Are you busy completing application forms, writing covering letters and scouring the Internet for your dream role? You’re not alone, especially at this time of year. We’ve put together this Freshminds guide to keep you motivated, focused and in good spirits.
1) Keep a clear focus
Job searching is hard and can get frustrating. To make sure you’re in the right frame of mind, you’ll need a fast internet connection, a large cup of tea and a clear focus. Think through your priorities before getting distracted by roles that don’t suit you. Use the following list to focus your thinking:
What is most important to me – the role or the company?
What skill-set am I looking to develop?
What are the key ingredients of my ideal role?
What kind of company do I want to work for? (large/ small/ company culture?)
Which sectors am I passionate about?
Where do I want to be in 5 years?
Once you’ve defined your non-negotiables, you’ll be clearer on the areas where you’re willing to compromise. Be open-minded in considering options you’ve not come across before, especially if it offers the opportunity to build the right skill-set to take you far in the future
2) Don’t take it personally
Rejection is a normal part of job-hunting and the market is incredibly competitive at the moment so there will be many people applying for the same job as you. Make sure you give your all to an application so that if you don’t get it, you know you’ve done your best. Don’t be disappointed and don’t take it personally – this obviously wasn’t the right role for you at this time. The danger of rejection is that when you finally secure an interview, you feel defensive, negative or on the back-foot. It’s really important that you stay upbeat, positive and confident about the skills you bring for a role.
3) Ask for feedback
The best way to get better is to ask for feedback. Some employers won’t give this but some will. It shows a proactive attitude and willingness to learn which is key. Ask friends and family to take a look at your CV and covering letter or to read through your application forms. Apart from checking your spelling and grammar, ask them if they feel your application is tailored to the company and role you’re applying for. A fresh pair of eyes can never hurt.
4) Work as a team
We’ve met candidates who have worked with friends or peers to apply for jobs together. Setting clear and focused times to apply together can help to keep your spirits up. As you get through to interviews, it can help to have someone to practice your interview technique with, running through your competency answers together. Rejoicing in someone else’s successes reminds you there is light at the end of the tunnel.
5) Keep developing commercially
Whilst you’re on the job hunt, make sure you’re staying up to date with the business news, practising your competency questions and taking online numeracy and verbal reasoning tests. You want to make sure that as soon as you get through to interview, you’re ready to nail it.
