Article by Clare

Unless you’re lucky enough to be born into wealth and privilege, you will have to work to earn your daily bread. It’s as simple as that.

You spend a lot of your time at work, so if you want to be happy and stay sane whilst earning your crust, you better make sure you choose a job that doesn’t send you screaming to the pub as soon as you clock off, and where the most challenging aspect of your role is not simply staying awake.

But is this too big an ask at a time when we are expected to feel grateful just for having a job?

No!

If you value your health and well-being it is important to find the type of employment that is fulfilling and rewarding in more than just monetary terms. The duller you find your work, the duller your employer will find you – and any proposed redundancy list will have your name on it.

So, if the Monday blues kick in straight after the Sunday roast – it’s time for a re-think.

Career Planning
Drawing up a career plan will help you to think positively. This in itself will give you a lift, and is the first step to achieving your goal – a job with improved career prospects, where you are happy and where you will feel valued.

Self-Evaluation
Before you can find a job that suits you to a T, you need to actively understand your likes and dislikes. Make a list of all the things you like doing, all the things that are important to you and that you feel passionate about.

Be honest! There is nothing to be gained in claiming to be a ‘team player’ if in reality you would rather work all by yourself on a remote island.

If you’re having trouble getting started, it may be useful to write a list of things you would never consider doing. But be careful of too much negativity. The object of this exercise is to end up with a list of things that give you a buzz and make you feel good about yourself.

Don’t forget your hobbies and interests. Think about why it is that you’re a fanatic model aeroplane flyer/stamp collector/Girl Guide Leader. To enjoy these roles or activities, a person must possess certain characteristics. Understanding what it is that makes you happy – and why – should go a long way to helping you find work in areas where you will feel more comfortable.

Skill sets
List all your areas of expertise – and don’t forget to include all the skills you use in your hobbies or voluntary work. Don’t underestimate your prior experience and your transferable skills.

Matching your skill sets to job profiles
There are a number of online surveys and questionnaires which can help you match job types to your personality; type ‘transferable skills survey’ into a search engine to find some. Use these tools to help you refine your self-evaluation.

If you need more specif information about job profiles, you could:

Read job advertisements – they frequently include detailed descriptions of tasks that the job holder would be expected to carry out. They may also include a ‘person specification’ which will give you a better idea of whether or not the role would suit you.
Talk to employment agencies – they should be able to relate your interests and experience to specific job roles – and companies – in your area. They can also give you advice on the availability – and desirability – of further training.
Talk to head-hunters – they should be able to give you similar advice as the recruitment agencies.
Internet research – type in ‘Job profiles’.
Government websites – directgov for example, does have some useful careers advice.

Applying for a Job
It is claimed that as many as 60 percent of job vacancies are not advertised. So how do you find out about them, and how are they filled?

Networking
Networking is a very powerful tool. If you are unfamiliar with this concept, do some research on the net to find out more about it. In a nutshell, networking involves talking to:

family
friends
work contacts

with a view to letting as many people know that you are in the market for a particular type of employment.

Be specific. Prospective employers need to know exactly what you want to do.

Cold calling
Finding a job is selling your services to an employer. Many sales people use cold calling in order to make sales, and you can use it to find a job also. If you do, make sure that your approach is professional and targeted. Your CV and cover letter should highlight the fact that you want to work in a particular role for that specific company. Read their promotional literature to find out what sort of company it is – so that you can express yourself clearly when asked ‘why’?

Agencies
There are plenty of Recruitment agencies. Choose one that treats you as an individual and takes time to assess you and your needs.

Job Advertisements
Perhaps this is the most well-known method of finding a job. When you reply to an advertisement remember that your cover letter and CV should be geared to achieving one objective only – an interview with that one company – for that one job. Resist the temptation to send out vague, non-targeted, wishy-washy documents – they will end up in the bin! Employers are looking for enthusiasm and dedication – impossible in a ‘one-size fits all’ CV or cover letter.

About the Author

Clare has worked for a number of years in Office Management/HR roles for small companies in the East Anglia area (UK). She is now a free-lance Trainer in both the public and private sector.

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