Frequently in my counselling, I notice that individuals aim to secure employment without a clear understanding of their preferences. Typically, they lack sufficient criteria, or their criteria are vague. Regardless, an improperly defined goal often results in subpar outcomes – either extending the job search unnecessarily or individuals accepting positions only to realize during the probationary period that it’s not what they truly desired.
Therefore, today I would like to talk about how to correctly formulate a goal in job search. Effectively defining your goal helps you focus on what truly matters. Here are 5 key steps:
1️⃣ Identify Your Field of Interest:
This is the first and crucial step in formulating the goal of your job search. Think about which industries or fields of work interest you the most. It could be IT, marketing, education, or something else. It’s important that the field you choose aligns with your interests and life values. Remember that working in a favorite field enhances motivation and job satisfaction.
2️⃣ Develop specific criteria:
Specify what exactly you are looking for in a job. It could be a specific salary level, opportunities for career growth, proximity to home, a flexible schedule, or a friendly work environment. Clearly formulated criteria will help you quickly filter out unsuitable job positions and focus on those that truly meet your requirements.
3️⃣ Take into account your skills and hobbies:
Conduct an analysis of your professional skills and personal interests. This will help you understand which types of activities may be most interesting to you and in which areas you can excel. For example, if you enjoy interacting with people and have good communication skills, you might consider a job in sales or customer service.
4️⃣ Define short-term and long-term goals:
Break down the process of achieving your main goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Short-term goals may include updating your resume, acquiring the required skills, and searching for and applying to job vacancies. Long-term goals could involve reaching a specific position or income level. This will help you stay motivated and have a clear view of your progress.
5️⃣ Use the SMART methodology:
Applying this methodology will help you formulate realistic and achievable goals. Your goal should be specific (define exactly what you want to achieve), measurable (how you will assess success), achievable (is the goal realistic given your resources and constraints), relevant (is the goal meaningful to you), and time-bound (set deadlines for achieving the goal). For example, your goal could sound like this: “Secure a position as a marketer within the next three months with a salary increase of at least 15%.”
Formulate your goal clearly and specifically, and your job search steps will be more confident and focused. Get ready for new opportunities!