Define your objectives and act
When looking for a job (whether you are unemployed or you want to make a change) it is essential to design an action plan that will help you throughout the process.
If you don’t have a clear strategy, it’s very likely that over time you’ll wear yourself out, get frustrated and feel guilty for not achieving what you set out to do. But have you ever stopped to detail the steps you need to follow to find a job? Have you set goals and a strategy to achieve them?
If your answer is yes, great; you just have to take action. But if you haven’t yet, it’s time to create your strategy to get the job you’re looking for.
- Identify the jobs you want to apply for.
- Review and update your profile: update your CV, cover letter (if you have one), your profile on job portals and RRSS. Recapitulate complementary documentation that may be requested (reference letters, official degrees, certifications, etc).
- Plan ahead. Job search always takes time and it is important to be consistent. Decide how much time you will invest and set aside a time slot to make it easier to comply.
- Make a list of sectors and companies that interest you. Try to proactively reach out with your application. Check the websites and social networks; and if they have an area to send your application, do not hesitate to do so.
- Know how the labor market is at the moment, which sectors are more active, which profiles are the most demanded.
- Search for offers. Access the different job portals frequently to keep up to date with job offers. You can create alerts so that you receive notices automatically and it is faster to send your application.
- Before applying for an offer, read it in detail. Make sure you meet the requirements and that you are really interested in the offer. If that offer does not convince you, do not invest more time and focus on those that do fit what you are looking for.
- Prepare for the job interview. Before the interview, you must be very clear about the position and the functions to be performed. You must know what your skills are, what you can contribute, your areas of improvement and your interests. Look for information about the company, its structure and/or its values, this way you will be able to argue better your motivation for the position.
Be self-critical at the end of the interview. Knowing where we have failed or what we could improve will help us in future interviews.If after a while you do not see results, it is time to review the action plan to make some changes and/or improvements.
Start designing your strategy!