Do you dream of getting a new job, or have you decided that you want to try and change careers? If you’re aiming to climb the ladder or land the job you’ve always wanted in the weeks or months ahead, here are some tips to help you maximize the chances of success.
Carry out research
The most important task to cross off your list when trying to find a new job is to carry out extensive research. Find out as much as you can about the role, the qualifications and skills required and the best ways to get a foot in the door. In many cases, if you are changing careers, you will need to study at college or complete online courses or additional training. Today, with the availability of online programs, it’s often possible to combine working and studying, which is beneficial for those who need to earn while they learn. Read job descriptions, explore courses and work out if you have the qualifications you need to get onto the course. If you don’t, it may be possible to undertake specific modules or courses to provide the relevant qualifications. It may also be wise to explore jobs that are linked to your dream job if you don’t have the relevant experience or the grades you need.
Make sure you cross the boxes
If you have a specific job in mind, and you’re eager to give it a shot, the next step is to make sure that you cross the boxes on the job description. You may be competing against several people for the role, and if you don’t have all the necessary qualifications, training certificates or personal traits or skills, you could lose out. If there are missing elements, you could consider undertaking training or trying to gain professional experience before applying for the job. Internships, work placements and shadowing are excellent examples of ways to get experience.
Find out more
The next step is to find out more about the job you want. We often build ambitions and set targets based on movies or TV shows, people we’ve met or stories we’ve seen in the newspaper. While this can be beneficial for creating career aspirations, there is a difference between doing a job and reading about it. It’s incredibly helpful to find out as much as you can about the job you want and to explore opportunities within your chosen industry. You might think that you want to be a doctor or a nurse if you want to make a difference and help people, for example, but there is a huge range of roles within the healthcare industry. If you have questions, or you want to know more, talk to people with experience, read articles and job profiles and look for opportunities to spend time in the working environment. You might have questions like ‘what is speech pathology?’ or ‘what does a physical therapist do?’ or ‘what kinds of nursing specialties are most popular or in demand?’ for example. Gathering information can help you pinpoint a job or open your mind to different opportunities.
Review your resume
Most employers will ask applicants to send a resume and a cover letter when they apply for a job. In some cases, a panel will receive hundreds of applications. This means that it is essential to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. Before you apply for a role, always take the time to review your resume. Update information and tailor your application to suit the specific job description. Highlight your skills and strengths, be succinct and try to let your passion show through.
Hone your interview skills
An interview is an opportunity to impress an employer and persuade them that you are the best candidate for the job. It is natural to be apprehensive and nervous in the run-up to a job interview. Try to breathe deeply, give yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment and prepare as best you can. Read any questions or instructions you have been given beforehand and practice presenting if you’ve been asked to do a presentation. Learn about the company, maintain eye contact and showcase your personality. Often, your character will be a determining factor so don’t be afraid to show your prospective employer what makes you tick and why you’re so keen to get the job.
Have you decided that it’s time to change careers, or are you eager to take steps towards getting the job of your dreams? If you’re on a mission to enhance your employment prospects and get more out of the working week, take these tips on board today.
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