Job Hunting Tips

1. Design your vision

You need to have an idea of where you’re going with your professional life, and your life in general. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Why do you work? At what job would you still keep going to work even if you were a millionaire? 

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2. Build your network

This one is fun. Building a core network is all about in-person connection. Find someone you know who has a job that you are interested in, and ask them if they want to get coffee or lunch with you. The person will probably say yes. Make sure that you foot the bill, and don’t ask them for a job, or for any big favor. If they are going to offer you a job or an introduction to someone who is hiring, they will do it without being prompted. This is more about listening than talking! By surrounding yourself with successful people you can learn through osmosis, create the potential for future opportunities, and most importantly, build friendships! Most of the time, if someone is taking the time to have coffee with you, it is because they genuinely are interested in you and want to be generous. Return the favor by treating this person as a kind friend rather than simply a resource. 

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3. Seize every good opportunity

Any job is better than being unemployed. Many people think that doing any sort of work for which they are overqualified will be a disaster for their careers. However, this stagnation will only occur when you become satisfied with less than you are capable of! Keep your ultimate vision in mind, and remember that no one reaches their goals overnight. Even an imperfect opportunity can be a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, build new connections, and send you in the direction of where you eventually want to go. The most important thing is not to get too comfortable. Remember your mission!

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4. Prioritize fit

A good salary is very important, but it isn’t the whole picture. You need to find a job that matches your vision, that pays you enough, but also one that you enjoy and that fully utilizes your talents. You should look for a company with a mission you truly believe in, and with a team that you feel honored to work alongside of.

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5. Maximize responsibility

In the long term, your success will correspond with the amount of responsibility you can successfully take on. If you are presented with the chance to take charge and you can handle it, seize the opportunity! There’s always the risk of failure, and you have to be willing to take the blame, but ultimately, success hinges on authority well handled. 

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