Stuck on where to start with your job hunt?

Whether it's a first job or a major career change, job search can be tricky when there isn't a specific role or company in mind. Scrolling mindlessly through advert after advert can be somewhat unproductive and can lead to a burn out in one's motivation. Additionally, applying for the wrong job and ending up stuck in an unfulfilling career can be the consequence.

Here is some key advice on how to strategize about the job hunt to increase likely chances of success.

Keep an open mind to new opportunities 

Life is unpredictable and careers can be also. Very few people stay in their first job for life. Even fewer people pursue the very career they dreamed of as a child. People's ambitions, expectations and interests change. In fact, an average person will swap careers five to seven times throughout their working life according to career change statistics.

Having a well-conceived career strategy can certainly help with job hunting - keeping it better focused and possibly increasing success.

Avoid however rigidity and a one-track mind when it comes to one type of dream job and stay open to new possibilities and opportunities. 

Sometimes a job might not be exact to one's expectations, but that doesn't necessarily make it the wrong job. Stepping into new territory outside one's comfort zone can create sometimes a different and more exciting career path and as such can reveal new skills and interests and provide connections with different groups of people. Remember to take calculated risks, keep an open mind, and stay open to new career opportunities as one never knows where it might lead to.

Understanding core strengths 

Before embarking on a job search, it is important to evaluate key strengths. 

• What do you excel in?
• What's your potential area of expertise?
• What career could you build from these strengths? 

By understanding core strengths, energy can be more clearly devoted to more suitable roles. 

Identify core strengths by asking friends, family and colleagues for their input. Reflect on past jobs and note down the times you felt confident and comfortable in a role, and what skills were required to make that role a success. Or, undertake a complete self-assessment reflecting on your personality and your positive experiences of achievement.

With these strengths in mind, a deeper resume can be crafted with many specific examples that highlight these strengths to a potential employer, demonstrating the contribution that could be brought to the company.

Practice makes perfect 

It is important to remember that your strengths keep developing over time and through further experiences. No one is instantly an expert in their field or industry, and no one starts with the ideal skill set for their dream job. 

Industry leaders have years of experience behind them. Tto secure a job, both personal and professional development and growth are needed in order to become an ideal candidate. 

It is equally important to understand weaknesses and to concentrate on ways to transform them into strengths. Practice makes perfect and there is always an endless supply of YouTube videos and online classes or courses where you can chat with expert or read up further on topics in order to turn weaknesses into strengths.

In a job interview, reassure your employer that ongoing learning and development is a priority, and if successful i securing the role, take advantage of company initiatives, such as professional development and training programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring opportunities.

Find purpose in your passion

Having a dream career is a desire for most working women, so it is key to ensure passion can be translated into a profession, and it is not only a hobby. Happiness and fulfillment is important in a career, however being clear on realistic aspects such as earning a certain amount of money to live comfortably, realistic location of the job, and seniority in line with experience are key. Decide whether the passion aspect has a strong purpose tied to it.I f the passion aspect has a clear and tangible purpose, it may be easier to find roles that match that passion. 

• Can you make a positive impact for individuals, for a company, or wider society?
• What drives you about making the world a better place?
• What do you believe in contributing to the world?
• Which companies align with this mission?

When it comes to applying for jobs and taking part in interviews, ensure that passion shines through. Ultimately, in addition to experience, it is what can make one candidate stand out as an individual.

Consider an ideal workplace culture

Often, job hunters worry greatly about whether they are an ideal candidate for an employer, when not considering enough whether the employer is an ideal candidate for them. Applying for a job is a two-way transaction where a company should also successfully sell itself to the candidate. Research company information about workplace culture, employee benefits, testimonials, and awards.

Understand what is needed and desired from a workplace culture.

• What is preferred: competition or collaboration?
• Is working in a team or individually preferred?
• Are there flexible working options, such as remote working?
• Is it a highly structured environment of is there freedom for independent decision-making?

Once figured out what is desired from a company, research company information pages and read reviews from employees to gain a full understanding.

Network with relevant people

Companies are defined by their people so, to understand their jobs better, connect with those who have insider experience such as current employees.

Find those people on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, or tap into your personal or professional network. Ask for honest opinions, particularly whether they might explain specific aspects about how the company works and what its culture is like. Speak with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds to find out whether the company treats everyone equally, and if employees receive good support. Dig deep into this knowledge and draw upon it to weigh up pros and cons. 

Start your job hunt with prime employers

For jobs open to apprentices, interns, graduates, returners, experienced hires and executives, the Where Women Work community of prime employers is a great place to start for job search.

With celebrated workplace cultures supportive of a diverse workforce - supported by loads of insight from women who work there, these organizations have plenty of exciting job roles across a broad spectrum of industries to suit a wide range of strengths, experience and passion.

Find your perfect job with a prime employer.

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