Finding a new job is a daunting process. Professionals have to coordinate a lot of tasks, including everything from preparing their resume to practicing for interviews. While this can be somewhat challenging in nearly every case, it is harder if the job seeker doesn’t have a solid idea of where they want to go and how they are going to get there.
Without a target job in mind, you can’t plan your job search effectively. Additionally, you run the risk of wasting time on positions that don’t actually meet your needs or align with your capabilities, making the process longer and more cumbersome than it has to be.
Luckily, identifying a target role and plotting your way there isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Here’s how to get started.
A target job is essentially the destination you want to land at the end of your search. It’s a position that represents a solid fit for you and the company, increasing the odds that you’ll be happy and successful in the role.
Finding your target requires a bit of self-reflection. You need to honestly assess what you bring to the table, ensuring that you focus on opportunities that you can reasonably land. Additionally, you should define what you want to find in an employer, such as your preferred culture, salary, benefits package, duties, commute, and anything else that comes with a position.
The goal isn’t to create a target that’s so small that it’s nearly impossible to find. You don’t have to look for a 100 percent match, as you might be able to excel in a position that is a 70 to 80 percent match as well.
Instead, it’s about giving yourself a solid direction, allowing you to determine whether a job that catches your eye is attainable and meets the majority of your needs. That way, you can focus your efforts on positions that are appropriate, increasing the odds that you’ll see results quickly.
Once you have a target job in mind, it’s time to form a plan. This includes how you will manage your search, including everything from finding openings, adjusting your resume to align with a vacancy, creating cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
Aim to create a general timeline for certain activities. For example, if your resume hasn’t been updated in years, you might want to make revamping your resume the first priority. That way, you have a base document that you can later target.
Additionally, you might want to block out time on your calendar for search activities. This can include performing online searches, setting up job alerts, and meeting with recruiters. The idea is to focus on organization. Then, as you move forward, your process is streamlined.
If you need additional skills to reasonably land your ideal role, then that can be part of your path as well. You can look at training options, add them to your schedule, and effectively craft a career plan that gets you to your perfect next position.
Ultimately, having a target job and plan significantly increases your odds of success, giving your search direction and structure. If you’d like to work with a recruiter as part of your path, the team at TRC Staffing Services wants to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our job search services can benefit you.