What are the 5 P’s of the Job Search Step?

what-are-the-5-p's-of-the-job-search-step

Step One - Plan:

The first job search step is Plan. The majority of people spend more time preparing for a one- to two-week vacation than they do their entire job. When planning a vacation, you consider where you want to go, why you want to go there, how long it will take to get there, whether you want to take any side trips, how much money you'll need, and what kind of clothing you'll need. You can also talk to others who have visited the area to learn more about the location and activities, or conduct research on the internet, at a library, or at a travel agency.

It's critical to plan your job in the same way you organise your life. You must consider where you want to go and how you intend to get there. You must determine whether you require post-secondary education or some form of training. How long will it take you to acquire the skills you need? What is the most effective technique to acquire these abilities? What amount of money do you need to live the life you want? Consider whether you know anyone currently working in this field, or if you know anyone who knows someone. Where else can you go if you want to learn more?

If you're still in school, ask for information from a guidance counsellor. You can also do informational interviews with persons who work in the sector of your choice. Speaking with a job counsellor or taking some vocational tests are two other options.

If you are out of school, meet with a counsellor at an employment agency or conduct some own study at the library, as well as networking and making good use of your contacts.

Must Read: The First 10 Minutes of Your Job Application Process

Step Two - Prepare:

The second job search step is Prepare. Doing a thorough personal inventory to establish your transferable and adaptive talents is an important part of preparing for your job hunt. Learning more about your skills allows you to be able to tell an employer what skills you have that are relevant to the job you want. This will take some time. It could entail filling out a questionnaire or sitting down and writing down everything you've done over the years. This includes things that you do at home as well as your job description, as most people do more than what is specified in the job description.

Most of us take for granted our abilities. We are so accustomed to performing particular duties that we fail to see that not everyone is capable of doing so. We also don't always realise the abilities we use in our daily lives - problem-solving, decision making, driving, repairing appliances, cooking, and personal counselling, to name a few. People can be astonished or surprised by something they take for granted. Pay attention to what they're saying. For you, this is a strong skill that could lead to a career ambition.

After you've gone through your skills, work on creating a 30-second overview of them, commonly known as an "elevator speech," that you may use during a phone call, in your cover letter, at an interview, or when talking to friends about your job search step.

Preparing also entails conducting research on potential employers. This research can be done at a library, through personal contact, informational interviews, reading newspaper articles, or through an unstructured visit or tour.

Another important step is to create a focused resume. A tailored resume emphasises certain talents in order to establish your suitability to a potential employer. It includes information about your work history that corresponds to the talents they may be looking for. A cover letter for a specific employer should also be written.

Reviewing probable interview questions and determining the type of information you wish to present or may be asked to provide to an employer is another component of preparation. After that, you must practise speaking about yourself in order to feel comfortable presenting yourself to a potential employer.

People frequently consider producing a CV and possibly a cover letter in response to a job ad, but then neglect to prepare for the interview. Although a strong CV and cover letter can help you secure an interview, it is the interview that will determine whether or not you get the job.

Must Read: 6 Ways to Improve your Job Application Process

Step Three - Practice:

The third job search step is Practice. How many NHL players would go into a game without having practised? How many people would take the stage to sing or act if they hadn't gone through multiple rehearsals? How many Olympic athletes would compete if they didn't have any prior training? Few, if any, - and yet, failing to practise our interview techniques is akin to executing one of the aforementioned.

Practising with a friend, family member, or a counsellor is an option. There are a lot of books out there that provide sample questions and answers. Peers, general comments, and/or videotape may be used to provide feedback on your interview skills.

Here are some questions to get you started:

  • Tell me a little about yourself.
  • What qualities do you seek in a job?
  • How long do you think it would take you to make a significant contribution?
  • Why look for a new job?
  • What would your supervisor say about you?
  • What would your coworkers say about you?
  • What were your top five successes in your previous position?
  • What do you consider to be your sturdy suits?
  • What are your areas of weakness?

A videotape is a great method to see oneself through the eyes of a potential employer. You can dress up as if you're going on an interview and have a friend serve as the interviewer. You'll be able to notice how you carry yourself, sit, and reply to queries after that. For example, did you provide enough or too much information? You can also see whether you have any unintentional behaviours. This will make it easier for you to present your skills to a potential employer.

When you consider how long it takes a hockey player to reach the skill level of an NHL player, or how long it takes a ballerina to practise before performing at the NAC, a few hours of interview/presentation technique practise isn't unreasonable.

Must Read: How do your Negotiation Skills help you in your communication?

Step Four - Perform:

In this list, the fourth job search step is Perform. Consider your interview to be a stage act. To demonstrate that you are ready to do the job, you must prepare (study the company, practise interview questions), dress appropriately (dress for the job you are going for), and have the necessary equipment (copy of resume, references, portfolio, and pen).

The most crucial two to three minutes of your interview are the first two to three minutes. An employer's first impression of you is usually dependent on your look and initial presentation. It is critical that you make the most of these limited moments.

A huge element of your wardrobe is a smile. If smiling isn't something you do naturally, practise in front of a mirror until it feels natural. Check to see if your body language is sending the wrong message. Don't constantly check the time or cross your arms across your chest. In a mirror, check your appearance both standing and seated. Relax as much as possible, but don't slouch in your chair. Do not chew gum during your interview, and if you smoke, stop smoking at least 10 minutes before your interview and use a breath mint to refresh your breath.

Another crucial item to remember is to never criticise your previous employment. It's possible that the employer will worry about what you'd say about them, and you never know who's related to whom.

Make sure you have a list of questions ready to ask the potential employer. Not queries like "how much money will I make?" or "how long do I get for vacation?" but inquiries that demonstrate you've done your homework and know something about the company. Make a list of questions you might want to ask. If you can't think of any questions to ask the interviewer, at the very least find out when they'll make a decision and ask if it's OK to follow up.

Here are some questions you might want to ask.

  • Why is there a vacancy in this position?
  • What are some of the more difficult issues that someone in this position would have to deal with?
  • What major changes do you expect to occur in the near future?
  • What are some of the goals you'd like to see achieved in this position?
  • What are some long-term goals that you'd like to see accomplished?
  • In this role, how is one evaluated?
  • What factors contribute to the company's success?

Must Read: Steps to Make a Great Impression on the First Day of the Job

Step Five - Post-Mortem:

The last and fifth job search step is Post-Mortem. After your interview is finished, go over it again in your thoughts. Was there anything you should have said but didn't, or anything you should have said but didn't? Make a mental note of how you felt about the interview, or write it down. You can prepare for the next interview by analysing your previous one.

It's time to write a thank you letter once you arrive home. You thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the organisation in this letter. Express your gratitude for how they conducted the interview, the information they offered, and your willingness to work for the organisation. If you failed to tell them something about your skills during the interview, or if you promised to give them information, now is your chance to do so.

Remember to follow up one to two weeks following your interview to indicate that you are still interested in the position and to inquire about whether a decision has been made. If they have hired you and you are not the chosen applicant, request permission to call back if there are any future openings and inform them that you would like to be considered.

Keep in mind that you'll probably have to go through 200 "no's" before you get to a "yes." Stick to a routine and talk to as many people as possible about your job hunt to stay positive about your job search. Inform everyone that you are now unemployed and what kind of work you are seeking. Attend Job Search Workshops or join a Job Search Club for further support during your job search.

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