It is typical to assume that when applying for a job, academic success and work experience are integral parts of what your employer wants to see. However, the case is often dissimilar as the personality traits that make you the right fit is of crucial importance because the truth is employers like to hire people that are problem solvers, take initiative, and have a strong work ethic. In this blog, we have listed 5 steps that you can follow to help you get the job that you want.

  1. Know what you want to do

In order to get the job you want, start by identifying what your ideal job is. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a job that you dislike for a long time and it is harder to change jobs or switch careers later on. To do this, we recommend that you begin with understanding yourself. Assess your values, strengths, weaknesses but also your hobbies and interests. Think about which of these you would like to utilize in your job. Additionally, we advise that you research different jobs. Try to interview people who have a job you are interested in and follow them on social media or shadow them at their work. If you get the opportunity, also take as many internships as you can and approach all experiences with an open mind. Internships and research will help you understand what different jobs entail and realize whether they are suitable for you. All of this will assist you in finding your passion and desired career. Having said that, don’t be demotivated when this takes time, because self-discovery is a journey that might not necessarily happen quickly. 

  1. Research your industry

Researching your industry is a crucial step in the process of job hunting. The questions you want to look for might include; What are the biggest and most successful companies in my industry? What type of jobs am I qualified for? What are the available career paths? What are the demanded skills and qualifications in my field? Are there freelancing or entrepreneurship options? What is the average salary and compensation packages for someone like me? This research will help you in identifying available options. In addition to giving you insight on the areas you need to develop or the qualifications to pursue in order to become a more competitive job candidate. Both this and compiling knowledge about your field is a great way to impress job interviewers because it conveys interest and passion. It is also worth noting that conducting research will help you find different companies you can apply to. This way you can apply directly, even when there are no job vacancies listed, keeping in mind that the majority of job openings are unadvertised.

  1. Tailor your CV

CVs are valuable because they are your first and maybe only direct communication with a potential employer. This is why it is vital to make your CV stand out. Common tips include keeping it updated, avoiding spelling and grammatical errors, making sure your email is professional and including your e-portfolio (e.g. LinkedIn) link. It is recommended to tailor your CV according to the company you are applying for. Find out what the company values and stands for and make sure it is aligned with the content of your CV. Also, ensure that your CV includes the information required for your major. For example, if you are majoring in IT, mention the softwares and computer languages you are familiar with. It should be noted that the work experience section is one of the most important sections, so under each experience list your tasks and responsibilities. If you have a few or no work experiences, include volunteer work, projects or extracurriculars that convey a positive impression about you.

  1. Make the best out of your LinkedIn account

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform. It can help in giving you exposure to potential employers and serve as an additional source they can assess you on besides your CV and interview performance. Thus, it gives you the opportunity to showcase more about you and your achievements to employers. We recommend completing all the sections of your account as the algorithm gives more exposure to “complete” accounts. Also, update your account regularly and network with people you know from school, university and previous work experiences. The platform’s features also allow you to connect with recruiters and let them know you’re interested in jobs by scrolling down to your LinkedIn profile dashboard and updating your “Career Interests” section. 

  1. Make a good impression at the job interview

Job interviews are arguably the most important part in the majority of recruiting processes. This is why it is crucial to excel in them. Before the interview; conduct research about the company, prepare answers for commonly asked questions or assessments and ensure that you know the location. On the day of the interview; present yourself professionally, be on time, be honest and answer questions in a way that conveys to the employer that you are a passionate candidate who will add value. It is also advisable to ask the interviewer some questions about the company culture, recent news or activities, methods of assessing new hires, or drivers for results. Never ask questions you can find answers to through research.    

When searching for a job, we encourage you to start by understanding yourself and identifying what you want. Then put the required effort into your application processes and be open to different opportunities, even unplanned ones, because all experiences can bring about valuable lessons.