How I found my dream job... by taking my own advice!

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post recommending a different approach to job-hunting during the traditionally quiet month of December. Here's the original post.

I defined seven steps to follow, and then I posted it on LinkedIn, and a couple of other places. When I looked at it though, I realized that it was up to me to prove that the process I was recommending actually worked. So, I did. And… it did. Seriously.

Here is what I did to find my dream job in January as CEO of Pakistan's most innovative and exciting Media Agency. The 100+ fire-breathers in the selfie are the amazing team I am working with. I should point out that some of the steps I took actually take longer than a month to implement, but as luck (or good planning!) would have it, they all came together in December.

Here are the Seven Steps to (Job-Hunting) Success that helped me to maximize the chances of finding a great new role this January, and what I actually did.

1) Define 2017 goals (I did this early in 2016)

These are New Year Resolutions that I intended to keep, because I made them for myself – I tracked them and tried to make them a part of my life.

a.   Personal goals:

1.   I started yoga in 2015, and I continued in 2016. I will try to be even more regular in 2017. Yoga is great for physical, mental and spiritual balance, and it literally changed my life. I also try to hit the gym 2-3 times a week, just for a change. I am nowhere near as fit as I need to be, but I’m trying.

2.   I started learning Arabic through an online course because I live in the Arab world. Wherever you live though, take on a language that interests you. It is the fastest way to learn about a new culture and make new friends. There are now studies showing that people that speak more than one language have more brain synapses etc. than people who are unilingual. It literally makes you smarter and it’s easier than you think.

3.   I started motorcycling to work in 2015. What started as a logistics experiment became a way of life. Ask me how I ride to work in fifty degree Celsius. The answer is – if it’s a choice between riding in an oven for 25 minutes, or sitting in an air-conditioned car for 2 hours, I choose to make myself uncomfortable, because there is no growth without discomfort. I bring in a weeks’ worth of clothes to work on Saturday, and am fortunate to have access to shower facilities in the gym next door, so it works out. Takes work, but it frees up an INCREDIBLE amount of time for creative projects and personal development.

b.   Professional objectives: 

1.   I continued to build my personal brand. (Shameless plug warning!) I reread my own book - Building Brand YOU! on Amazon. It is a short book, but I need to continue to think of myself in brand terms. So do you. Once you learn to differentiate yourself, you will have far less competition in a crowded market, and you will be able to answer the infamous interview question (“why should I hire you?”) with confidence and panache. If you need help in understanding how to implement the many exercises in the book, feel free to let me know and I will do my best to help. I do know that every time I do the exercises, I’m happy to note that my personal brand continues to evolve!

2.   I developed a new skill. I took a six-month Social Media Marketing course from Coursera.org. I took the paid version because I wanted to add certifications to my LinkedIn profile but the courses are also available as free versions. So, look at where you want to go and skill up accordingly. No one else is going to do it for you. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, and back in to learning mode.

3.   I got feedback. I sought out feedback from my boss, co-workers, and team members. Some of it was painful, but most of it was positive and inspired me to try to become a better version of myself. I thanked them for their feedback, and put in to action whatever I could, as quickly as I could.

c.   Financial planning:

I’m not going to lecture you on how to ensure that you build saving into your goals for 2017. I have set a personal savings target of 10% of my monthly salary and in going through this exercise, I came to an unfortunate realization. It became clear that despite living frugally, I was simply unable to achieve my savings goals in the UAE. So I started looking for a job elsewhere, and I got lucky. Sometimes, clear goals help make decision-making easy, so don’t be afraid. Let your goals dictate your actions. That’s the way it should be!

2) I reviewed and strengthened my LinkedIn profile

I cleaned up my profile, and continued building my connections selectively. In the last one year, I have added about 1000 connections, but I have declined double that number. I also post as frequently as possible on LinkedIn, and my focus is on writing content that people will find useful. Posting keeps you visible, but in a good way. You position yourself as a thought leader, and people want to engage with you. Of course, what you write should have some merit, and be focused on solving a problem, providing information or otherwise add to the reader’s life; otherwise, your posts will not do you any service.

3) I updated my CV and created a visual CV

I invested time and energy into making a powerful door opener. When you have been working for a while, and you have different geographies, industries, etc. in your CV that readers might struggle to grasp easily, a visual CV is a good idea. I worked with an agency that helped me to develop an infographic-style CV that I used as a complement to my detailed word CV. If you are seeking a senior role, this is something worth investigating.  

4 & 5) I updated my contact list & started networking with purpose

I went through my phone and e-mail lists, and sent out Season’s Greetings to everyone. I asked for meetings, and then followed through. Sometimes, even good friends need to know what you can do professionally. At the same time, I try to help as many people as I can, without an agenda. I believe that the prayers of someone that you helped without asking for anything in return can open doors for you... I think they might have in my case. I’ll never know, but I will never stop helping people.

6) I got in front of recruiters

December is a relatively quiet month, so many recruiters took the time to meet me. Thank you to all the great recruiters out there, the ones that actually give a hoot about their candidates. It is a pleasure knowing you, and working with you. And if the recruiters you are working with are not giving you any joy, don’t stop trying. Continue doing the above.

7) I pulled my credit report

As I get ready to leave the UAE, I want to make sure that all my affairs are in order. This is especially true for credit cards and such, so I want to make sure they are properly handled before I go. After all, I may want to come back to the UAE someday, and if do, I really don’t want a messed up credit history causing problems for me then.  

I was lucky, there is no doubt. But by preparing hard, building your brand, adding new skills and setting realistic goals, you increase the odds of success! I hope you find the job of your dreams in 2017 – it is going to be an amazing year inshaAllah!

Good luck, and God Speed!

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If you would like to build your personal brand as discussed above, please feel free to order Omar's short but very interesting book on Amazon available here : https://bit.ly/BuildingBrandYOU