The Skills You Need
for a Successful Job Search
See also: Applying for Jobs
Job searches can be stressful. You are desperate to find the right job, but you've got plenty of work to do before you can even get through the door for an interview.
There is no need to stress, though, and by focusing on some select skills you can make your job search much easier.
Here are some critical skills you need for a successful job search.
Organization
Finding and applying for jobs is not straightforward. You have to sift through the ones that do not apply to you, remember who you have applied to already, answer phone calls, and much more.
To do this successfully, you have got to have a good level of organization. Do your research, and then keep a spreadsheet updated with your progress. This allows you to see how your job search is progressing, making your life much easier.
Discipline
Let's face it; there are few people who enjoy job searching.
Sometimes it can feel like companies make you jump through hoops to submit an application, and this can be very frustrating. However, you need to stick with it and apply to all the jobs that interest you.
Do not be put off by a complicated application process and be disciplined about always putting your best efforts into an application. You never know which job will end up being the right fit for you, so you should give every opportunity your full attention.
Attention to Detail
Part of being disciplined with your job search is maintaining your attention to detail. Businesses do not have a great deal to go on when choosing who they ask back for an interview, and small errors might make or break your application.
Recruiters are looking at every little bit of information they have available to decide if you will be a good fit, and sloppy errors are bound to put them off. Take your time on your applications, and make sure you double-check your work so that it is error-free.
Basic Technology Skills
The modern job search largely takes place online, so you will need some basic technology skills.
If you've got a computer, you're good to go, but if you don't have access to the internet, there are many initiatives that can help you out. You will also need to create your CV, and again, this is something you can get help with.
You should be able to pick up any technology skills you need quickly, so this should not be a big hurdle.
Writing
Your job application is going to require two main pieces of writing - your CV/resume and your cover letter.
Neither of these requires you to be William Shakespeare, but they do need you to organize your thoughts in an easy-to-consume manner. To do this, you've got to dedicate a good amount of time to both your resume and cover letter.
Each one should be tailored to the business you're applying to and carefully scanned to make sure there are no errors. It's always helpful to get someone to read over your work and give you some feedback, so enlist the help of a friend if possible.
Always Seeking to Improve
Your resume is constantly evolving, and you should be looking to take every opportunity to add to it. This means seeking out new opportunities, taking on extra responsibilities, and always giving things 100%.
If you're struggling to build up your resume, then volunteering is an excellent way of getting some extra experience that can stand out in your job application. There are lots of opportunities out there, so see if you can find some that will be relevant to the jobs you're applying to.
There are many different ways you can improve your skills and make yourself more attractive to employers, so keep looking to add to your resume.
Showcasing Your Character
Businesses can get thousands of applications for highly sought-after jobs, so you need to find ways of making your pitch jump off the page. We often think we need to keep applications super professional, and to a large extent, you do, but that doesn't mean you can't show off your character.
Employers aren't just hiring people for their skills; they're hiring people for their character as well, so you should look to show off your personality throughout the application. Of course, you want to make sure you do this in a positive way, but don't be afraid to be yourself.
Not Being Afraid of Rejection
You can't afford to be afraid of rejection.
It's hard when you put yourself out there and are ultimately rejected, but this is just part of the process of job searching. You won't be a perfect fit for every job, but if you don't apply, then you will never know.
You need to make sure you're applying to applicable jobs, but if you feel you're a good fit, then never let the fear of rejection stop you from applying.
Perseverance
You might find you land the first job you apply to, but equally, it can take quite a long time to find your perfect position. It is not easy when you put a lot of time into applying for a job, and then you never hear anything back from it, but you have got to keep going.
Despite the lows you might experience, the hard work is worth the effort, and you never know when you might eventually land the job you are looking for.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Getting a Job
Develop the skills you need to get that job.
This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. Not only does it cover identifying your skills but also the mechanics of applying for a job, writing a CV or resume and attending interviews.
Conclusion
Searching for jobs can be a difficult process, but it's well worth it when you finally land your ideal gig.
The most important part is that you don't get discouraged, and you keep practicing good habits. You don't get asked to an interview unless you apply, so you've got to keep working and sending out those applications.
A little hard work now can bring you rewards for many years to come, so keep focused and put your skills to good use.
About the Author
James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and learning about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.