Navigating your job search with purpose: 3 tips for success
Navigating Your Job Search with Purpose
If you're reading this, chances are you've been through the demanding grind of job hunting.
I’ve been there and done that too. When I graduated from business school, I remember spending six months relentlessly searching for the perfect job. The stress of investing time and money into an MBA was real, and not finding the perfect job right away took a huge toll on my confidence and energy.
Sound familiar? If you're knee-deep in a job search and questioning your worth, this blog is for you.
Navigating your job search with purpose can be tough, so let's dive into three Work Bigger-approved tips to not just survive but thrive in your journey.
1. Get Clear on Your Intention and Purpose
It always starts with the foundation – identifying where you want to go and why. Your career's purpose takes time and self-reflection, so if you’re not there yet, it’s ok!
Start by identifying your strengths and values.
What are you good at, and when do you feel most confident? Are you creating content, analyzing data or nurturing others? Knowing your strengths will help you identify the right job role. We’re big on the CliftonStrengths assessment here at Work Bigger, so if narrowing down your strengths feels difficult, lean on assessments and tools.
Then, get clear on what you stand for? What’s most important to you? Knowing your values will help you identify the right environment and company culture.
Having clarity on these two areas will help you get closer to your purpose. For more support, download our worksheet - Attach to a Purpose, Not a Job!
2. Gather Your Application
Once you're clear on your strengths and values, it's time to prepare your application, which includes your résumé, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and personal story.
Here are some highlights to keep in mind:
For résumés, focus on results – highlight budgets managed and campaign success rates.
Your cover letter should be employer-centric, addressing their needs and how your experience can help. Don’t repeat everything that’s in your resume.
LinkedIn is your brand's social media home; keep it succinct.
Your personal story should highlight where you’ve been and where you want to go in 30 seconds or less. If you have your mission and purpose, lead with that. It takes the conversation to a whole new level.
3. Prepare for the job search blues in advance
The job search can feel like a rollercoaster, and it’s easy to attach your wellbeing to your results. But remember you are not your job! Part of the job search is dealing with rejection and a lack of response.
It’s helpful to be proactive about this and to consider how you want to take care of yourself through the process.
Here are some suggestions:
Lean on your community or talk to friends in similar situations.
Gather feedback from potential employers to help you improve your application along the way.
Speak to coaches or mentors who know what the process is like.
Schedule breaks and time for self care.
When navigating your job search with purpose, the more proactive you are about taking care of yourself, the more likely you are to get to your goal and avoid burnout.
Now, over to you – are you on the job hunt? Share your experiences, struggles, and your go-to steps for prepping for a job search. And if you need additional support on your journey, schedule a free call with our team to see how we can help!