If you want to make the most of the new year impetus and get
onto the career ladder in 2013, here are some tips to help you on your way.
Before you start,
know what and why
The single most important preparation for job-search success
is to clarify what you're looking for, what you offer and why this particular
job role and industry are right for you.
Complete the following statement: "By 2016, I want to
be earning my living by doing X. I will be good at it because Y and it is the
right job for me because Z."
It really doesn't matter if over the next 12-18 months you
change your mind; just adjust your career plans accordingly. The benefit of
clarity now is that you have an objective for your search and will be able to
prioritise your efforts on the most suitable jobs for you.
Don't start researching vacancies until you are clear about
what you want and need from the job that will launch your career, even if
you're studying a vocational degree and looking into a specific profession.
Consider issues such as: your definition of job satisfaction, location,
training opportunities, salary, personal interests, your current skill level
and what you definitely don't want to do. If you can't describe for yourself
what interests you in the world of work, you won't be able to articulate that
to a recruiter or potential employer.
Quality above
quantity
Remember, this says "above", it doesn't say
"not". Don't be panicked by the economic news into applying for
everything and anything. Your health and grades will suffer if you overstretch
yourself. Start with your long-term vision and focus your efforts on the right
jobs for you. Certainly you'll have to work hard (successful applications
usually take days of work), but you'll be working on the right areas.
Differentiate
yourself
You've already demonstrated that you're capable of learning
and undertaking new tasks – university and school proved that. What potential
employers are interested in is what makes you tick? How are you unique and do
you describe your unique potential?
Even if you're heading for a technical role that applies
your degree, your competencies, such as leadership, problem-solving or
collaboration, are still important. In your applications, include examples
where you demonstrated these core behaviours, for instance, through
volunteering, holiday jobs, work placements or study.
Get organised
Successful applicants are never surprised by deadlines and
can always find their notes when required to deliver at a phone interview.
Complete applications well within deadlines to give yourself review time; it's
astonishing how many people deliver material that has not been proofread, with
an hour to go until the deadline.
Try buddying up with someone targeting a different industry
and help each other critique applications. Always review any interview or
assessment centre immediately afterwards too: take some notes on what went
well, what went less well and what you'll learn for your next application.
You'll see your interviewing skills and confidence grow as you get more
experience. For example, one of my coachees last year decided to dress up for every
phone interview. She had all her notes ready on the desk and felt confident in
her interview suit. It might sound silly but it put her in the frame of mind
for success.
Spread your net wide
While still applying point one, be creative in your jobseeking.
SMEs are offering far more graduate entry career development nowadays. Look
across the market to see if roles outside the milkround could work for you.
Source: 8 January 2013, The Guardian by Sian Case - a
job-search coach and author of Nail That
Job, the complete guide for the less–experienced jobseeker.
No comments:
Post a Comment