Targeting Your Job Search To Get Better Results
Taking the decision to start to work on your next career move is a significant one. To land that next job you are going to have to make a major time commitment. You are also going to have to expend a lot of energy. You are probably going to have to make some sacrifices too by missing out on other things you enjoy doing.
More often than not when people approach me to discuss their career, one of things I noticed is that few are very strategic in their approach. In the worst cases they are actually completely wasting their time.
In the majority of cases you are going to be in a much more successful if you actually apply for less roles.
Now I know that may well sound odd.
But think about it from the recruiting organisation’s perspective. They want to find the person who is the best fit for the role they are looking to fill.
If you are the applicant who is only a partial fit for the role then the chances of you getting very far along the selection process are remote.
When you are targeted in your job search there are a number of benefits.
You apply for roles where you are already a good fit
It’s not impossible but becoming increasingly more difficult to move into new industries. This is not because you couldn’t do it but more to do with the confidence of the employing organisation to go for someone different.
On the other hand if you apply for roles in industries you already know you have a head start on others.
You apply to industries or sectors where you can hit the ground running
Employers want a return on the significant investment they have made. The quicker you can come in and start making an impact the more attractive you are going to be the recruiting organisation.
You can invest your own time wisely
Time is the biggest constraint for just about everyone and especially for professionals. So ultimately you want to invest it wisely and in those areas where you get a better return.
Your confidence goes up
Think about it. If you are applying and getting regular invites for interview it builds your confidence and self esteem. It also keeps your motivation high.
The Bottom Line: Getting your next job move is challenging. At the same time being targeted is more likely for you to get better results in your job search.
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.