Success In the Job Market
Making the decision to take the next step in your career is a significant one. It’s interesting just how much I see a lot of doubt creep in from people who are actually good at what they do and have achieved a lot.
Of course when you step into the job market there are no guarantees. If there was no one would get anxious about it.
What’s important to understand is that the doubt that shows up is actually your gremlin. We all have one and it is an expert at pointing out all of our deficiencies. Not particularly helpful at a time when what we really want is to feel confident.
So while there are no guarantees, there is an awful lot of things that you can do to stack the chances of success in your favour.
Be clear about what you want
Easy to say but difficult to do. At the same time without clarity it is always going to be a struggle. Generally there are at least 3 areas where you want to get clarity about. The role, the people and the organisation.
Reduce randomness of your job search
If you are an accountant or are professional qualified in your field, you might say your skills are transferrable. I would agree with you.
Here is the reality. Most employers don’t see it that way. They are convinced that unless you know the sector or industry you won’t cope.
By focusing on industries or sectors where you already have credibility you increase the chances of getting the result you want.
Know yourself
It never ceases to amaze me how little personal insight people have. Yet if you are going to market and sell yourself effectively you have to know yourself. Think about your technical, leadership, business and interpersonal skills. Consider your best attributes.
Have a bank of achievements
So may CV’s focus on activities when they should be focused on achievements. Get systematic about collecting achievements and writing out what you did and the qualities you used to secure those achievements.
Be prepared
If you are invited for interview you have to be able to talk confidently about the organisation, the sector, your skills, qualities and experience and re-assure that appointing you is not a risk.
If you are not well prepared you will always struggle to do this well.
Always ask for feedback
Whether it is a yes or a no, always ask for feedback. This provides the basis of continual improvement.
In truth landing that next job is tougher than you might think. At the same time you can do a lot to increase your chances of success in the job market.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and professionals achieve more career success. He invites you to sign up for his free report 50 Ways To Achieve More Career Success.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.