How to Look for a Better Job
Ask yourself: Are you truly content with the work you’re doing or have you become too comfortable with where you are and don’t want to put yourself in the vulnerable position of being a job seeker? Most people look for a job when they don’t have one but that is not the ideal place to be in for such an important decision. If you’re worried about being out of work for a long time you might take up the first offer you get but that may not be the best option for you. Being out of work creates a desperation that prevents you from negotiating the package and the benefits you are offered.
Keeping a journal to write your short and long terms goals is a good idea. What is your five-year goal for your career and what steps do you need to take to get there? Revisit your goals every quarter and decide what you think needs to be done to get you closer to your long term goal. Consider the following tips as a guide to moving up the career ladder.
1. Join a career club.
Being around motivated people will boost your desire to enhance your career and enhance your skill set. Research suggests that your circle of friends has a huge impact on how successful you will be in your career. Surrounded yourself with like-minded and ambitious people who remind you of what your goals are and excite you about your journey in achieving your goals.
2. Start networking.
Besides having a good circle of friends that motivate you it’s also important to get to know new people in your field that help you get the job you’ve set your eyes on. Considering 80% of jobs are never advertised, it will be worth your while to participate in networking events because who you know and who knows you matters.
3. Set some time aside for job applications.
Again, you don’t have to be between jobs to apply for vacancies. Decide a time each week to scan through job openings and customize your cover letter and resume to match the requirements of the job wherever possible. Also, consider providing your latest CV to a few employment agencies in case they are able to find what you’re looking for.
4. Prepare to interview for your dream job.
Don’t wait to receive an invite for an interview to start preparing for what you have to say to your prospective employer. Find a list of most asked interview questions and take the time and do the research to answer them all. This way when you do receive a call, you will have time to research about the company and impress the hiring manager with your well-thought out answers and knowledge about their company.
5. Treat each job as a learning experience.
One of my mentors said to me that she sees every job she has worked as a university degree in which she learns a set of skills and is rewarded for her performance. Your new role may not come with a syllabus and home work but if you want to succeed in the role and come out of it with more than you start out at then you must look for ways to improve your work flow and dedicate some time to bettering processes and procedures.
