3 Skills Every Job Seeker Should Have

Posted by in Career Advice


Whether you've just graduated and are looking for your very first job or you've been a member of the workforce for years and are re-entering the job market, there are 3 skills you should work to cultivate. Finding a job isn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Although it might be tempting to take a slightly haphazard approach to the matter, it's only with proper research and a strategic job search plan that you'll find a job that is a good fit for you and one that will take you to the next level in your career, rather than simply paying the bills.

 

Here are 3 skills that every job seeker needs:

 

The ability to be consistent – Looking for a job is a full time job in itself. If you already have a job and are looking for new opportunities, you have to commit to working on it every day. For those who are out of work, no matter how discouraged you become, you need to set aside a block of time each day to devote to job search activities. It's so easy to get busy with other things, especially in the summer months, but consistency is an important part of success. Plus, once you find the job that's right for you, you won't have to work so hard to stay on task and focus.

 

The ability to focus your search – Especially when you're out of work and desperate to find something, it's tempting to cast your job search net wide. Logically, it makes sense. If you leave all of your options open, you'll increase your odds of landing something. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way in practice. Instead of attracting a larger amount of interest, not being specific in your search will discourage employers that would otherwise be interested in you. You see, it's sort of like trying to find a romantic partner. Just saying you want someone with a pulse won't make you more attractive. It will make you appear desperate. Employers want to believe that you are interested in their specific job, that you want to work for their company and that you value your skills enough to know what you want and that you expect to find it.

 

The ability to assess and change your strategy – Change is hard but sometimes it's necessary. With a job search, it's important to be fluid in your approach and willing to adjust your strategy as needed. Don't slow yourself down by clinging to the belief that “this is how job searching is done.” Be flexible. If you are finding it difficult to get an interview with the companies you're interested in, you might want to increase your networking efforts in order to find a way to get your foot in the door. If you are convinced that it's not “what you know, but who you know,” get to know those people. If you think that you aren't getting job offers because you are too old, then edit your resume and cover letter to show off your current technology, your enthusiasm and your willingness to learn new ways of doing things instead of focusing on your years of experience. Think of your job search like an archery contest. If you aim, shoot and miss the target, assess the problem and then adjust your aim.

 

Finding a job is one of the more difficult things we ever have to do. Keep in mind that the right job will pay you a salary that will allow you to support yourself. Over the course of your career, you will invest a large part of your life to the company you work for and they will invest in you as well. It's worth the effort up front to find a career that works for you.

 

Have you found these skills important in your search? Why or why not? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

 

Image source: MorgueFile

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  •  Michael R
    Michael R
    It's been a while since my last job. During my absence from employment I was able to go back to school and achieve my goal. My goal now is to get back into the work place. I'm convinced that it's not "what you know, but who you know." Thank you Melissa, for the encouragement!
  • Kelly A
    Kelly A
    I think this information was very helpful and has helped me see things differently with encouragement on my job search and some new positive approaches to take. Thanks!
  • Ened G
    Ened G
    Thanks for your idea and I believe you are right. I lost my full time job for 2 years now. And I kept on applying jobs in the market based on my skills and experiences. My 15 years (full time) of combined technical skills and experiences beginning from auditing, accounting,  industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, research and development, six sigma green  belt, and project management in manufacturing operations. While I also have my part-time  customer service, cashiering, and merchandising for 7 years. I found hard to focus on this aspect especially when you need a  full  time job. Please enlighten me, does my part-time job should be included in the resume when applying for jobs related to my full time job experiences? I would like to hear from you. Thank you for your help.      
  •  Aaron A
    Aaron A
    I enjoyed your article its pretty much on the money I have been looking for a better job for a long time the way you explained how things are nowadays is pretty much how it is so to say, learning new things and not letting the pride of your experience block you from excelling setting a chunk of time dedicated to research ,are all things I have encountered and the way this article explains the different approaches I like it thank you
  • Bridgette H
    Bridgette H
    Excellent article i'm job searching due to moving to a new state, and I found myself putting in applications for positions I didn't care for really like i'll keep it until I get something else. But iT can be even harder trying to find a job when you have one and needing to get time off a job you just started to go to an interview for another company. Waste of time and efforts to me helpful article thanx!
  • Barbara G
    Barbara G
    Everything you say is true.  It is very easy to get distracted with trying to find the right job.  Persistence is a quality that I need to develop. I thought that it would be easier.  But, anything worthwhile takes time. Thank You
  • Moazzam S
    Moazzam S
    Each word of the article is true and should be followed with the same spirit.
  • Betty C
    Betty C
    What is the best way to explain a termination?
  • Carina F
    Carina F
    Very helpful and make sense. Thank-you.
  • Patric M
    Patric M
    Age has a lot to do with it and don't tell me otherwise.
  • Trevor J
    Trevor J
    The biggest problem I find is that an employer looks at your background and says you are over qualified or expectS the income you will demand will be far above what they are offering.  If you accept a lower salary than what you are used to the employer thinks you wont stay with them long so wont hire you.  Its a difficult situation to be in.  Once you haven't had an income for a year you do tend to become desperate and willing to take any job as your family is pushing you to take anything.  Looking for a job is more stressful in many cases than working at a job you dislike.
  • Jane G
    Jane G
    I agree. Effort and time is all needed to get the best.
  • JENNIFER B
    JENNIFER B
    Informational. Common sense thinking.
  • Kathy O
    Kathy O
    I found the little write ups on these 3 personal skills one should have in pursuing a job to be very insightful. Brings the common sense approach  to the forefront.  Thank You
  •  Phil L
    Phil L
    Don't give up.. your job is out there. Focus on a job you love, rather than a paycheck. I can agree there's so much age discrimination.The employment rate is understated, its not the reality of how deeply troubled the country's economic and jobless situation really is. stay strong.
  • Candace Knight B
    Candace Knight B
    I find your article helpful.  After continuing my education, and searching for jobs with my experience, I would apply for seasonal jobs.  Alot of corporations and companies are increasing these options.  It also gives the employee the chance to see if the job is a match for them.,
  • Joe B
    Joe B
    Decent, thoughtful article, but I have one counterpoint. I have 30 years experience in my industry, and have worked in a number of capacities during my career. I would entertain offers to follow at least three separate career paths that I know of, and possibly even more that I might not know I'm suited for due to my extensive background. Contrary to "focusing my research," I'm widening my scope to learn as much as possible about other fields/positions which might suit my skills. THIS is where networking becomes essential, especially with folks OUTSIDE my industry.
  • Mike S
    Mike S
    I agree 100 %.  Sometimes the problem is you may send out hundreds of applications and only few companies will return your interest.
  • Mary P
    Mary P
    Very good advice!  I need the advice at this time. Thank you.
  • P. Gilbert
    P. Gilbert
    These skills are very insightful especially to those who are planning to switching jobs. I, for one, have a part time job, 20 hours a week but still very active of looking for another part time job that is interesting and makes a difference in the lives of individuals who are oppressed.  I am a licensed social worker and enjoy working with children and their families and the community.  Thank you for this article.
  • Judith W
    Judith W
    Learning this is so important.  I have taken a class that focuses on this same topic.  I understand what this is but I'm having no luck.  It could also be the area I live in.  Thank you for your help and consideration.
  • Chatty M
    Chatty M
    I agree with what the author has written. But there are additional issues. First, the over-reliance of software to sift out "good resumes" leaves a lot of resumes in the trash can. So, most people don't even get a call. That is why handing out a resume at an expo almost always guarantees a call from a hiring manager, even from the same companies that have previously rejected you.
  • MIRZA A
    MIRZA A
    Excellent - it looks like the author of this article is in my shoes. The contents are specific and useful  Thanks.
  •  Connie S
    Connie S
    I have found these tips to be helpful. I hadn't realized I needed to focus on one company.
  •  Krist T
    Krist T
    Makes all the sense in the world.  This advice is totally accurate based on my lengthy experience in looking for a job.  Age discrimination is a big factor in my case.
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article posted by Staff Editor in Career Advice
article posted by Staff Editor in Career Advice

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