There are so many skills to learn when finding a job

For so many of life’s skills we require effective education. From swimming or cooking a lasagne, to solving algebra and using Microsoft Excel. We invest time in learning each in their own specific way. So why is it that finding a job, despite being such a high stakes skill, does not get the same treatment?

You certainly won’t pick up the right skills through completing a 3-year degree in Mathematics or Marketing. You’re often thrown in the deep end, getting tips from your parents, friends and online guides and learning from mistakes when you make them.

I believe there are so many skills involved in finding a job. Some skills will come naturally to you, some of them won’t.

I like to think about job seeking in four major steps, and I’ve highlighted five skills in each step. My hope is that you’ll get some ideas of areas you can think about, research, practise and improve.

1 Career planning and goals

For some people, the first step to any job search is figuring out what’s next. This might be a step to skip if you already have a clear sense of direction.

• Setting the right horizons: where do you want to be in 2/5 years time?
• Mapping out possible paths: what opportunities interest you?
• Networking for inspiration: do you know someone in the position you want to be in, and how can you learn from their career path?
• Identifying strengths: what comes naturally to you in the workplace?
• Getting clarity on priorities: where does work fit into your life right now vs family, friends, etc?

2 Finding great opportunities

Once you have an idea of what’s next, the next step is to find opportunities to apply to.

• Knowing where to search: which job boards will be efficient and effective?
• Working your network for discovery: who in your network knows the space you want to go into well?
• Evaluating your chances: job descriptions always describe the perfect candidate, so when do you have a shot at getting an interview?
• Assessing your opportunities for growth: is this business going to continue growing and provide you with plenty of opportunities for career development?
• How to work with recruiters: if you’re in an industry where jobs aren’t public, how should you work with recruiters?

3 Making applications

This step is all about putting your best foot forward throughout the process.

• Tailoring your CV: what parts of your experience will make you stand out?
• Answering interview questions: are you coming across well, showing your strengths and making your preparation count?
• Asking good questions: the questions you ask are being assessed, so are you asking something ambitious and open-ended?
• Interview etiquette: how should you engage with the employer before and after an interview?
• Social media standards: what are the quick wins to make sure your social media isn’t putting off potential employers?

4 Selection and negotiation

Hopefully you have more than one offer on the table, and now is the time to choose.

• Negotiating pay: if you think you deserve more money, what’s the best way to approach this conversation?
• Asking hard questions: are you digging into any doubts about the company/role?
• Weighing up options: are you being systematic in evaluating opportunities, seeking many opinions?
• Reading contracts: are you reading the contract thoroughly to understand your benefits, rights, probation period, etc?
• Handling difficult conversations: are you prepared for difficult conversations, such as pushing back your start date so you have some time off?

There are enough skills, with many nuances, that I could write a book! Instead, I started a company with a vision to shape the future of how we move jobs. If you need more help with finding a job, please email me at sam@otta.co