It is common knowledge in most countries of the world that labor supply greatly outweighs its demand. Competition is rife as professionals and non professionals compete for limited jobs in the market as they pursue their career progression. This situation has made most people to believe that getting a choice job is only a game of luck and chance. Others see it that the only sure way to land a dream job is through the “connection” one has. The truth is that luck, chance or connection might help a few people but not everybody. So the questions is – what can the average job seeker do to secure his or her dream job?
In order to increase your chances of securing your dream job, you need a strategic and structured approach while job hunting. A study of the career progression of some successful professionals revealed a trend resulting from implemented techniques and practices that led to their success. The techniques are listed below. If you apply them , you will greatly increase your chances of securing your dream job.
- Self Assessment– Do an assessment of your skills, potentials and capabilities. Understand what your core values are, your ideal work environment and career progression. Based on the education and training you received, you should determine which direction you are headed in your career. If you did not have a formal education or training, determine what you enjoy doing even if you are not going to be paid. Then list out the industries and sectors that need what you like doing and direct your job search toward it.
- Devote To Job Hunting– The importance of committing time to the job hunting process cannot be over emphasized. That dream job will only come with time and effort. You need to set out time from your present work or from other responsibilities and commit to job hunting. Extend your search across a number of platforms to further increase your chances.
- Apply ASAP– To increase your chances of securing an interview, you will have to apply for jobs as soon as they are advertised. This is because recruiters often receive hundreds of applications within a few hours of advertising and tend to process the applications on a first-come-first-served basis. A sure way of staying informed when your desired job is advertised is to set up job agents which will send you email alerts. This ensures you are duly informed once a job is posted and that you will be one of the early applicants to apply.
- Identify Jobs That Match Your Skill Set– Your success begins from being able to identify the job that requires your skill set. Be smart to identify the job that matches your skill level. This way, you will be appealing to the recruiter. We also recommend that you focus on those jobs that suit your education, qualification and skill set. Do this and you will increase your chances of securing an interview.
- Understand The Job Market– It is important that you understand the job market. What is the demand for the skill set you have? There is a proof that the more certain roles are advertised, the greater the demand for the roles companies and organizations. This knowledge will help you to have a workable strategy for job hunting and to make adjustments (in terms of career path) if necessary.
- Right Network– Networking with industry professionals will give you insight into existing opportunities before they are advertised or even if they are not advertised. Interaction with such high-profile individuals will greatly increase your chances of getting an attractive offer. These industry professionals could be family members, friends, mentors or former co-workers. Talk to them and keep in touch because these people interact with recruiting agencies and are often the first to be informed about job opportunities.
- Update Your Resume (CV)– Remember that your first contact with your future employer is your resume (CV). So make sure that it has all the necessary information with regard to your skills and experience. Usually, recruiters have hundreds of resumes to go through and therefore you must ensure that your resume is well prepared to have a competitive advantage. Ask somebody to review your resume. A standard resume should be two pages and should be tailored to suit the job you are applying for.
- Be Flexible To Options– Getting a job without experience can be quite challenging. As a fresher in the job market, you have to be flexible with your choices. This will give you the opportunity to develop the required skill and experience to launch you into getting your dream job.
- Do Not Be Motivated By Money– It is wrong to have money as the motivation for applying for a job whether you state it explicitly or implicitly. Focus on what you love doing and have skills for because it will enable you to build the character and discipline required to excel in your work. When you excel in doing the work, money will find you.
- Be Realistic In Your Expectations– Know that there is never a perfect job. Your “dream job” will come with challenges and unexpected twists that might bore you down. So train yourself to focus on the job at hand. Build good relationships and always be ready to give your best and get better.
See you at the top ! Cheers!
