If you’re like me, looking for a job is outside your comfort zone. Either we’ve been in school and are looking for our first internship or full-time role, or we’ve been working and we’re on the hunt for our next role. Preparing for job search was not likely one of your responsibilities before you started searching for a job. Where to start?

Start at Step One! Step One of the Q2 Qualified Candidate Framework, that is. You might guess the first step to becoming a qualified candidate is to get your resume in order, but there’s a critical step that comes before. With this step you can update your resume and network effectively. This step is Get Specific.

Step One: Get Specific

You are the type of person that takes action. If there is a challenge that you haven’t encountered before – like finding a new role – you dive in and start learning. You search for tips on updating your resume and on interviewing. You pore over job postings, looking for one that’s…that’s what? What are you looking for?

Although you are inclined to action in the form of research and putting that research to use, you need to intentionally set time aside to think. If you’ve already had a role or two, reflect on what you have liked about those roles and what you haven’t. Do you want a similar role, a role with slightly different responsibilities, or an entirely new role? Same industry? Do you want to use the same skills you have been using or do you want to find a role where you can showcase other skills and talents you have? Do you want to leverage the same knowledge or add value another way?

If you are a student looking for an internship or your first full-time role, reflect on your projects and subjects you studied. What do you want to learn more about? Internships expose you to what it’s like to work in an organization. You may want to explore an internship focusing on your major or a subject you’ve been studying. Or, you may want to look for an internship in an industry that has sparked your interest.

For the professional and student, what outside of applied skills is important to you? Expanding your responsibilities? Growth? Security? Mentorship? Benefits? Location? Travel? Team size? Values that align with your values? A compatible culture? Consider all aspects of a role.

Benefits of Getting Specific

  • We don’t always have the luxury of choosing a role that’s an exact match. We can, however, know what we’re looking for in the first place so if there is a close match, we’ll be able to spot it!
  • When people ask, “What are you looking for?” you’ll have a great answer! And when you are confident in your answer (i.e. not thinking in the moment) you’ll present the role you are looking for with excitement. The people you are talking to will definitely pick up on your energy and will get excited for you! They will want to help you because you made them feel energized.
  • Knowing what you are looking for in a role will help you to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. You’ll be able to think of examples and information that support your claim that you’ll be a great fit for the role you are looking for.

Consider ‘Thinking’ an Action

If you are hesitant to set aside time to think about what specifically you want in your next role, consider ‘thinking’ an action! I know, it’s a bit of a trick, but being able to articulate what you want in a role is critical to finding a role that’s a good fit for you.

Even if you are not actively looking for a role, give this a try! Reflect on your current role and where you might like to go next. Never hurts to be prepared.