How to find the right job not just any job!

Searching for a job can be an overwhelming task, especially when there is not single ''right'' way to find a new role and you are likely to be faced with countless job adverts, multiple headhunters and fierce competition.

Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone in between jobs, having a defined strategy is critical for maximising your chances of a successful job search and finding the right opportunity.

As a former recruiter and now a career coach, I am well qualified to give you a good understanding of what I consider to be the essential techniques that will give you control of your job search process and help you to land the position which best aligns with your skills, goals and objectives.

Define Your Target

Before starting, it is vital that you have a clear goal for what you are trying to achieve. It is very easy to get carried away with grand titles and pay rises, but you should also take time to reflect on your longer term career goals and aspirations. Your next role will have an impact on the next role after that, so your immediate target needs to fit in with your overall career plan.

It is also important to think about your own strengths, skills, interests and values. I know from my own experience that I am much more productive when I am happy in my role, so don't allow a smooth talking recruiter to turn your head and persuade you to take a job which doesn't align with your own deeper preferences. It is well worth conducting a self-assessment to identify not only your key strengths and transferable skills but also those things that you really don't want to do!

Build an Outstanding CV and LinkedIn Profile

Your CV and LinkedIn profile are the single most important tools you have when approaching potential employers.

LinkedIn is your shop window - it is where recruiters and hiring managers come to identify strong candidates for their live roles. Your profile needs to be up to date, with a recent photo and with some good detail around your experience. You can't expect a reader to guess what you do by your job title alone, so make sure you add some achievements and skills that align with the job you're applying for.

Similarly, your CV is your first chance to make a real impact, so it needs to be a clean, simple document which details your career history and quantifies your achievements. I have written previously about how to optimise your resume, so please have a look at:

www.mercurycoaching.co.uk/post/how-to-write-a-cv-that-gets-you-the-job

Online Job Posting and Job Search Platforms

Take advantage of online job search platforms to explore a wide range of job opportunities. LinkedIn and eFinancialCareers remain the best websites for job seekers in the financial services sector, but you shouldn't ignore other options such as Indeed and Glassdoor. These will all allow you to search for jobs based on location, industry and keywords. remember to set up job alerts to receive notifications about relevant openings and regularly check for new postings. Customise your profile and make it searchable for recruiters to find you easily.

Use Your Network

Networking plays a pivotal role in job searches, especially for more senior candidates. Leverage your existing professional network, including former colleagues, friends, family and industry connections. Attend industry events and networking events to expand your network and gain insights into potential opportunities. Additionally, make use of LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and join relevant industry groups.

We spend years building our networks and many of us will never use our connections for something like this. However, unless you reach out, your friends won't even know you are looking for a new challenge and therefore cannot offer any advice or assistance.

Research and Target Companies and Grow Your Connections

I would recommend building a list of target companies which align with your career goals and values. Learn about their culture and recent developments and check their career pages for live job openings, as many companies will advertise here first.

You should also identify the relevant senior stakeholders at your target firms and consider reaching out directly, to flag your interest in the firm and see if there may be a role coming up in the future. At the very least, you may make a valuable connection and you never know when he or she may be growing their team.

Follow Up!

I cannot emphasise this enough! Many people send CVs to hiring managers or recruiters and then never follow up. You should be tracking every piece of outreach that you do, whether is is applying for a job on LinkedIn or reaching out to a CEO - track it and make sure you follow up on the status of each interaction. Excel is your friend here!

I am not advocating that you hassle busy leaders but you should certainly follow up. If you don't hear back within a reasonable time frame, consider sending a polite follow-up message to inquire about the status. Remember that you have nothing to lose here and persistence does pay off.

Conclusion

Finding the right job opportunity requires a combination of strategy, persistence and adaptability. By defining your goals, crafting a standout application, networking, utilising online platforms and targeting specific companies, you will enhance your chance of finding the job that you really want.

Always remember, the job search process can be challenging, but with the right techniques and a positive mindset, you will be well on your way.

If you would welcome a confidential conversation with a career coach, please get in touch and I would be delighted to offer you some personalised advice.