Job searching? Be smart about it

When searching for a job it’s no longer sensible to sort of randomly select places and throw an application at them. With so many people out of work the competition is much stronger than its ever been. So your best bet is to really look at your work priorities, review your skill set, and then focus on targeting companies that may actually hire you.

Priorities – Yes, you want a job and need to pay the bills, but are you hoping for a temporary arrangement until something better comes along? Or are you wanting to get into a longterm career? Are you hoping for summers off, or any other particulars? Look to the jobs that actually resonate with such desires. From temp office work to pharmacy jobs, each line of work has its own set of circumstances – and frankly, some have more potential for growth than others.    

 Skill Set – So you can sing “My Funny Valentine” whilst standing on your head? Well maybe that won’t get you to the top, or maybe you’ll make that big sales connection at the local karaoke bar, who knows? The point is, a well-rounded applicant may very well stand apart from others in a positive fashion. However, be sure to scrutinize your prospective employer as closely as possible before bringing out all of the party tricks!

Focus – Don’t spend a lot of time applying for jobs you aren’t qualified for and don’t even want. You’ll be wasting your time and theirs. Look at what you want out of life and what you can bring to the company you’re looking at. Will it be a healthy life/work balance that you can live with? If so, of course pursue it – but with competition being so fierce really focus on the jobs you want and you should have a better than average shot at success.