The Higher Education sector presents a variety of rewarding career opportunities.
At times, however, the application process can be competitive, and you may find job hunting to be time-consuming. In this article, I have selected some key advice to support your job search.
Be clear
Are you thinking about changing your career, but you are not sure about what else you can do? Have you seen your dream job advertised? Are you looking to take on employment quickly? Before you start applying, do take some time out and explore your options.
As you are searching, it is a good idea to think about different types of jobs, such as the below:
- Dream jobs – jobs which you would be delighted to take on.
- Plausible jobs – jobs within your broader field of expertise, e.g. sociolinguistic jobs in an English or Languages department.
- Jobs to keep food on the table – jobs which you could consider if you need to take on employment quickly.
Take some time out to put your job search results in the above three categories. Make sure that you consider the location of the job. Is this a fully office-based role, blended (with some in-person and remote working) or a fully remote position?
If you need to secure employment quickly because you are facing financial difficulties, it might be best to apply for the so-called ‘low-hanging fruit’. These jobs should be relatively easy for you to get. As you would be able to match the job description with your existing skills and experience, applying for positions should not take a long time. At times, it is perfectly normal to apply for jobs which do not require you to stretch professionally.
For more information on how to land your dream job, do read an article on the Harvard Business School’s website here.
Be open-minded
Whether you are applying for dream/plausible/ jobs to keep food on the table, you might find it helpful to look at your responses to the following questions.
- Would you prefer to work in a freelance or consultancy capacity, or are you looking for a permanent academic or professional services role?
- Are you interested in a full-time position, or would part-time hours better suit your availability?
- Would you be open to fixed-term contracts, such as project-based roles or maternity cover for 6 to 12 months?
- Are you seeking a role that is primarily remote, university-based, or a mix of both?
- What is the maximum travel time you are willing to undertake to reach the university?
- What kind of contribution would you like to make in your next role within higher education — for example, in teaching, research, student support, or administration?
Be flexible
As the job market is getting increasingly tough, you might have to adjust your career plans to fit the times. If you are applying for your dream job, you might want to spend additional time crafting a bespoke and well-presented application. It is also a good idea to devote more effort to your interview preparation if you are applying for a job that you are particularly keen to get. Make sure that you do not put all your eggs into one basket. You should apply for a range of jobs and diversify your options.
Once you are clear on the type of jobs you are applying for, you need to look at what could hold you back from getting them. What are some of the skills, capabilities and experiences which you need more of?
Do look at the job description and imagine that you are the employer. Try to put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and see your application objectively. What are some of the skills and experiences you would like to see more of, from a recruiter’s perspective? You might need more technical skills, such as IT, project management or data analysis skills. You might lack some key soft skills such as presentation skills, time management, critical thinking or negotiation. Once you have identified what skills you would like to develop, you need to make a plan to fill that gap. There is a wide range of development opportunities you could consider, such as networking, professional development courses, coaching and mentoring, degree courses, and volunteering, just to mention a few.
Be like a project manager
Have you managed projects before? You have most probably kept detailed progress notes. Applying for jobs is similar to managing a project. You would need to clarify your objective, set a timeline, and record any actions you have taken. You could open an excel spreadsheet and dedicate it to keeping track of job applications. If you have recorded your job search results, you should be able to see useful patterns e.g. platforms where you tend to find the best jobs.
Be proactive
Are you aware that not all job opportunities are publicly advertised? Do not feel you have to wait for a formal vacancy to express interest in a role. Begin by thinking about your personal and professional network—friends, family, former coworkers, and industry contacts—who might be able to assist with your search. Once you have a clear idea of the kind of role you are pursuing, let others know and ask them to stay alert for potential openings. Often, word of mouth can lead you to opportunities you might not otherwise hear about.
Be resilient
When you begin applying for jobs, it’s likely you’ll face some setbacks. Rejection is never easy to deal with, but each “no” can be a valuable learning experience. It’s important to continually refine your job applications and keep updating your CV and cover letters to better reflect your strengths. Persistence and resilience are crucial to eventually securing a role. Many people struggle with rejection, but the most important thing is to keep going. Continue applying, attending interviews, and looking for ways to improve with each experience.
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