Get Clear On Your Career Goals

People who have succeeded in their professional careers have several key things in common. For starters, they have always had their career goals very clear.

Before you start submitting your CV through job boards or directly sending it to companies, you should think well about your career goals. What kind of positions you are interested in? How do they fit your profile? Not getting clear on your goals will result in applying for irrelevant positions. Additionally, you run the risk of blacklisting yourself from clients and companies for unprofessionalism and in some situations time-wasting. The right position is just around the corner.

Steps To Defining Your Career Goal

Step 1:

Start by writing down your career goals and objectives. Ask yourself: Where am I at in this moment? What position do you want to reach in the long term?

Step 2:

Make a list of the jobs that you think match your profile and define how you would add value to the corresponding department and the company. Divide this list into jobs that match your expectations and jobs that you would no longer consider.

Note: Be honest and realistic with yourself otherwise, this will not have any value. If you still have doubts, ask your colleagues and other people, who know you professionally, for their opinion. The more information you have the better the analysis and the result.

Step 3:

Ensure that you have created a professional and strong CV for each application (You can speak to anyone at CML Recruitment for advice on CV writing tips, Cover Letters and general career guidance).

Note: Follow the application procedures. There are differences between job sites and recruitment companies. Invest time researching the best way to apply for each site and company: If only a CV is needed; or a CV plus cover letter; etc. – What is the difference between a Resume and a CV?

Use the wide range of search options that job boards search provide to find the positions that suit you best. This will help you clarify your career goals and optimize your search result.

There are differences when applying directly to the hiring company, to a recruiter or when you post your CV on a job board. The key is again to know the procedures you need to follow. They are usually explained on the job advert; if they are not, follow the widely accepted standards (Use the CV that matches best the job description, and use a cover letter when it is possible).

Step 4:

Sit down and read carefully the job advert of interest. Analyze it and study well the function of this position and the key requirements. Does this job match your career goals? Additionally, your CV does not need to perfectly cover everything on the job advert but make sure that the key requirements are met. In your CV, prioritize your experience, or qualifications which add value to your application before you send it.

Note: Do not apply to jobs indiscriminately. Although it might sound obvious, many people do so, as they think that the more applications they send the more responses they will get. In all walks of life it is not about quantity, but about quality!

Step 5:

Tailor your resume to fit each job perfectly. You are going to spend probably a minimum of 8 working hours at your job per day; shouldn’t you invest a good amount of time searching for the right opportunity?

Step 6:

Finally, be patient with your applications. It may take time for HR and recruiters to read and evaluate all the applications they received. It is not necessary to spam them on a daily basis to remind them of your application. Still, a follow-up email or call is enough to confirm that your application is in process, if you do not hear back from them within 24 – 48 hours.

Get Clear On Your Dream Job

CML Recruitment has many opportunities for your career advancement. Need assistance? Contact the CML team at info@cml.ky today for a confidential conversation.