Finding a job that suits you
Searching for a job isn’t just about finding the right title but more about finding something that you love doing. Happiness is vital because the more you like your position, the higher the chance you will pursue long-term career success.
When searching for a job, make sure you match your skills, personality and values to the selection criteria and job description.
Here are some factors to consider when trying to find a job that suits you:
Your skills
There’s no point being in a job that doesn’t use your skills. It would be a waste for both you and your employer. Not only should your employer make use of your key strengths and abilities, but they should provide you with opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge.
Challenges
A position that challenges your skills is important for stimulation and motivation. The challenges do not have to be huge, but it’s always good to keep the brain ticking. Being programmed to do the same thing day-in, day-out will become monotonous resulting in a lack of enjoyment. When searching for a job, is it likely the role will be challenging enough while making use of your skills and knowledge?
Salary
While it would be nice to be rolling in the money, reality is the salary should provide fair compensation matched with your skills and experience. Find out how performance is measured and how often it is reviewed. It’s also important to ensure that company policies align with the conditions that are important to you.
Company culture
Fitting into a company is just as important as the work itself. Once again, this comes down to work satisfaction which will lead to long-term career success. It’s also a good idea to check the company values to make sure they align with your own. Research the management and the company’s financial position to give you an idea of what’s to come in the future. A little bit of research can go a long way in helping you find a suitable position.
Career progression
A key indicator of job satisfaction is the opportunity for growth. Ensure the job has clear prospects for career development. You can do this by asking if the employer provides a professional training and development program.
The role of social media in your job search
Complete your profile
If you’re aiming to catch the eye of hiring decision makers, less certainly isn’t more in this case. Present the full picture so that those viewing your profile are able to make informed decisions about your suitability. Include a full, succinct career history and mention any relevant awards and training. Make sure the profile pic that you choose is suitable in a professional context – think smart headshot, not sipping cocktails on the beach. Most importantly – make sure that the facts you state are true, information in such a public domain is easy to verify.
Stand out, online
The attention span online is traditionally fleeting, so make sure you catch the reader’s attention at first glance. Format your profile well using paragraphs, subheads and bullet points where possible. Repeat the job title/s you’re after frequently throughout your profile so that you stand a better chance of being ranked in search engine results. Where possible (and we know this can be tricky if you’re currently employed) make sure that it’s obvious that you’re open to new career opportunities.
Demonstrate your knowledge
If you write a blog related to happenings in your market, link this to your profile. Likewise, if your Twitter account will add value, connect it there too. Note, your potential new employer is interested that you keep up-to-date with industry trends, not what you ate for breakfast. If there is the opportunity to get involved in forum debates, do so, bearing in mind that once you say it, it’s out there so think carefully about the viewpoint you’re sharing.
Network, network, network
Getting a job is often about who you know, and if you connect with key players in your industry you’re likely to be closer to your ideal role. Networking isn’t a new phenomenon, but the ability to connect with people online does make the process easier to manage.
Networking is a mutually beneficial relationship so also think about what you can offer your connections.
Public endorsement
Testimonials endorsing your achievements play a big part in painting you as a desirable candidate. But some endorsements hold more weight than others, a glowing reference from a satisfied customer can be perceived as more valuable than the recommendation of a peer you worked with on a project. Limit these testimonials to a select few, an excessive number of public endorsements looks like you’ve been courting favourable feedback rather than it being proactively given to you as a result of a job well done.
Be sure to browse our online jobs and apply for roles as well as using social media.