Not only is finding a new career a difficult endeavor, but the process of job searching itself can be difficult for some people. The overwhelming amo
Not only is finding a new career a difficult endeavor, but the process of job searching itself can be difficult for some people. The overwhelming amount of job opportunities to filter through, as well as finding the time to commit to your search and applications alongside your current commitments, can be difficult to juggle without proper planning.
Below are listed some key ways various skills can help you to identify jobs suitable for you, as well as how to best apply for them. It’s a good idea to develop these skills in order to get the most out of your job search, so if you’re finding that any are lacking, it might be a good idea to concentrating on honing and practicing a few of them first.
- Time Management Skills for Job Searching
Being able to manage your time properly is an essential skill for successful job hunting. If you are already working full time trying to initiate a successful career switch, then you need to understand how best to use the hours in the day so that you can free up enough time for a productive job search — without having it negatively impact your current job or personal commitments.
Furthermore, time management is also key for applications and interviews. You will need to understand how much time is needed for applications and how to adhere to deadlines in order to get your applications in on time. You then also need to plan how to make time for interviews and how much time you’re going to need to leave to arrive at interviews in good time.
Time management may also be necessary if you are planning on undertaking further learning or qualifications alongside a current job in order to build your resume for an intended position.
Improve your time management skills by:
- Making a to-do list
- Prioritizing your tasks
- Making a schedule for the day
- Allowing yourself the right amount of breaks, so you don’t overwork yourself
- Organizational Skills for Applications
Not only do you need to be very organized in order to handle your job search and applications, but this is also a key skill that the majority of employers will look for in a potential candidate. If you can’t prove that you’re organized, or if you feel as though you’re the most disorganized person you know, then it’s a good idea to concentrate on this skill in particular.
Staying organized means filling applications out in the expected fashion, keeping track of your applications, company information, and status of all applications.
You can improve your organizational skills by:
- Writing everything down
- Setting reminders and keeping a log or schedule
- Keeping a tidy workspace, especially the place you are going to be conducting any work or job searching, like your home desk
- Avoid procrastinating by finding your most productive point of the day
It’s important to add that highlighting your most productive point of the day is also helpful for job applications and finding the right position for you. For instance, if you are an early bird who is most productive in the morning, you may want to filter out jobs that offer evening work or working nights.
- Applying Current Skillsets to Relevant Job Opportunities
Skills can help with your career change because you can apply your existing (or intended) skills to those roles that best fit or which you are striving for. Knowing the skills and characteristics required of certain roles can also help you to make sure that you develop these skills if you feel that they are not already adequate.
If you’re open-minded about which career you would like to go into, perhaps you would like to research all the careers applicable to your current skillset. If you are a creative person with an eye for design, perhaps you’d like to research creative job positions or those which allow design opportunities. If you are scientifically minded with an aptitude for science, apply that to positions that would be suitable, like medical and healthcare. You can then also evaluate the skills of specific roles, such as characteristics of a nurse practitioner, to ensure you’re the best fit.
- Technology Skills for Searching and Applying
If you’re not confident using a computer or aren’t particularly tech-savvy, then your job search is going to fall behind. Most employers now expect applications to be made online, or be sent through electronically.
Not only that, but most employers will also expect some form of understanding of computers and technology, even if the role does not directly relate to technology. This is because so many positions and industries will embrace technology to streamline processes, whether it be using computers, tablets, specific systems, or electronic devices to make jobs easier and quicker.
Furthermore, utilizing technology is essential for job searching, as you can then use the online world to research various roles and opportunities around the globe.
To improve your technology skills, try the following:
- Enroll in classes or workshops
- Ask others to teach you
- Get technical books
- Practice with technology at home
- Communication Skills for Successful Interviews
You may have all the necessary skills down on paper, but if you can’t communicate effectively during interviews, you may end up missing the opportunity. Additionally, being unable to communicate effectively in a variety of ways could compromise the job positions you’re able to apply for if those roles require effective communication at all times.
You can improve your communication skills by:
- Practicing with friends or family, whether it’s speaking or interview techniques
- Learning to listen, too, and not always speak
- Taking your time to think before you speak
- Paying attention to body language
- Skills With Examples
You may have a unique set of skills that may not be obviously in-demand for certain job roles, but if you can provide examples of how your skills can relate to specific circumstances, this could work in your favor, especially when writing job applications or during interviews. Show your potential employer how your skills can apply to situations relevant to the job in question, even if it’s not a skill they have listed on their advertisement.
Remember: if there is any key skill you feel is lacking, always take the time to improve it in your spare time.
