How to find the right job
There are a number of issues you may wish to consider before you even begin to apply for jobs:
Your skills
It will be useful to think in depth what the employer wants and the skills you have to offer. These do not have to be specific and can come under the headings of key or transferable skills. You can also add to the list your educational achievements and a list of practical experience you possess. Look at your personal strengths and even use skills that you may have obtained outside the work environment through home, social or voluntary experiences. For example, whilst you may not have experience running a work team you may have been secretary of a society or captain of a sports team for many years.
Types of work
It is worth seriously asking yourself what type of work you would most enjoy. It is also well worth assessing the extent to which you enjoy working in specific environments. For example, would you like a job that involves working indoors, on your feet, in an office, outdoors, with other people, in a hot environment, on shifts? Do you want a job that is manual and physically demanding, mentally demanding or a combination of the two? Ask questions such as whether you would enjoy travelling as part of your job. How far you would be willing to travel to work will impact upon the type of roles that you apply for.
Do your research
Once you understand the skills you possess and the type of environments you would like to work in, it is worth researching a few roles to find out exactly what they entail. Looking more closely at roles may show you that they are not quite what you thought they would be. You can make checks via the internet or at your local library, or better still speak to individuals undertaking similar work. Friends and family can act as a great sounding board and may provide valuable opinion by drawing upon their own experiences. Do ensure that you make your own decision though, as what may be well suited for one person may be completely different for another with a different personality. Once you have a general understanding of the roles, narrow down your search to see the availability of jobs on offer in that area and understand the prerequisites for that line of work. It is worth remaining realistic and ensuring that you meet the requirements. If you see a dream job but lack qualifications or experience, look for roles which provide on the job training and development. Let that dream guide you and even consider starting at a lower level within an organisation and working your way up to the role that you really aspire to.
Whichever role you choose to go into, following these few steps will hopefully lead to you having a more informed idea of the roles for which you should be applying. Take a look at our other pages which discuss how to complete a CV, covering letters and tips regarding preparation for and completion of a successful interview.
To discuss more about the process of finding the right job to suit you, please contact the Good People Recruitment head office on 01204 373698 or fill in an online enquiry form.
