Positioning for the job of your dreams- Land that Job!

Congratulations! You just graduated from University, you’ve completed your NYSC, and are ready to get into the world of work. My question to you is how prepared are you for the world of work? How do you position yourself for the job of your dreams? I know that for many, you created these wonderful pictures of making money, working that dream job, etc. Which is wonderful. How do you land this job of your dream? Many people with similar dreams, plans, and aspirations ended up spending years applying to get a job and are still applying. What can you do differently to ensure you don’t fall into that cycle? This article will provide insights into positioning for the job that I hope will make your job-hunting journey easier.

Let’s delve right in.

Step 1: Prepare

Remember how in school you had to study and prepare for exams? The same applies to job hunting. You may not need to read large texts, but you need to be ready to be what the recruiter is looking for. And to be ready, you must ask yourself certain questions:

1. Who am I? The subject of Identity is one that we must confront early. An understanding of who you are will determine (to a large extent) the choices you make. Many graduates see themselves as young with their whole life ahead of them. While this is true, won’t it be great to start walking in the path of purpose early?
2. What do I want out of life? many people fail to ask and answer this question early and end up in a trap. I want to make money is not a life goal- you will make money if you work. What you want out of life is a question of purpose and fulfillment.
3. Ask yourself, what am I passionate about? What are my areas of strength? It is always better to play to your strength.

Several psychometric tests can assist you with analyzing who you are and the jobs suited for you. This one by careerexplorer.com is really good. Once you have been able to analyze your area(s) of strength and roles you are best suited for, then you are on your way to positioning yourself for that job! This way, your approach is targeted and in line with the trajectory of your life. I should state here that sometimes, you simply start on a path and as you grow, you find your own path. Please don’t sit at home while you are job hunting, start working- you can offer to work for free. The goal is to start gaining experience.

Step 2: Apply

Now that you have an idea of the type of work you are best suited for and what you want to do, you can start your job search. To begin, you may want to consider starting with entry-level positions. I know that you are talented, you’ve occupied positions and done very impressive things. That you’ve done this does not translate to being an experienced hire. The terms and environment of work are different; functioning in an unrestricted environment is totally different from working in a controlled environment.

While the skills you gained are valuable, they need to be strengthened and sometimes tested in a work environment. Sometimes, learning the culture of work first is more important than the specific role you function in. Gaining experience is not just about piling years of work, it is more about understanding the system and developing skills to win in it.

Also, at this stage, focus more on what you can give and what you can learn, above the amount to be paid. Many people stay unemployed because they have unrealistic salary expectations. Should you aim to be well paid? definitely! Should you refuse to consider roles that look exactly like what you need simply because what they want to pay does not look like what you want? Absolutely not!

Finally, be the role. This is what I mean, you don’t become a front desk officer for example when you get the role, no, you are hired for that role because you look like the front desk officer they need! This is critical in positioning for the job.

Now that you are ready,send in your application.

There are several ways to apply. For some, you fill out your resume by answering questions in a form, for others, you are required to send an application letter with your resume. Whichever style it is, send your applications. Also, remember that this is the time to apply to as many positions as possible. Please remember that thousands of people are vying for the same position you are applying to so positioning for the job is everything at this phase! Please don’t box yourself. There are a few rules you must remember at his phase:

1. Most positions are unique and should be treated or approached differently. Please don’t use a cover letter tailored for a front desk role to apply for a virtual assistant role! Let your recruiters know that you are applying specifically for the role advertised. The process can be tiring, but it sets you apart.
2. The principle in 1 above, applies to your resume too. Please create one for the different roles you are applying for. There are many articles on how to write a resume. Please pay attention to what you write in your resume. If you must pay for the service of a professional, read through what they write to be sure it represents you and you can defend what is written. And ensure you have an editable copy (thank me later :))
3. Make sure your resume meets the recruiter’s standard if they specified any. So, if for example, the role is age-specific, then your age should be included in the resume.
4. Use valid contact details- don’t use a phone number you cant be reached on or an email address you don’t check regularly
5. Be professional- Please don’t send blank emails with attachments! or scanned pages of a printed CV. Please use email addresses that show that you can be trusted; sexyprince123@emailclient.com is unprofessional!

Step 3: Ace the interview

You just received an email saying congratulations you scaled the 1st or 2nd stage, you are invited to an interview. Are you ready? How do you prepare for an interview? This is the final stage in positioning for the job. There are a number of posts out there that you can read on interview preparedness. I just want to touch on a few things.

1. Don’t go in empty-headed, research the organization. If the interview is with a recruitment agency, ask them about the organization before you go for the interview so you have an idea of what you going in for.
2. Don’t go in with a mindset that they are doing you a favour, NO! Have some faith in yourself and be confident. Not obnoxious, confident.
3. Remember that an interview is an opportunity for the recruiter to meet you and to see if you look like what they need. Don’t go in there answering textbook questions. Be you, be original. Please note that being original does not mean being improper or informal, it means rather that you allow them to meet you and what you are capable of offering. Remember that you are your own biggest marketer. Approach an interview like a sales pitch where the product on offer is you!
4. Be ready to ask about the organization but ask only relevant questions. Questions that show you did your homework and are ready to add value to the team.

You can sign up for our Graduate Development Program to learn valuable tips, tools, and skills required to excel in the workplace. You can also visit our Job Board for job openings.

Do you have other tips to share with a job seeker? Please drop it in the comments. Did you find this post useful, let’s hear your thoughts.

To your success,

MOA