Job-Search Strategy:
Tips and Steps

Clear Goals

A clear set of job goals is the foundation of a solid job-search strategy. All your job-search efforts — from how you position your resume and online presence to how you prioritize your networking contacts — will depend on the goals you establish. Simply stating “I want a new job” is too vague. Evaluate your work history to identify the underlying skills, core values, and work environment that are best for you. The more targeted your goals, the easier it will be to develop the right plan.

Once you know what type of job you want to pursue, write it down. You are 10 times more likely to accomplish your goals when you do this. Think beyond the job title and write down what your role would look like and the skills you'd get to leverage in your next job position. Document the industry or industries you're interested in and for which you are a good fit. Also, consider what you're looking for in your next employer and the company culture. For example, are you hoping to work for a small startup in a collaborative work environment or would you be more comfortable working at a large, established organization that's known for its employee perks? Ask yourself how far are you willing to commute to your job. This information will help you focus your job-search plan and create a list of top employers to target.

Feasible Steps

We all know the job search can be quite a long journey, chock full of ups and downs. To keep yourself motivated and your job search on track, break down your job goal into smaller, more digestible milestones. Make a list of the activities, tasks, and deadlines associated with each milestone.

By dividing your goal into more manageable chunks of work — and rewarding yourself once you complete the work — you're less likely to get overwhelmed and discouraged. This can be the difference between giving up and remaining committed to your job-search plan.

Get Feedback

Be aware that perfection is desired, yet staying in touch with reaily is important. Get feedback from people around you. Either at work, or during the interview, or from friends to stimulate self-growth. Be empathetic, and ask a colleague, a supervisor or a conversation partner to reflect on the past. What are the positive and negative feelings about project you did together, or a job your’re applying for. Try to improvise, make it feel natural, empathy helps with a better connection and building a trust.

Positive Self-Image

A negative attitude during the interview may harm self-presentation. Preparing a speech and polishing it up is important. It provides the basis for your image. Again, another opportunity to improve on writing skills. Try focusing on your achievemensts, satisfied customers grateful for your service, a supervisor happy to meet a deadline with your effort, or a company that has increased sales' revenue. Every worker contributes to the success. Write these things down, and make sure CV carries the same message.

Mutual Benefit Partnership

Objective obstacles are a lack of qualification, different priorities. The interview works both ways. A company invests into your effort to keep operating. You invest years of your life. Make sure it aligns with your financial demands, as well as professional growth. Most of the obstacles can be handled with a proper long-term planning, and spending your time productively.