Narrowing Your Focus

Raise your hand if you’ve ever started searching for a job and just applied to whatever jobs popped up in your search. I know I have! Especially when I’ve been unhappy with my job and felt like I needed to find a new one ASAP! I can remember those feelings, and I also remember having an unsuccessful search.

Your search needs to have a strategy! Think about it. When you go to the grocery store without a list, you’ll buy way more than you planned probably will not get what you intended to buy on your shopping trip. Here’s another example for those of you who don’t grocery shop. The gym! When I go to the gym, I need to have a plan. If not, I’ll get distracted by the weights, and then I’m too tired for cardio when it was actually cardio day! Anyway, you get the point. Applying for jobs is very time-consuming. The last thing you want to do is apply for jobs that you don’t qualify for, don’t align with your interest, and your salary requirements. Narrow your search and find the job for you!

Here are a few easy steps you can take!

• Make a list of keywords that match the type of job you’re looking for to include in your search

• Have an idea of the types of industries of interest

• Only search and apply for positions located in the cities you are willing to move

• Lastly, know your deal-breakers and stick to them!