Step 1: Evaluate and Appraise Your Skills with Swagger!

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To make a bold entrance into the job market, it's essential to assess your abilities truthfully before taking any action. You can begin by asking yourself what you bring to the table and what expertise or talents you possess that are valuable to potential employers. However, this can be a daunting task, but fret not! There are some fantastic tools out there that can lend you a hand and even help you excel in your current position. We highly recommend checking out the Myers-Briggs or the CliftonStrengths Assessment (formerly known as StrengthsFinders test by Gallop).

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If you're not ready to take the plunge into psychometric evaluations yet, it's a great idea to gauge how much worth you offer your current employer, team, or community by asking them directly. If that's not an option, reach out to friends and family and ask for their opinion on what makes you stand out. What are your unique contributions? What are your strengths that can make you an asset to any team?

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We get it, evaluating oneself can be intimidating, especially if you're feeling insecure. However, it's a crucial first step because a job search is essentially a marketing campaign for yourself. It's not about your self-worth or confidence, it's about being pragmatic and recognising what you can do that potential employers will find valuable. Are you an out-of-the-box thinker? Do you excel in customer service? What sets you apart and makes you better than average? Remember, being average doesn't mean you have to be the best, just better than average. The average person is only good at a few things, so focus on what you can do and what you enjoy doing.

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Step 2: Define Your Ideal Job and What's Not on Your List

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We believe everyone should have a job they love. The best way to start that process is by reflecting on what you want to change from your current or previous job. Is it the commute, the culture, your boss, lack of development opportunities, or mundane tasks? Whatever it is, make a note of it to help you narrow down your search.

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Once you have a list of what you want to change, think about what you love doing at work. People often leave jobs without acknowledging what they enjoy about their current or previous workplaces, which is a mistake. It's important to focus on the positive, not just the negative, because that's what makes your work enjoyable. Many people believe that more money, influence, and freedom will make them happier, but that's not always the case. By following this process, you'll gain clarity and make better decisions as you move on to step three: identifying the companies you want to work for.

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Step 3: Create a Target List of Companies and Roles that Pique Your Interest

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Now that you're aware of your strengths, knowledge, and what you want and don't want in your next job, it's time to explore the companies you'd like to work for. Many people skip this step and jump straight into applications, missing out on a chance to find a company that's the perfect fit for them.

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One way to identify the right companies is by writing down a list of the companies you admire. Then, research these companies, network with people who work there, and check out their career site to learn more about their values, purpose, and culture. You can even register for job alerts to be the first to hear about new opportunities.

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One savvy approach is to activate Google Alerts that match your company wish-list. This way, you'll stay in the loop about all the juicy developments unfolding within a particular business and its corresponding industry. You can even monitor the hiring scene and detect which companies are actively seeking new talent.

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Alternatively, you could zero in on local companies if you're planning to move to a new neighbourhood. A quick Google maps search for the top players in your location could reveal some hidden gems right in your backyard. Once you've identified some prospects, scope out their openings and check out their career sites.

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If you're still short of options, don't overlook government and council gigs in your vicinity - these titans can pack a serious employment punch. They are often some of the largest employers in town. 

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For a more tailored approach, why not drop us a line at info@HirePals.co.uk? We'll delve deeper and customise a 121 session just for you.