The best way to search for a job

The best way to search for a job is to have a clear job search goal as academic research has shown. It is proven that the most successful job seekers have a clear job search goal. In other words, they know what job they want and where they want to work. Without a clear job search goal, it’s difficult to stay focused during your job search and increase your chances of getting a new job quickly.

So start your goal setting right away and see how the clarity of purpose will help get you a new job faster.

Here is how to do it:

1. What is a job search goal?

A job search goal is a specific objective that you hope to achieve through your job search. It’s the reason why you’re looking for work in the first place.

It’s important to define your goal before you start looking for a new job.

Why?

Because it helps you stay focused on what is most important to you in the long run, not just in the short term. If you don’t know what you want, how will anyone else know?

Not only that, but if your heart isn’t in it, then you won’t be able to do it well. You won’t be able to sell yourself effectively, or build relationships with people who can help get you where you want to go.

Examples of job search goals include:

A particular position with a specific company or organization

A particular type of position (e.g., M&E Officer, Finance Assistant, Logistics Coordinator)

A specific location for employment (e.g., continent or country)

If you don’t have a job search goal, it’s like driving an automobile without knowing where you’re going. You might get somewhere eventually, but it’s likely that it won’t be where you want to go.

2. How does having a clear job search goal help you?

Having a clear job search goal also helps you stay focused on your own strengths and talents. This will help you avoid spending time on activities that don’t really fit with who you are or what you want to do with your life.

By focusing on doing what we do well rather than trying to fix all our weaknesses, we can make ourselves more marketable in our field of choice.

A good way to start thinking about your job search goal is to think about what you’d like your ideal work situation to look like.

What sort of environment would be most conducive to getting your work done? How much money do you need? What kind of culture would you like? What makes you happy?

Once you’ve decided upon a few key factors for the type of job you’re looking for, it’s time to start narrowing down your options.

3. How can you create and clarify your job search goal?

You may be tempted to jump right in and start sending out resumes, but it’s important to take some time to think about what type of job you want and what you need to do to get it. The best way to do this is by creating a “job wish list”.

A job wish list is a list of everything you want in your next job. It includes the salary, title, location, and other factors that are important to you in your next role. Your job wish list should reflect your overall career goals – not just your immediate needs.

Once you have created your wish list, it will be easier for you to focus on finding a position that meets all these criteria instead of just one or two items on the list.

4. What do you need to do after clarifying your job search goal?

Here’s what you need to do after clarifying your job search goal:

Research positions that align with your goals

Once you have identified your career goals, research the positions that align with those goals. Look at the type of organization that offer those jobs, read their websites and social media profiles, and find out where they recruit. Employers like when candidates have done their homework before applying for jobs because it shows them that the person is serious about working there.

Once you have an idea of what organizations are hiring, start networking with people who work there. A simple LinkedIn connection may lead to an introduction later on down the road.

Create your online presence

Once you’ve researched the organization and made connections through networking, now comes the fun part: creating your online presence! It’s important that potential employers see what you’re up to online so that they can learn more about you as an applicant — not just as a potential employee.

By creating an online presence for yourself on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, and blogging about topics related to your career interests, recruiters will be able to see how well-rounded of a candidate you truly are!

Start networking

You need a professional network that includes people who work at an organization where you would like to work. Use LinkedIn to find people who work at those organizations or have worked there in the past six months. Then reach out to them directly or through mutual connections with the goal of getting introductions (if possible) or networking opportunities within those organizations.

You can also attend networking events such as Meetups or join LinkedIn groups related to your field of interest; these are great places to meet people who might be able to introduce you to hiring managers at organizations that interest you — or who might have information about other openings they’re not currently advertising publicly.

Write and submit applications

Once you know what kind of job you’re looking for, start applying!

But apply strategically.

Don’t just send out resumes willy-nilly.

When you find a position that interests you, read through it carefully and make note of what the employer is looking for in terms of experience and skills (including any certifications), education requirements (including whether it’s preferred or required), salary range and other information. This will help you determine if this is an opportunity worth pursuing — don´t waste your time applying for jobs you are clearly overqualified or underqualified for!

Then tailor each application with the right keywords that match the words used in the vacancy announcement, plus phrases that describe your experience and motivation related to that specific job.

5. How can you improve upon your research and execution plan?

First, look at what went well so far. What did you do right? Was there anything that surprised you? Was there anything that surprised your interviewer?

Then, get organized. The job search process is like a job in itself. Start by setting aside a specific amount of time every day or week to look for jobs and make it a habit to follow your schedule. Keep an overview of all your work and monitor your applications on a spreadsheet. This will help keep you on track and give you a sense of accomplishment when you see how many applications you’ve submitted.

And don’t forget: When you’re searching for a job, it’s important to be aware of your mental health, and how it can affect your search.

It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re searching for work. But it’s important that you don’t forget about your own needs during this period.

Set aside some time each day for self-care: whether it’s going for a walk, calling a friend, or cooking something nice, make sure that you are giving yourself space to relax and recharge after a long day at work.

Takeaway:

Before you start that job search, it’s really important to take some time to reflect on your career goals. Because with so many options out there, it can be a daunting task. With clear goals in mind, the process will be much more effective.

And with that in mind, you’ll get a job that’s fulfilling and more closely aligned with your career aspirations.