five ways to upgrade your job‑search.

Hospitality right now is busy, competitive and full of possibility. Yes, senior candidates are facing higher than usual levels of competition; more people are applying, more employers are being selective, and there is greater emphasis on behaviours as well as skills and experience. 

But great opportunities are still out there. And the difference between securing the role you most want, or missing out, often comes down to your mindset and approach. 

Successful job searches are always underpinned by intention, clarity, preparation and patience. 

Here are my five tips to upgrade your job-search in today’s market… 

do your research.   

In a competitive market, a sense of direction is key. Knowing where you are heading, having an idea of who you want to work with, what role you would prefer and WHY puts you at a huge advantage. The clearer you are on this, the more targeted your job search will be and therefore the more effective.  

Research the sectors, businesses and brands you are drawn to. Understand as much as you can about these companies, their culture, leadership focus and the direction they’re heading. When you understand what matters to you, what resonates most with you about a business, your applications will become more relevant, and more confident. And when it gets to interview, you’ll really shine. 

be clear on why you’re the one.

Be specific about the kind of role you want, and equally clear about why you’re the best person for the job. It’s not enough that you might have worked in a similar business or done the same level of role before (although these things help of course). You need to be specific about, and be able to demonstrate, the skills you bring and the behaviours you’re known for. When you can articulate how you work, what you value and how you add impact, you stand out immediately. 

communicate.

Nobody likes a drawn-out hiring process, but sometimes it can take longer than everyone would like, especially for senior roles. Regardless, there are things you can do to keep the pace up and stay front of mind for the employer. Keep in regular touch with recruiters or hiring managers and promptly, thoughtfully respond when they connect with you. A simple regular check-in or update shows commitment. Job searching does have some transactional elements but at heart it’s about relationship building. It goes both ways. 

 apply with intention. 

In a crowded market, scatter-gun applications won’t get you anywhere. Tools do now exist that encourage you to apply for roles at volume, with little consideration of the jobs or employers themselves. This results in wasted time and disappointing conversations for everyone, a raft of rejections, or at worst - silence. Apply only for roles you genuinely want, have thought about carefully, and you feel you meet the criteria for.  

Tailored, thoughtful applications lead to more positive responses, relevant interviews and the right outcomes. Employers can feel the difference and the results will be much better for you in the long run. 

view your job search as investment.

Finding the right job is rarely rapid, and nor should it be. This is an investment in your future, your career and your life. The more attention you give to researching, considering and refining your approach, the more likely you are to connect with roles that are right for you, with employers who want to hire you, and a culture that will support and develop you.  

The right job is worth your effort. 

The hospitality job market is competitive right now, but it’s also full of opportunity for candidates who approach their search well. When you invest properly in the process, you give yourself the best chance of landing a role that is right for you and your career ambitions.