It happens time and time again. Someone loses their job, but it’s not the specific job they’re upset about losing. It’s the fact that they are now jobless. Many people hold jobs they’re not particularly attached to or invested in; instead, they hang on to them for security.
If you’ve recently lost a job that fits this description, then read on to discover the six steps to secure your dream position so that you can have a better and more fulfilling professional career.
Step 1: Embrace a Simpler Lifestyle to Increase Your Career Options.
Decide what is a priority to you — your ideal career. If you must maintain your current lifestyle, then the salary will drive all your decisions. However, if you’re open to embracing a simpler lifestyle, this will open up many career choices for you to explore. If freedom is important to you, that would be a deciding factor. Do some soul-searching?
Step 2: Determine Career Necessities.
To target your job search for a particular industry, determine your career necessities. In other words, discover what you need in a job to feel fulfilled and happy. Once you narrow down what is non-negotiable, tell your entire network. Based on this, someone within your network may have a career suggestion for you or enlist a career coach’s help.
Step 3: Train For Your Desired Career Path.
Once you know your career path, you’ll probably need training. If not, you can move forward. Remember that there may be multiple possible routes; choose the most time-efficient one if there are. You probably don’t have the time or money to complete another degree.
Develop an alternative that will give you practical training within the industry and profession. A great option is to enlist the help of a couple of experts in the field. Ask them what you should read, what workshops or seminars you should attend, and what associations you should join. If the relationship is strong enough, you can ask if they allow you to shadow them in their jobs.
Step 4: Create Focused, Content-rich Job Search Documents.
A powerful resume and cover letter are essential to a successful job search. It’s impossible to conduct a job search without a resume. This document is an advertisement for you, representing you in your absence. Communicate your skills, qualifications, experience, and the value you can bring to an organization.
Furthermore, it needs to be created in a concise and visually appealing manner loaded with keywords and accomplishments. This paper will either open doors for you or keep them closed. These files will provide the first impression and estimate the value you will make to an organization regarding your value to them and your professionalism. Don’t take the development of this critical document lightly, or you’ll have regrets.
Step 5: Perform a Diversified Job Search.
Most people are sporadic in their job search. They may answer one or two weekly ads, not utilize their networks, and keep their job search part-time. Those who search for jobs in this manner are more unlikely to succeed. Your job search will be quicker, more encouraging, and more successful if you perform an intensive job search.
Apply for multiple job opportunities in your desired field for which you are qualified, enlist your network’s help, and utilize the hidden job market’s potential by conducting cold calls. You’ll be more successful by making your job search a full-time activity.
Step 6: Negotiate Compensation Wisely.
When you receive a job offer, remember to negotiate skillfully. Delaying negotiations by asking to set up an appointment later can be effective. Telling the employer you’ve received another offer will strengthen your position. This delay will give you time to sense what you could reasonably negotiate and help you gauge whether or not this job is a perfect fit for you.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!