Finding the Perfect Job: A Three-Step
Process
By Marc Belaiche, CPA, CA
In my experience, many people in their careers don’t have a strategy for
finding their dream job. They stumble from one position to another as a result
of finding a job through a recruiter, applying to a position that appears to be
a fit, or obtaining a position through their network (the “hidden job market”).
Some of these opportunities turn out to be excellent matches for both
the person and the organization while others turn into wasted time with more
job searches shortly thereafter, resulting in frustration for everyone involved
in the process.
Following are three steps that will help you find the ideal position.
1.
Define What Makes Your
Perfect Job
List the attributes of a position that would make it perfect for you. Aside
from the actual title, which may be misleading, think of everything that would excite
you about going to work. Consider the type of work/responsibilities, location
of the organization, the industry, the types of people you prefer to work
with/for, dress code, the hours, and whether you prefer to work in teams or on
your own. Don’t worry about compensation at this point – you’re simply establishing
a framework of what makes up your perfect job.
2.
Determine What that
Perfect Job Is
Search online job postings for positions that meet your criteria from Step
1. Show the list to your contacts to enquire what opportunities they would have
that might match what you’re looking for. Look at NAICS (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-501-x/12-501-x2012001-eng.pdf) or SIC codes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Industrial_Classification#cite_note-5) to view the
industries available. Keep an open mind – even consider starting your own
business if that’s a possibility for you. Once this step is complete, your search
show be narrowed down to 2-3 industries and/or positions that would really make
your perfect job.
3.
Go After It
·
Contact individuals who are already in your perfect job and request a
meeting. Use www.LinkedIn.com to track down the people that you’re
looking for. Seek their opinions on what you should do to chart your way to your
perfect job. Ask if their organization is hiring. Find out what skills you’re lacking
and make an effort to start learning them either through your current position
or by taking courses.
·
Contact companies that are currently posting relevant positions.
·
Volunteer, if necessary, to get to where you want to go.
Conclusion
Steps 1 and 2 are within your control and relatively straight-forward. Step
3 requires more effort and a greater investment of your time. It may take weeks,
months or even years to find the perfect job. It’s important to stay in regular
contact with those who can help you get to where you want to go. Be patient and
focus on your end goal. Once you get that perfect job, won’t it be worth the
wait? A perfect job, to me, is one where it doesn’t even feel like you’re
working.
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Marc Belaiche is a CPA, CA and is
President of TorontoJobs.ca, an Internet recruitment business and recruiting
firm located in the Greater Toronto Area. Marc is also the author of the book
“Tales from the Recruiter”. Marc has been in the recruitment industry
since 1995. TorontoJobs.ca allows companies to post their positions online,
search a resume database to find candidates, provides full temporary and
permanent recruitment and outplacement services. TorontoJobs.ca also allows
candidates to search and apply to positions directly online and get career,
interviewing and resume tips all at no charge. Marc is also President of
TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, an organization geared towards business owners (seewww.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca) and has the annual Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference (see www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca/conference). You can reach Marc at marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca and check out TorontoJobs.ca at www.TorontoJobs.ca.