Guide For The Active Job Seeker

Posted on 16 May 2022

So you have decided to ramp things up from passively “listening to the market” — you are now planning to take it up a notch and start to look for your next opportunity actively.

The job search can be exhausting and frustrating at times. Knowing how to keep the right attitude during the jobhunting process is key to getting job interviews. Luckily, things are easier with modern technology at your fingertips. 

Regardless of your profession, there are ways to take existing skills to the next level by increasing your efforts in the short term. Here are some helpful pointers for overcoming any frustration you might have about your job search before it even gets off the ground. 

Know what you want from your career

Have a clear idea of what career you desire and give employers the chance to understand why YOU would be the best candidate. We encounter job candidates who simply state that they are looking for “a significant leadership role”. Instead, prepare a thoughtful story about what you know and want, and how it relates to your skills. Say you are looking for a leadership role in finance -- what type of finance organisation do you want to work at? How much experience will you need? Will you need relocation? These are important details that employers should be made aware of before they interview you.

Important steps:

Step 1: Take time to reflect on your past work experiences. Reflect on your previous positions and the competencies that you've developed while there. What competencies have you developed that will likely be most valuable for your future? Taking time off for self-reflection can be an invaluable investment as you prepare for a job transition.

Step 2: Not having a clear vision of your next career step and trying to keep the doors open is perfectly understandable. However, you can start by determining which industry sector and job functions do not seem the right fit for you, and then you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect company.

Step 3: Determine the types of organisations and teams that would be a good fit for your preferred country or city. Where you can have a positive impact? The more descriptive you can be, the more others will recognise which job opportunities are ideal for you

Step 4: Build your personal brand. Now that you know who you’re targeting and what their current needs are, work on defining your personal brand. Determine what areas of expertise, driving strengths, passions, values, and personal traits you possess that make you a good fit for them.

Step 5: Create an engaging story to aid in your job search. Whether you've worked in sales before or not, you're now in sales mode, and the product is you. You should have your pitch ready for this critical procedure, just like any excellent salesperson. You'll need the notorious 30-second elevator pitch, which summarizes who you are and what you're looking for. 

Grow your contacts network

Make contact with the appropriate people. When you're ready to share your tale with the world, you must approach the market strategically. Avoid unsolicited approaches. While it may appear to be useful and time-saving, a mass email generally results in recipients selecting the "delete" button. 

Instead, consider the following:

Step 1: The perfect job for you may never be posted on a job board or anywhere else! It may only exist in the vast “hidden” market of unadvertised jobs. The idea is to circumvent the gatekeepers at your target companies. When you're searching for a job, try to aim for the decision-makers or people you would work closely with. Build a networking strategy that includes in-person interactions such as networking events, virtual communications like email, and social networking including LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Step 2: Of course, connectors are important for you to spot and gain from in your life. They have a knack for making friends and acquaintances, so it’s best to invest in them. These people are more likely to introduce you to career opportunities that might otherwise be hidden from you.

Step 3: Another way to find meaningful work is through search firms. Relevant firms will be more likely to serve your target industry, but there could also be smaller boutiques that are still relevant. Reach out to the appropriate consultant based on their industry experience and introduce yourself in person with your resume attached.

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Take ownership of the process

The more intimately you understand who you are as a professional and what, specifically, you want, the better the odds that you’re going to attract the right types of opportunities. While there is no one perfect formula to find the perfect job, there are steps that you can undertake to showcase your professional ability

Step 1: Be well prepared. Build personal brand content and messaging around the value you offer your target employers. This includes personal marketing content such as a professional executive resume, biography, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters, etc. Make sure you highlight your achievements as this is the ultimate proof of your professional capabilities.

Step 2: Build your online presence. The vast majority of executive recruiters and employers search for and assess candidates by what they find about them online. Therefore, those with a dismal or non-existent online footprint are often overlooked for those who have a diverse, far-reaching online presence.

Step 3: Embrace social media in your executive job search. Go beyond creating social media profiles and take advantage of all that these platforms offer. Demonstrate your subject matter expertise and thought leadership, and stay top-of-mind with your target employers.

Step 4: Stay smart. When switching careers, it is important to learn quickly and provide language in the target sector. With your target list of employers in hand, spend time researching each one. Identify their current situation and needs that you’re uniquely qualified to help them meet. In addition, researching for market intelligence about your industry and target employers serves as your due diligence.

Step 5: Show that you are committed to your personal move, especially if you’re changing countries. Make frequent visits! Connect with the local business community through chambers of commerce or even find complementary user groups in forums or on websites that are international. Always try to be present and visible while staying customer-oriented.

As an active job seeker, you need to be proactive and take charge rather than waiting on good fortune. If you are seeking new job opportunities within the financial industry, get in touch today and find out how we can support your job search.

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