Vauxhall hit the headlines earlier this year when it was announced that the company would be cutting hundreds of jobs in the North West. It’s also been a tough year for industries that rely on EU migrants to staff operations. This could mean a greater workload for individuals, as they try to cover the same amount of work that would usually be handled by more staff.

The retail sector has also suffered job losses this year, with reports suggesting up to 50,000 people have been made redundant. And while the headlines make for gloomy reading, it isn’t all bad news for candidates. Roles in digital and tech industries are increasingly in demand, as are professional services such as accounting and finance. New and emerging sectors are building on those foundations, with Fintech (short for Financial Technology) expected to grow by 88% in the next three years.

So, whether you’re just about to enter a new industry or are starting a new job, you’ll want to get off to a flying start. Our tips on how to make a good impression in your new job will help you get settled and make a positive impression, we hope it helps!

The job market in 2018

While uncertainty can mean job losses, it also means that businesses are keen to hold onto their top talent. The CIPD found that following the Brexit referendum, 26% more companies said that they wanted to develop staff internally. That’s good news for those of you who are worried about job security or who are looking for development opportunities.

As hinted above, the service sector has been booming. In January we reported on the most in-demand job roles, which included administrators, telesales executives and accountants. Professional services, such as accountancy, generates work for a raft of support staff, as do industries such as the creative and media sectors. This is good news for candidates; not only does it offer new employment opportunities, for many people a supporting or junior role can be a fantastic route into an industry that interests them.

2018 has seen the continuing trend of ‘Northshoring’, with companies moving operations from London and the south of England to the North. Cities such as Leeds and Manchester have benefitted from this, and the impact on candidates is positive too. Economic growth means more employment and career progression opportunities that might otherwise have been missing.

So if you’re planning your next career move, the best thing to do is plan ahead. Be sure of where you want to go in your career and look at how your company and location can help you to get there. If you’re not sure whether you can see a future with your current employer our blog, ‘How to tell whether your job is going well or not’, will help you make a decision.

Clayton Recruitment is committed to your success

Our reputation rests on our ability to help you find the very best job for your skills and interests. Two of our key values are trust and relationships and we work hard to build both of these with the candidates we work with. Candidates appreciate these values and the fact that we listen to what you want to get out of a new position.

What’s more, we also build strong relationships with our clients. This is beneficial to candidates because we have a solid understanding of the businesses we work with and the vacancy on offer. By taking the time to know both parties we can successfully match applicants with their ideal role. In the short term, it means that you find the new position that you’ve been looking for, and in the long-term it gives you confidence that you’ll feel happy that your values align with the company’s values for a long time to come.

Candidates and Clayton Recruitment: success stories

From directors to part-time staff, in our lifetime we’ve helped over 2,000 professionals find their ideal role. Our passion for recruitment means that we’re always improving our service, so that we can help more and more professionals.

In 2018 we’ve expanded our service for those seeking temporary work. We recognise that not everyone is looking for full-time or permanent work; in 2018 there’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ job role any more. We’ve developed our temporary recruitment service so that we can help even more people find the role that is suited them, their lifestyle, and their skills.

Planning ahead to 2019

There have certainly been challenges and minor setbacks in 2018, though there have been opportunities for candidates also. And while it’s helpful to look back at successes and challenges this year and determine what that might mean, it’s also key to look ahead at what the future holds.

So, if you think that 2019 could be the year that you make a career change, we’ve put together our top five blogs from this year to help you land the role you’ve been dreaming of:

1. Do I stay, or do I go? How to make the decision whether to stay in your current job or leave
2. What to leave off from your CV
3. What is your interviewer actually thinking? 
4. Banish interview jitters with our interview checklist
5. The job offer – what next?

And if you’re thinking of making a fresh start with a new job in January, it’s not too late to apply! We’d be happy to discuss what you’re looking for and to get things underway ahead of the new year.

Call us on 01772 529 121, and one of our friendly and professional consultants will be happy to help.

You may also like to download our guide on How to Develop Your CV.

In the meantime, we hope you have an enjoyable Christmas and a very Happy New Year!