A new year is upon us, and for many professionals it is the time to start thinking seriously about one’s career and employment prospects. Looking for a job may seem like a daunting task as jobs on the internet are endless. The key is to narrow down your job search by selecting the jobs that best fit you. In other words, select the jobs that you can actually perform. Here, I provide a 3-step guide to help you plan for your job search in the New Year:
The most effective way to look for a job is to treat your job search as an actual job. Just like any regular job, setting objectives and goals becomes indispensable. Therefore, the best way to start is to strategize. Strategizing starts with knowing yourself. Identify your technical and transferable skills. These are two disjoint sets of skills. Transferable skills include communication and organizational skills, leadership and the ability to work in groups. Find out why you would be an asset to your company of choice and capitalize on your past achievements. Emotional intelligence is another recent breakthrough in organizational science. Learn it. Discuss it. Manifest it. I currently use a Google spreadsheet to keep records of companies that interest me.
In this spreadsheet, I put criteria and details that I deem important: size, team (diversity), location, culture, and the nature of jobs offered. I strive to find at least 5-10 recruiting companies every day. They vary mostly in size and location. By the end of the day, I drop an email to some if I can. But whatever I do, I think twice before applying for jobs I spot. Do you? Most importantly, strategizing will include reaching a day-to-day level of completion. Don’t look for a job endlessly. Structure your time and standardize your job search methodology.
Bayt.com is a great way to find jobs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region if you are looking within this particular market. The website offers advanced searches with several criteria to narrow down your search. A narrowed search should include few companies in specific industries with specific offerings that suit you. Pay attention to location, language of practice and nationality requirements. These criteria may increase your chances to land a job through the platform or lower them.
Social networks are other great platforms to find a job as well. Nowadays, many companies have career pages on their website or dedicated Facebook career pages. Or they simply share their job postings on their official Twitter account. Look wisely and read all the details that matter. 82% of employers research a candidate online before calling them for an interview (as per the Bayt.com 'Social Recruiting in the MENA' poll), so make sure you avoid these five worst things you could do to your online profile.
The career development or alumni office at your university could be another excellent way to narrow down your list to jobs and companies that interest you.
Narrowing down your job search should reflect your goals and needs. First, establish your expectations and learning objectives. This is a crucial step as many companies do not have readily available training programs for new employees. Make a realistic comparison between your job duties and learning objectives. Cultural fit is another important criterion to determine during your selection process. You can later learn how to love your imperfect job, or you could just focus on what you really love to do, right now. Don’t be afraid to narrow down your selection depending on salary expectations. It is usually advised to avoid money talk when prepping for a job application. However, realistically, you will not thrive in your new job if you are unable to make ends meet. Most companies have already established salary scales for their entry to senior and C-suite positions, so you do need to worry.
I do not solely rely on the internet to find jobs. Sometimes, I proactively approach companies and present myself for the sake of a friendly conversation. I also rely heavily on networks I have assembled during my years in college. Many recruiters do not have the time to look into all of the applications they receive. Therefore, they largely rely on recommendations or employee referrals from their own networks.
Finding a job is a difficult task. The time spent to land a job is even harder when taking your opportunity cost into consideration. Therefore, it is best that you tailor your job search to your actual needs, expectations and objectives. I hope this guideline can help you strategize your search and find a job soon. Good luck!
Photo credit: sehroiber on Flickr
