June 2010

When looking for a job you cannot afford to focus on more than one specific area of opportunity. Most of us have a range of things we like to do, and are good at, and – often – have done. Sadly, that does not help in terms of finding a job. If you go to market with an unfocused strategy you will come across as though you are lacking clarity and focus on what you want to do – and hence find it hard to land the role you want. You’ll be going to agencies and employers sending out the message – ‘hey - look at me, I can do a whole range of work and stuff!’ – and you’ll be unlikely to succeed in your job search.
 

Find the ideal position

 
So instead – you need to find the one possible position that you will be ideally suited to. You have to work at exploring your capabilities, your connections and networks, and – using your creativity – design the ideal position for you. Work out what you actually want to do and get clear about why you want it and why you’re right for that job. We help people do this every day and we know that this is the essential first step in securing your next career move.
 

One target

 
So, what one target are you going to concentrate on in terms of your search? In order to find a new job – not just any job, but your next career move – it is crucial to focus on one target. That’s because if you communicate that you are looking for a particular job, the person you are talking to – whether it’s someone in your network, a potential employer or a recruiter – can then use their knowledge of the world to assist you. They might offer you strategic advice, or analytical help, or access to their network.