I believe that at the end of this session, everyone would be more equipped in knowing how to effectively search for jobs.
Before we dive deep into the session, let me indulge you a bit by asking a question:
Is job seeking a game? Yes or No.
My perspective (based on experience as both in job seeking and HR profession) is that job seeking is a game.
And if true, this means there’s typical way it can be played. This mindset
…This is the mindset with which I want us to start off with this evening.
I know Steve Covey has customized the “Habits of Highly Effective…” but it’s as useful in job seeking/hunting as it is in his book
Straightaway, I want us to dive into the habits that effective job seekers exhibit that make them seem to have an edge in the game of hunting a job.
1. They see job seeking as a game.
It has been established that hunting a job is in the similitude of animal hunting; In fact, that’s where the root word for “game” come from.
After every recruitment, one person wins. The winner goes [home] with the job.
Effective job seekers have this positive mindset that as a game, it has to be won. A mere look at their CV, you would just like to speak with them. I mean it.
It’s pathetic how many candidates take their interviews casually. It begins from how they prepare to how they present themselves to the recruiter.
If you would want to be an effective job seeker, you must take every part of a recruitment seriously; application, interview, offer negotiation and the likes.
Please take your time to read the above while I type the next point.
They know what they want and what they have.
2. There’s no faking it. Effective job seekers know the skills and abilities they have.
The ancient wisdom is, “know thyself”. Self-awareness would enable you know your capability and the kind of job you can secure (or win).
This calls for a proper self-assessment in the form of competency audit.
It will reveal to you your current skill sets versus the required skills you need for the job you’re seeking.
Don’t let your CV say what you are not. Or tell more than you can deliver.
Numerous candidates come for interviews with packaged CVs but cannot depend the CVs.
Your CV should delight the recruiter and at the same time show just a tip of the ice berg of how valuable you are.
They know what it takes to get what they want with what they have
You must be employable. It’s not fair if you do not have required skills/abilities and you expect employers to hire you.
3. Effective job seekers know what employers are looking for and they go out of their way to equip themselves with those things.
For every job Ad you see, it’s a way of telling the world that an employer has a problem and is looking for whoever has the solution. They will always go for the best solution.
That’s why you must ensure that you’re not just good at your game, but also be the best in every shortlisted list of candidates.
They have a defined plan
4. Effective job seekers don’t hunt blindly. They have a hunting strategy. They map out a plan and ensure to execute it.
Every job application counts for them. Every new contact means something to them.
Every new skill has a meaning.
They know the type of roles/jobs and even organizations they can apply for.
They “stay where their plan is”.
It must be so for you: If you’re currently hunting for a job, design a plan for yourself. Work with this plan. Tweak, rework and continue until you “win a job”.
5. They are flexible
Very similar to the last paragraph of my last point.
This talks about the ability of effective job seekers to change as occasions rise along their hunting path.
They are not rigid.
They take advantage of change around them and the opportunities it present.
To buttress the above point, if you’re hunting for a job, you can not figure it all out at the beginning. Never possible.
You would see new realities as you begin to submit your applications, attend interviews, etc.
6. They network with ease
They continually add to their connection base every day. They also ensure to reestablish and nourish their existing relationships by adding values to people within their circle of influence.
Attend events. LinkedIn is a gift to our generation.
I will talk about social media shortly.
Being out of work does not mean you have to be out of touch, so be sure to build and sustain your networking energy.
Build relationships, not just connections. Connections may fail but relationships do not.
Relationship can buy whatever money can buy.
7. They are always ready for opportunities
Opportunities come every day but a lot of them are being missed because of lack of preparation.
Effective job seekers are always ready to grasp the opportunities that come their way.
I’ve seen funny situations where people are seeking for jobs but do not even have a resume or CV.
If there’s a software that can give you an edge, why not go learn it.
As little as Excel is (Excel is not a little tool by the way), it has earned people jobs
8. They feed on feedback (They embrace feedback)
Effective job seekers “feed on feedback”.
At the end of every interview, you must be able to know how you faired so you can improve if another interview comes up.
Your best can not be in the past.
They constantly research and learn
I can keep talking on this alone.
9. Effective job seekers leverage on the numerous learning opportunities available in our world today to improve their job search.
They stay plugged into the job market and their discipline to ensure that they are current, and to maintain their intellectual wealth.
They practice every day (remember it’s a game)
Practice makes perfect.
This is the secret of any great person. It’s a natural principle.
As a job seeker, practice, practice, practice…
Continue to sharpen yourself so that when opportunities come, it becomes a success.
10. They use social media to their advantage
Social media can be a blessing or a curse. For effective job seekers, it’s a blessing.
They use the social media to their best advantage by connecting with the right people, posting/sharing relevant content, such that with just a stroll on their feeds, you will know that these are serious minded people.
11. And lastly,
They don’t give up
Effective job seekers don’t give up.
M Rise Group 