Making the Dream Become Reality!
So, you’ve decided enough is enough and you are looking for a new job…
Maybe you are clear on your next role and the type of organizations you would like to work for, or perhaps you are looking to make a change and shift away from the known roles and explore something new. Where to start can often be the biggest hurdle when we think of our next job and this delays us from taking action as we are unclear on the best action to take.
Before embarking on a job application journey, it's crucial to clarify several key aspects that can significantly enhance your chances of success. Here are the top six things I would recommend to get clear on. These are not groundbreaking suggestions but are where I find the biggest challenges can be presented and therefore overcome:
1. Set Clear Goals for Your Job Search
Define what you want from your next job, including factors like salary expectations, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement. Setting clear goals will help streamline your search process and keep you focused on positions that meet your criteria.
2. Self-Assessment of Skills and Interests
Understanding your own skills, interests, and values is foundational. Create a list of your core competencies and what you enjoy doing. This will help you identify roles that align with your strengths and passions, ensuring that you apply for positions that truly resonate with you. Not sure what your strengths are? Check out a free assessment here.
3. Research Potential Employers
Conduct thorough research on companies you are interested in. Familiarize yourself with their mission, culture, and the products or services they offer. This knowledge not only informs your application but also helps you determine if the organization is a good fit for you.
4. Customize Your Application Materials
Generic resumes and cover letters are less effective than tailored ones. Customize each application to reflect how your experiences and skills meet the specific needs outlined in the job description. Highlight relevant accomplishments and use keywords from the job posting to pass automated screening tools. Looking for some suitable templates for your resumes? Canva has some great ones - you can create a free account and use some of their tools.
5. Understand the Job Description
Take time to thoroughly read and analyze the job description. Identify the key responsibilities and required qualifications, which will guide you in framing your responses during interviews and in your application materials.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Anticipate common interview questions related to the role and prepare thoughtful answers. Practicing your responses can build confidence and help articulate why you are a strong candidate. Ensure you prepare and know how to deal with behavioral based interview questions. A great framework to use to help with creation of answers is the STAR based approach. Additionally, prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company and role, demonstrating your interest.
Final Thoughts
I find that applying for jobs is never an easy or quick task and often the processes organizations now put in place for screening candidates can sometimes makes this feel even more faceless and lengthy. But by investing the time up front to be clear on our goals from our search, we can ensure to be focusing our efforts in the right areas and giving ourselves the best possible chance of success.