You probably know how lucky you are to have so many opportunities available to you. It seems like at every turn there’s an opportunity waiting for you to seize it. But if that’s the case, why do so many people struggle to find a job they love? The truth is, not everyone has access to the same number of job opportunities as others.
In other words, some jobs are more common than others. You might be afraid that if you take a less common path, then it’s unlikely anyone will follow you. This article shows you 15 steps you can take now that will set your path on a positive and sustainable course for future job searches.
Research the field you want to work in
Before you start applying for jobs, you’ll want to do some research into the field you want to be in. This can be anything from the type of company you want to work for, the sector you want to be in, or the type of job you want to do. This research can be done in many ways.
You can read up on your chosen field on websites like Wikipedia, browse your local library’s career section, or create a LinkedIn group for people in your desired field. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t limit yourself to what you know now. Instead, use the research time to expand your knowledge about your desired field and about the world of work in general.
Make notes about what you learn, what you’re curious about, or questions you want to ask people in your desired field. This information can be useful when you apply for jobs in the future because it shows employers why you’d be a good hire for the role.
Don’t limit yourself to your current education or skillset
While your education is an important part of your resume, it’s not the only thing that will get you an interview. Employers want to know that you’re a good fit for their organization, and this will be determined by how you present yourself in an interview.
If you’re applying for positions that require a different set of skills than the ones you have now, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the role. Instead, use the experience to learn something new so when the right opportunity comes up, you’re more prepared to show your true self.
Network heavily
You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish by just being kind to others and going out of your way to help them. You don’t have to be someone’s best friend, or even be friendly with them at all; all you have to do is extend a genuine gesture when you see someone in a place you know they don’t have a lot of power or influence.
Making connections and building relationships are the best ways to get the inside track on opportunities. Networking is a skill that can be honed over time, so don’t be too frustrated if it doesn’t come naturally to you at first.
Write a great resume and cover letter
Your resume is your salesperson and your cover letter is their presentation. While your resume gives the employer a glimpse into who you are as a person, it’s your cover letter that shows them why they should hire you over the other candidates they receive. If you haven’t written your cover letter yet, now’s the perfect time to do so.
Your cover letter should be no less than one page long, be concise, and should include the following elements: An introduction – this is where you introduce yourself and tell the employer how you know them and why they should hire you. A strong case for why you should be hired – this is where you explain how your experience and skills are applicable to the position, why you’re a good fit, and why you’re worth the salary you’re asking for.
A signature – this is where you sign the letter and tell the employer where you’d like them to send any feedback or references. In addition to these components, your resume and cover letter should be well-written and easy to read. They should be free of grammar or spelling errors, and they should flow well from one section to the next. The best way to ensure you’ve written a great cover letter and resume is to just write something down and take the time to make it as good as you can make it.
Be patient – don’t quit your job search just yet
When you first start looking for a job, you’ll be tempted to apply for as many opportunities as you can. However, this is a mistake. You need to be careful not to apply to too many opportunities as this can lead to applying to too many jobs with no intention of accepting any of them.
Applying to too many opportunities with no intention of accepting any of them will only lead to frustration and burnout. Remember, most jobs will go unfilled. You might feel like you’re doing something wrong if you don’t have a job yet, but this is actually a good thing. It’s your job to find a job that fits best with who you are as a person and where you can do the most good. It’s not easy to do, but it’s worth the effort.
Show employers who you are – be proactive with your job search
If there’s one golden rule that will make or break your job search, it’s this: Get out there and find jobs. You might be surprised at just how easy it is to set up informational interviews or simply ask people if they know of any jobs available. Getting out there and applying for opportunities will show employers who you are as a person, and it will also give you the experience and skills you need to land a job if you get rejected.
Ask for feedback – use it to improve yourself
When you apply for jobs or come across career advice online, make sure to ask for feedback from the people who read your materials or who you interact with. This doesn’t mean you should be rude or insulting when you ask for feedback, but instead, try to be respectful while asking for constructive feedback.
For example, if you don’t like something about your resume, ask your teacher, professor, or mentor to critique your resume and help you improve it before you apply. When you apply, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the information you’ve learned is actually on your resume.
Hold an information session – the right time will come eventually
Once you’ve been searching for a while and you’re getting discouraged, consider holding an informational session for your friends and family. An informational session is a way for you to share your job search story and career advice with others.
By doing this, you can boost your confidence and help others who are also struggling to find a job. If you hear someone complaining about their job search, or you see someone struggling to find a job, take the time to offer them advice and help them feel less alone. You might be surprised at the people who come to you for help.
Final words
Finding a job you love is a process, and it will take time and effort. If you find yourself getting frustrated because you’ve applied for a ton of opportunities, but haven’t received any replies, remember that not every opportunity will be right for you. The good news is, once you’ve found the job you love and you’ve learned what it takes to succeed in that job, you’ll be surprised at how easily you’ll find new opportunities.
