Individual Success
Seven tips to help you land the job of your dreams
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou
If you’re currently on the job hunt, you know it can be a bit of a roller coaster. One minute you feel like you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re questioning why you even bothered to update your resume. It’s tough out there, but there are things you can do to make the process a little less daunting — and a little more successful. Here are seven tips to help you land the job of your dreams.
- Tailor your resume
- Stay positive
- Share your experience
- Network with other job seekers
- Order your day for balance
- Refine your stories and practice
- Accept that you might not get the first job you apply for — Or even the tenth
1. Tailor your resume
It can be tempting to take the easy route and send out the same resume to every job opening, but if you want to make an impression, it’s essential to tailor your resume specifically for each position. Highlight the skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying for, and make sure your formatting is clean and professional.
Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers, so it’s essential to take the time to get it right. I opted to have my resume and LinkedIn profile professionally crafted.
2. Stay positive
It can be tough to stay positive when going through a challenging job hunt, but it’s essential if you want to succeed. Staying positive doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect; it means keeping your chin up and focusing on the good things, even when things are tough. Focusing on the negative will make it harder to get through this process. Stay positive, and keep your eye on the prize.
One of the best ways to stay positive during a job hunt is to keep learning. Whether you’re taking online courses, reading books, or continuing your education — keep your mind sharp and focused on your goals. It also shows potential employers that you’re serious about your career and willing to do what it takes to improve yourself.
“Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness more positively and productively.” Mayo Clinic
Try to surround yourself with positive people. During my job search, I re-connected with friends for walks or meals — they were uplifting meetings where we talked about everything except the job search! Count on kind, encouraging individuals to offer joyful stories, interesting tidbits and encouragement.
“Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you’re thankful for in your life.” Mayo Clinic
3. Share Your Expertise
One of the best ways to make yourself more attractive to potential employers is to share your knowledge and expertise. Start a blog or write articles for industry publications — not only will this help improve your writing skills, but it will also show employers that you know what you’re talking about. And if you can’t find the time or platform to write, consider giving talks or workshops on your area of expertise. Sharing your knowledge is a great way to build credibility and connect with potential employers.
I started submitting stories about change management via Medium and on my blog! In one of my interviews, the interviewer mentioned that he appreciated the insights I shared. Give prospective employers a more holistic view into who you are and what you bring.
4. Network With Other Job Seekers
When you’re job searching, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are millions of other people in the same boat as you — so why not network with them? Attend job fairs and meet-ups, join relevant online forums and LinkedIn groups, and connect with other job seekers on social media. Not only will this help you feel less isolated during what can be a very lonely process, but it might also help you land a lead or two. You never know who knows someone who knows someone who’s hiring!
I joined several groups during my job search. The generosity and delight I experienced in these weekly and bi-weekly forums were extraordinary. Moreover, I got many ideas for improving my interviewing skills, and my LinkedIn profile and resume. These groups made a positive difference in my journey.
5. Order Your Day for Balance
When you’re unemployed, it can be tempting to spend every waking hour looking for a job. But trust me, that will not do you any favors in the long run. It’s essential to take breaks, relax, and rejuvenate so that when it comes time for interviews or networking events, you’re at the top of your game. Dedicate certain days or hours to job-related activities and stick to them — and then use the rest of your time however you see fit. Go for walks, read books, listen to music, watch movies — do whatever helps you unwind and recharge so that when it’s time to throw yourself back into the job search fray, you’re ready to go.
“Mindfulness allows us to live life fully. Fully aware, fully awake, fully alive.” -@Headspace, #mindfulmoments
For me, I took deliberate time every day to sing and dance like nobody was watching (my job-hunting playlist)! I also took advantage of my Headspace membership to get my mind right throughout each day. Find the tool(s) and avenues that work for you.
6. Refine Your Stories and Practice!
To convey your value to potential employers, you have to inject energy and information relevant to them when you share information about your experience. This means you have to know your resume and be able to share “stories” that give examples of times you solved problems or went above and beyond in your previous roles. The subject of your stories is not you, by the way, it’s the person in the interview with you. Angle the information you are sharing to demonstrate that you understand their business problem and can solve it like no other.
And don’t forget — practice makes perfect! Before an interview, run through some common questions with a friend or family member, so you’re prepared to wow your potential employers. Assuming you have the knowledge and experience to do the work, how you tell the story is crucial to setting you apart from all the other candidates!
Take advantage of the executive boot camp that the Platinum Resource Group conducts as I did. It was free and includes individual work of refining your work stories for the most significant impact and results!
7. Accept That You Might Not Get the First Job You Apply for — Or Even the Tenth
It’s okay if you don’t get the first job you apply for — the tenth or even the fortieth. The important thing is to keep plugging away, not give up, and keep tweaking your approach based on advice from others and the experience you gain along the way. It might take a while to find the right fit, but eventually, you’ll find an employer who appreciates your skills and experience. And in the meantime, you’ll have gained valuable experience in job hunting that will serve you well now and in the future.
So there you have it — seven tips to help you land the job of your dreams. A successful job search requires focus, dedication, and perseverance. Remember to stay positive, keep networking, and practice, practice, practice! With a little work, a bit of fun and a lot of determination, you’re sure to find the perfect position at the right time for you.
© K. Joseph, all rights reserved.