The path to getting your ideal job can be difficult and stressful. Many companies are reducing the size of their workforce, meaning that more applicants are competing for fewer positions, so it is important to stand out from the crowd. The ideal job comes in many different forms, depending on the person, but the common thread that links them is that they all require dedication and passion. It is not always about the amount of money you earn. Consider the life of a Chief Executive with that of a former Wall Street derivatives trader who quit his job to open a restaurant. Whatever your dream job, here are a few smart strategies for getting it.
Firstly, think about what area you know the most about, have a lot of experience in, or are most passionate about. In my own job-hunting experience, the first thing I did was to decide in what domain I would most like to work in, and which one I had the most experience in. With a degree in physics, I felt that a quantitative field such as finance, engineering or data analytics was a good place to start. It also motivated me to improve my skills in this field by doing extra courses. Deciding on what types of job you want greatly streamlines your search. It makes you more focused and disciplined. Most importantly, do not be content with learning “on the job”. Keep your skills sharp and improve them at every opportunity.
Once you have decided on a domain, you need to get your name out there and become known to your prospective employers. LinkedIn or VisualVC are good starts, so make sure you have a profile that really sells your personal brand. Remember,85% of all jobs are now filled via networking. You might even consider starting your own blog, or writing articles for websites related to your specialized area. Every extra piece of experience counts towards fortifying your resume and making you more attractive to employers.
When your name is out there, it is a good idea to put together a list of companies that you would like to work for, and do some research on them. This applies even to companies that are not currently hiring. Good companies are always looking for new talent, and will certainly be hiring further down the road. Find out who is in charge of the hiring process, and try to get information about what exactly they are looking for. HR departments or hiring committees usually have access to this information, so sending an email their way does not hurt. Use a professional recruiter to help you set up an interview, or find someone within the company who can serve as an intermediary.
There are many different types of strategies you can use to find your ideal job. Some work better than others, and with limited time it is better to be smart and use the most efficient ones to aid you in your search. Even having a long-term goal to work in a certain area is enough to get the ball rolling. Using the above strategies, you will have a much better job-hunting experience than starting without a plan. Good luck with finding your ideal job!
Adam Watson
Sources:
• http://money.cnn.com/2014/10/06/investing/quit-wall-street-open-food-business/index.html
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler