Landing the right job!

Become your best self, build resilience, identify your skills, and communicate them

Landing the right job is a process of self-reflection, identification of skills and talents, and communication of those to others. It can be a lengthy and difficult process, but it can lead to building a very valuable skill, resilience, as well as finding the right job.

How self-reflection can help you become your best self

To become your best self, spend some time in self-reflection and consider what brings you the most joy. Your personal purpose is what you do, and what you enjoy the most. Ask yourself: What made you happy when you were young? What comes naturally to you? What do you enjoy most about your hobbies?

It is also important to listen to feedback from others. Is the feedback you receive from others about your skills and what you do well consistent? Defining and knowing your purpose will help you find a job that makes you happy.

Landing a role that is most suited to yourself

The right role for you is the one that is most suited to you. Think about your skills, what you are good at, and what you enjoy doing. What is a skill or activity that makes you the go-to person? The right role is the one that would provide you with the opportunity to use your skills.

Another important factor you need to think about is the work environment you are looking for. Is there a specific work environment, culture, or company you want to work for? Do some research to find out more about that company and talk to people who work in the field or at that specific company about their day-to-day responsibilities and the job environment to see how you feel about them and if you can imagine yourself working there.

Make sure the qualifications for the position match your skills by understanding the requirements. Consider your transferable skills that could be used in a different way if you don’t have the exact qualifications.

Job hunting is a process, not an event

The process of job hunting can be difficult and take considerably longer than you had anticipated. Job hunting is a process, not an event. First, do yourself a favor and control your expectations about how long the job-hunting process will take. Don’t expect that you’ll find a job in two weeks because numerous surveys show that it takes on average, two to six months to find employment. Think of this as a few-month project with defined complexity, goal, and relevance. Consider yourself a project manager; since you oversee the project’s resources, the outcome is ultimately in your hands.

Network

Understand the importance of networking. Make sure to expand your professional network daily by engaging with valuable contacts and leaders on social media sites like LinkedIn. Send a message and introduce yourself. Talk openly about your career goals with friends, co-workers, and even your neighbors. You never know whose personal network might be able to connect you to individuals in the company of your interest!

Upskilling and development

Job searching involves more than just passively applying for positions; it also involves ongoing skill development. You must have a better grasp of the standard requirements and any potential skill gaps in your profile after reviewing the available job postings. To fill up the gaps, look for online classes, read industry articles to improve your business expertise, and perhaps become involved in some volunteer or internship projects to put your knowledge to use.

Articulate your skills and talents

Learning how to communicate and emphasize your skills when applying for a job can strengthen your application. Emphasize your top skills and qualities that are important for the role you are applying for by including them in various parts of your resume and cover letter. In your resume, for example, include your top skills in a professional summary and a dedicated skills section, and explain how you’ve implemented these skills at previous jobs. Then, in your cover letter, provide a more in-depth look at your skills by creating a story that illustrates the achievements you’ve realized by using them. Finally, during your interview and communication with hiring managers, use examples where you used your skills and talents to achieve something.

 

 

EY Cyprus Contact

Anna-Maria Karamallaki

Manager – People Advisory Services

EY Cyprus Advisory Services Limited

anna.maria.karamallaki@cy.ey.com