Searching for Job??
So, you find yourself in a position where you are now looking for a new opportunity. The question is where do you start? The answer is it is different for everyone, but at the end of the day there are some simple guidelines we can all follow to get us that job we desire. Whether you are looking for your first job or you are a well-seasoned professional, looking for a job involves a few very fundamental steps.
Ditch the self-doubt
So many of us fall into a rut thinking we aren’t good enough to go after a certain job. We list numerous reasons in our mind why we couldn’t or shouldn’t. But I am here to tell you, you can and you should.
You will no doubt feel daunted by the job search experience. There are those who have luck fall in their lap time and time again who can never relate to the hardship of finding a job, but for most, the process can be stressful. Self-doubt and fear are the two crippling factors keeping us from finding that job we really want. Two tips:
• Stay focused by creating a tracking system of the positions you’ve applied to. I recommend something as simple as an Excel spreadsheet.
• Stay positive by following up on positions you’ve applied to. And treat your job search like a full-time job.
Staying the course in any job search is undoubtedly one of the hardest things to accomplish. When you realistically approach the job search, though, you actually can begin to see progress. As progress starts to take shape, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It may be a long tunnel, but any light is better than no light.
Do a personal inventory of your brand
In the past, you could count on having a good resume to land you an interview and there was not much more to it. Today, though, self-awareness is a requirement. Of course, we now refer to this as brand awareness and you are your brand. With all the different platforms out there — including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook — it gives the hiring manager a window into you and your life. Are you someone they see as a fit for their team? Already you were being judged and didn’t even know it.
It’s up to you as the job seeker to control the narrative. Consider what you are willing to put out there for people to know. If you have all of these different social media platforms, what are they saying about you? Now, in addition to your work experience, resume hiring managers can see what your favorite food is or what activities you part take in. Have you done a personal inventory on your brand to ensure you present the best image of you?
Embrace the good parts
We never truly know if our resume gave a great snapshot of who we are and what we have accomplished. Besides that, did the hiring manager even read any of it? Often, in the job search, questions go unanswered and some things are out of your control.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Rather, once you complete the list of tasks like sprucing up your resume, writing a cover letter and auditing your LinkedIn and social media, the rest of it can be fun and exciting. Along the journey of searching for a new position, you will undoubtedly meet a lot of new people who will now be a part of your personal network going forward. People love to give out unsolicited advice, which you can use to your benefit and learn from everyone.
I cannot stress enough how your personal life affects your professional life, so make sure you have captioned the best you. The year 2020 has been a year of change, but it can also be a year of growth.
©Published by forbes