Messiah Sing at Union Theological Seminary

A Step-by-Step Guide to Landing Your Ideal Job

Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out what line of work is best for you. You may want to change careers, explore your options, or figure out what you want to do after you get your degree.

Well, we’ve got you covered. Today we will be exploring how to find the perfect job for you, step by step. Let’s get to it.

⦁    Step One: Think About Your Strengths

“Know thyself,” as Socrates famously claims. You need to know where your strengths lie and what your weaknesses are in order to find the field of work that will help you exceed.

Think about what you’re good at. Write down every strength you can think of and then match the strengths to the professions that will help you show them best.

If you are a fan of art and great at drawing, for example, don’t consider just becoming a painter. You can become a conservator, you can work in an art museum, or you can work as a teacher. Don’t limit yourself, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

You need to ask yourself important questions such as, what are you passionate about? and what do you value most in a job? Would you like it to be flexible, have a good pay, a creative environment, or do you value job stability the most?

Remember to think about the lifestyle you would like to lead and whether your career choice fits into it. If the work environment doesn’t allow for the work-life balance you are looking for, then it won’t be a good fit for you in the long run.

⦁    Step Two: Explore Your Options

Exploring different career options helps you figure out what you’ll actually enjoy doing. If you jump into a job without knowing much about it, you might regret it later.

Try to find as many jobs as possible that fit your skills and qualifications and find out more about them. You can find out how much the type of job you’re interested in pays on Google, and listen to YouTubers who’ve worked in the industry share their experience.

When you take the time to explore different fields, you might come across roles you’ve never considered that excite you once you learn about them. 

Sometimes, it’s not just about finding the right role but also finding the right industry. The same job title can mean very different things depending on the industry. For example, a marketing manager in the tech industry might have different responsibilities than one in the fashion industry. 

So, when you explore your options, don’t just focus on the role. Also think about what kind of industry you want to work in. Some industries are very dynamic and innovative, while others can offer you more stability and structure.

 
⦁    Step Three: Do Your Research

You may think you know everything, but do your research. Just a little bit of research now can save you years of working at a job that isn’t meant for you.

Here are a few ways to explore different fields:

⦁    Job boards: Check out job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor or Locanto. Look at job descriptions, salary ranges, and qualifications needed for different roles.

⦁    Career websites: There are websites specifically designed to give you insights into plenty of different career paths. Sites like CareerExplorer allow you to browse jobs by industry and learn about average salaries, job responsibilities, and growth prospects.

⦁    Informational interviews: If you’re seriously considering a certain career but don’t know much about it, reach out to someone who’s already in that field. Ask them a few questions about their day-to-day responsibilities and what kind of skills or qualifications you need to succeed. Many professionals are happy to share advice, especially if you approach them in a genuine way.

 
⦁    Step Four: Prepare Yourself
Once you’ve got an idea of the type of job you want, it’s time to start building up your skills. Some jobs may require specific qualifications or experience, while others might be more flexible. No matter what, working on your skills will make you stand out to potential employers.

Here’s how you can start working on your skills:

⦁    Take online courses: With online platforms like Coursera, you can learn all sorts of things like coding, marketing, writing, management skills, and so on. Many courses come with certifications that are highly valued by employers..

⦁    Volunteer or intern: If you’re just starting out, volunteering or interning is a great way to gain some experience. You can also make valuable connections that could lead to future job opportunities.

⦁    Work on personal projects: If you’re pursuing a creative career (like graphic design, writing, or photography), working on personal projects can help you build a portfolio. This will show employers what you’re capable of and what they can expect from you.

 
⦁    Step Five: Create a Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are your first chance to make a good impression on your future employers. You want to make sure they highlight your strengths, experience, and passion for the job you’re applying for.

Here are some tips for creating your resume:

⦁    Keep it simple: There might be a lot you want to say, but employers don’t have all the time in the world. A clean, easy-to-read resume is the way to go. Stick to a simple layout and use bullet points to list your skills.

⦁    Tailor it to each job: It is really important to tailor your resume for each job because you want to highlight different strengths for different positions.

⦁    Focus on achievements: Don’t just list your job duties. Focus on what you accomplished. For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for managing social media accounts,” you could say, “Increased social media engagement by 40% through targeted campaigns.”

Now, writing a good cover letter is just as important. Here are some tips:

⦁    Personalize it: Always address the cover letter to a specific person if possible. If you really can’t find a name, use “Hiring Manager.”

⦁    Show enthusiasm: Employers want to see that you are actually excited about the job. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for the company and role.

⦁    Explain why you’re a good fit: Don’t just repeat what’s on your resume. Use the cover letter to explain why you’re the right person for the job and how your skills and experience align with what they’re looking for.

 
⦁    Step Six: Start Your Job Search
Now that you’ve figured out what you want to do, built up your skills, and created your resume and cover letter, it’s time to start looking for jobs. There are a few ways to approach this, and it’s often best to use a few different methods to increase your chances.

A platform like Locano is a great place to find your dream job. You can filter job listings by location, industry, and experience level to find positions that are a good match. You can also find different types of jobs to match your specific needs, such as part-time, remote or internships.

If there’s a company you want to work for, check out their careers page. Many companies put job openings directly on their own website.

Sometimes the best way to find a job is through people you know. Let your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you’re looking for a new job. They might be able to connect you with potential employers or put in a good word for you.

 
⦁    Step Seven: Apply for Jobs

When you’ve found jobs that you like, it’s time to apply. This step can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Just stay organized and don’t take rejection personally. Different employers are looking for different things. Do your best, and the results will follow.

Following the application instructions is really important. Double-check that you’re submitting everything the employer is asking for (like your resume, cover letter, and any other documents). Missing something could hurt your chances of getting an interview.

It’s a good idea to apply to different positions. This increases your chances of landing an interview and finding a job that fits your needs.