I explore Management and Leadership based on my experiences, reading, and reflections. Views are personal. Sources are cited. Feedback is welcome!
ACING THAT DREAM JOB! 136, 26 Oct 2024
Today’s generation of young professionals are smart and tech-savvy. ?They are also focused on improving their skills-sets to propel themselves forward in their careers. And today, unlike two decades ago, there is a plethora of job options for them to choose from. We explore a few insights in a 10-point framework that will help ace that dream job in quicker time!
- Start looking, don’t wait till you need a new job – there’s a saying that we repair the roof when it is sunny, and we should not wait till it starts raining. Similarly looking at possible options and keeping CVs updated is an essential first step.
- Don’t depend only on Online channels – Just one click “easy application” may help us submit a CV. But it may not get proper consideration in the flood of applications. Keep a door open for referrals, headhunters as well.
- Network with purpose – Networking works only when there is a purpose and authenticity combined. If you are reaching out to a senior colleague in your domain, make sure you are prepared to engage in relevant conversation. And stay in touch over time.
- Identify top ‘dream’ companies – make a wish list of companies, it gives good direction. Then read up everything you can about them, stay updated. Build connections, engage with their content, read what ex-employees are saying about work culture.
- Build your own profile – today, what we post on social media gets noticed, especially extreme opinions. It is important to build a profile that reflects us and our core interests well. Well-drafted and relevant posts do get noticed, even if slowly.
- Skill and Will must be showcased – A good CV must highlight our Skill (domain knowledge) and Will (motivation to overcome obstacles). With iterations, it must also be presented in 1-2 pages at most, in an appealing format.
- What’s your story – The recruiter will want to know why you are looking for a new job. Avoid talking of disgruntlement in your current role. Talk of why the new job/company appeals to you, sequence it with your strengths and aspirations.
- What can you do for the organisation? – This question is more relevant for senior roles. What will be your plan for the first 90 days? First 6-months? And what do you plan to accomplish in one year? Focus on direction, not necessarily accuracy.
- Mock preparation will help – Bounce your CV off friends, seek critical feedback. Have a mock interview with your partner. Get ready for surprise questions. Record and playback to check body language, eye contact. Get comfortable through prep.
- Authenticity is important – Ultimately whatever we write, do or say, authenticity is most important. It enhances all our qualities and improves credibility. The reverse is also true. It can feel a bit uncomfortable at first but is a great catalyst for future growth.
To summarise, acing a dream ‘next level’ job requires advance preparation, focus, learning, networking and practice. These insights are not fool proof, but they will surely enhance our chances of landing one.
I hope you enjoyed reading this one and look forward to your feedback and thoughts as we build a conversation around this topic. Do let me know what you think!
Warmest regards, Krishnakumar.
General Manager - Projects | Electrical Engineering, Project Management
4 天前Very interesting indeed. Looking forward to your views for Higher level professionals having sailed through cross functional roles & having worked for 25-30 years. I am sure the journey gives an insight into a plethora of situations which enhance the knowledge of such individuals. While on the matter i would like to add that only one who is interested in learning from each experience can excel and gain knowledge. Simply working for 30 odd years doesn't help!!!!1
Mentor to budding HR Professionals, Passionate to enable People & Organizations
6 天前Krishnakumar Ramanathan, as always simple and doable steps. Also important is to mention how on has managed a break (if they have had one) to showcase growthmindset and resilience.
IIM Calcutta | Environment Enthusiast | WAGO | Ex-Siemens | Ex-Andritz
6 天前Krishnakumar Ramanathan As always reading your articles is insightful. Your art of drafting these in short & simplistic yet thought provoking way is Excellent ????
Office Manager at Siemens
1 周Very thought provoking... many areas to work..
A journey from self gratification to self fulfillment - live learning forever
3 周Great articulation and guidance KK . I wished I had known it earlier to consider a change over during my prime days. Now being late for me ??I have just shared the post with my children to help them find the dream job of their choice. ??