How to Focus Your Job Search
A scatter-gun approach to job hunting is unlikely to lead to great responses to your applications or land you the perfect job. To demonstrate a genuine interest in a role and to find the jobs most suited to you, it’s important to focus on your job search and be clear on what exactly you’re looking for.
Start by making a checklist of job requirements, starting with what’s most important to you. Some of the requirements on your list could relate to:
- Job title
- Location
- Industry
- Salary
- Benefits
- Company culture
Next, do some research on similar jobs on job boards and make a list of the most common skills, qualifications and experiences they require. If you don’t have them, you’ll need to invest time in obtaining them before you start sending off lots of applications. If you do have them, this will help give you an idea of how to tailor your applications and how to present yourself as a highly-qualified candidate.
Doing this extra research might take you some extra time, and this could mean you apply for fewer jobs, but it will allow you to submit more focused job applications which won’t go unnoticed by recruiters. They’ll be able to see the relevance of your application straight away, and you’re more likely to get a good response.
Taking the time to think about what you’re looking for beyond a job title and salary will also help you find a company that’s the right fit for you, which is just as important in developing your career.
