Narrowing In On Your Job Search

For many job-seekers the issue is not so much finding a job (hang with me here), but rather it is that they do not know exactly what they want to do for a job. I hear a lot from people that they are looking for “anything and everything.” While I wholeheartedly can relate to the stress, disappointment and (let’s be honest with ourselves) desperation of looking for new work, any career counselor or person in the know about looking for work will tell you first thing that this is the wrong approach to take. The “scatter shot” approach of applying to anything and everything can actually do more harm than good. Among other reasons, it is very time consuming to keep applying to jobs that you know deep down you won’t get --- whether overqualified or underqualified or no experience or education in that particular field.

A far better approach is to narrow in your focus, like a precise target, of what kind of experience and education you already possess, and also where your passions and interests lie. What, exactly, are you looking for? When answering this question, don’t settle for vague answers like healthcare, marketing, or information technology. Be specific. “I am looking to be a Windows Administrator at a small to mid-size manufacturing company.” “I am looking to capitalize on my ten plus years as a resident nurse for a local clinic.” “I am looking to bring my knowledge of online advertising to a start-up here in the Denver area.”

For many people, they do not know what it is that they are specifically looking to do. And that’s okay, don’t get MORE stressed about that! But instead, earnestly and intentionally seek out an answer to this question. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing in a job environment? What kind of corporate culture do you gravitate toward? What excites you when you wake up in the morning? These and other questions will help you to narrow in on your job search, and therefore make the process a lot easier, less time consuming, and more productive.

Perhaps you have skills of organization and accounting and are looking to assist a small to mid-size business keep their books, whether employed directly by them or being self-employed. Consider the Accounting and Business School of the Rockies today for the training you need to accomplish this goal. Our three to four month Certificate programs not only give you the educational boost on your resume, but also the training and the confidence you need to succeed at your job. Call us today at 303-755-6885 for a free consultation and tour of the school that could be the next step in your job search process.