FINDING A NEW JOB IS A FULL TIME JOB

It can be scary and difficult to work out a good strategy for success in progressing your career, even if you are a skilled professional working in your chosen field.

There is no doubt that finding a job is a job. You need to be focused on a strategy for success and understand that no matter whether there is a labor shortage or not, the sought-after jobs are hard to secure, and competition is fierce.

There is also a ‘hidden market’, and whilst this is often right in front of you it can be challenging to tap in to. More importantly, you need to treat the new job search as a marketing project – in this case, you are the product!

You must understand what your product is, what cultural environment you will work best in, who is seeking to secure you and how to communicate the opportunity to secure a sought-after product. It’s a jungle out there! In some cases, employers don’t even realise what value new skills and experience can bring to their company (and its potential commercial outcomes.)

To start your job search and enhance your chances of success you need lists to work from to ensure you are always presented clearly and professionally across a relevant audience.

The first list is who you know, which will be anyone at all from business people to family, friends and acquaintances. You need to be in a position to farm your network(s). There is a high chance that a new role will come from someone (or a connection), who knows you professionally, personally or both. References are golden. A common fallacy is that people may be reluctant to ask ‘a friend’ for assistance. Why wouldn’t they recommend you? It helps you, their referral point, and themselves. What’s more they may have an opportunity for you themselves. Finally, at a time in the future they may be asking you for assistance looking for a new role.

Your first list becomes your networking list and this grows over time. Remember – it is highly likely your next role will be on that list.

Next list is what you are good at; Your strengths, with real examples of why you believe you are better than average in those areas. You should aim for no more than five. This information will help you in matching to job descriptions and performing well at interviews as you are able to show evidence that you have demonstrated these competencies in the past.

The third list is what you really value in the workplace, which will enable you to identify the culture you work best in. What do you value the most from a workplace culture? It will also help you identify which management style you work best with.

Keep these three lists handy, perhaps on your bedside table with a pen. Ideas often will spark at when your mind is more relaxed. The aim is to create a template of what you are good at, what environments you work best in and who you can utilise in your networks to help you positively spread your word.

Using lists is a method you can use at the start of your job-hunting process. As you refine your criteria and zero in on your search for the ideal role, be assured that the work you put in is valuable. Finding a job is a full time job and requires focus and planning, it doesn’t just happen!

At Tanner Menzies we know what it takes to thrive in this post-COVID environment. Call Peter Gleeson 0419367569, Ian Stacy 0417478229 or Peter Tanner 0419826637 or visit tannermenzies.net.au for more information.