Everyone wants a job for different reasons; money, self-fulfillment, career progress, and well, money. Trying to find the right job, however, is the issue. It can be stressful and futile especially if the search is being carried out the wrong way.
Job hunting is a job on its own. You may have to spend a lot of time and be consistent and I won’t lie, most times your search will still not yield favorable results. Although this may be due to several factors, it is mostly because you are going about your job search the wrong way.
There is always a right, wrong, and best way when going about certain things and job hunting is no exception.
Below are a few guidelines that should help your job hunting process.
- Self-Evaluation: before you jump on the internet and start sending out applications and posting your credentials anywhere, you need to ask yourself: What do I want to do? What CAN I do?
The questions to these answers will help you decide the exact industries or career fields you should tailor your job search to.
Many times, people say “I just want a job”. This just won’t cut it. You need to sit yourself down and do some personal evaluation. Whether as a fresh graduate or as someone who has been employed for years, any time you are about to start a job search, ask yourself relevant questions.
The answers will provide a sense of direction in your job hunt process.
- Research for Job Opportunities: having discovered your interests and capabilities, you need to look for jobs in the areas where your interests lie.
What are employers in that field looking for? At this stage, you should be researching to find out how well you fit the specification of prospective employers in the job market.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is by going through their requirements and job responsibilities. The pay at this point is a secondary issue.
Another thing to do is research prominent organizations that specialize in your field of interest; see if you can connect with some of their staff, let them give you some advice on the requirements needed to work in that company or field.
- Write your CV or Resume: This is the document that sells your abilities and the prospective value you can add to the organization that the recruiter represents.
A summary of your professional as well as academic history, your CV or Resume gives your recruiter reasons why you are perfect for the job. Achievements, brief career objective or summary alongside your job experiences also help paint a picture of you in the mind of the recruiter and tells them what value you will be adding to the organization in question. For this to happen, your CV has to be constructed to meet the needs of whatever job you are applying for.
If you are having difficulty drafting one, ask for help from friends and loved ones that have experience in the said career field or are professional CV and Resume editors.
- Apply: The job you are looking for would not come tumbling into your laps; you have to apply!
You have your mindset on what you want to do, done ample research on the needs of the said career field, created your Resume or CV (whichever the company you are applying to requests for).
When applying, ensure you read the job requirements so you do not apply for what you are not qualified for. Once you apply, do not sit back, waiting for their response. Some companies take forever to reply and some never do (very annoying, I know). So, once you apply, move on to the next application and don’t dwell on that particular job.
Do not forget to be meticulous when applying. Once you have finished filling out your application, give someone competent to proofread. After all, two heads are better than one.
- Use Your Social Networks:
- Your inner Circle: Your friends and family members make up your inner circle, this is one of those times you need their help. 70% of the jobs out there are not gotten through applications and be interviews. They are gotten through referrals; from family members and friends. Let them know you are looking for a job, tell them your area of interest and depth of experience while hitting on your strengths. Let them keep an eye out for you.
- Your social media: Welcome to the market place of the 21st century where anything is bought and anything; including your skills and expertise can be sold and you know who else is shopping on the streets of social media? Recruiters! People are contacted every day for the job of their dreams on social media platforms like LinkedIn without even applying. Why? Because their profile and actions speak for them.
Aside from liking posts and watching funny videos, social media is a good place to scout for jobs and BE scouted for a job.
So, if you are not visible on social media, I suggest you become visible. If you are visible but for the wrong things, I suggest you change the narrative; let your comments and profile, as well as posts, show the world your professionalism and value that you can add to any company you might find yourself in. Social Media is a market place; it is your job to sell yourself right.
- Keep Self-developing: While job hunting, do not forget to continue working on yourself; take classes, attend trainings and networking events focused on sharing knowledge that might be of good help to you.
Who knows? You just might find the right connection to the job of your dreams. Job hunting is never easy; do not expect a miracle to happen at your first job application. Also, don’t let rejection letters weigh you down. Keep pushing; be consistent in your search. Remind the recruiters of the value you bring to the table; in both your Resume/CV and at every other chance you get. Job hunting is a job itself; get to it!