When it comes to searching for a new job, it doesn’t have to be a painful process. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.
This is what my experience over time has taught me and is why I am inspired to share my story and tips with you today.
“You don’t have UK experience,” another recruiter sighed wearily, setting my resume down on the table.
It was 2010 and I had just moved to London, leaving behind my Australian support network and a great role leading communication for HMRI.
The post Global Financial Crisis economic slowdown wasn’t on my radar.
In time I figured out the system, earning a permanent managerial role with a national treasure, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity.
It only took three months and 22 interviews to find the right role!
Read on for my top tips on how to save time and energy as you navigate your job search.
- Identify your focus
Identifying where you have the best chance of success can conserve your time and energy, whereas casting the net too wide can lead to many hours hunched over the computer.
I invite you to reflect on:
- What kind of roles do you have the most chance of securing at the moment?
- Which sectors do you have the most experience in?
- What are the unique skills and experience that you bring?
- Which contacts do you have in the industry that you could reach out to?
- Value your time
Once you’ve determined your focus areas, you may like to create targeted resumes for each type of role.
This can save you valuable time and energy in your job search as it will be quicker to create individual applications.
- Review the position description and confirm whether you are able to meet the selection criteria.
- If you’re a good match, you may like to speak with the contact to clarity the role and the type of person they are looking for. This is also an opportunity for them to get to know you a little. Be brief and respectful of their time.
- Now you can craft your resume and covering letter. There are some great templates online. Present your experience, skills and achievements that are most relevant to the role, incorporating key terms from the position description.
Now you can narrow your job search to a few hours a day, freeing up time for the things that nourish you. Staying fit and healthy, doing activities that you enjoy and spending time with people that you love is not only good for your health and wellbeing; it makes you a more energetic and attractive candidate.
- Preparation = confidence
Preparation will make you a more natural and confident interviewee. You may like to reflect on:
- What are the top three key messages that I would like to convey?
- What questions would I ask if I were the interviewer?
- What experience, skills and characteristics will the ideal applicant have?
- What are a couple of examples that I can use to demonstrate the above? Using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you remember the details.
Be authentic in describing why you’re excited about the sector or role.
When we speak about something that we’re passionate about, our face lights up and our personality shines through.
- Believe in yourself
I encourage you to reflect on what you’re proud of, the strengths that you bring and the characteristics that make you unique.
After all, there is no one like you on the planet! Writing this down and reviewing it regularly will help you feel positive and confident.
While the pandemic has thrown humanity a curve ball, know that many people have been through unemployment and have found amazing opportunities at the other end.
AUTHOR | Lauren Eyles
