subject: How to do a qualified job search [print this page] How to do a qualified job search How to do a qualified job search
What is the most important thing to consider when you are looking for a job? Your target must be very clear.
What do people who have succeeded in their professional career have in common? They always have 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 the kind of positions you are interested in and would also fit your profile:
You can start by writing down your career objectives: where are you at this moment and what position you want to reach in the long term.
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 in jobs that match your expectations and you are interested in, and jobs that you would no longer consider.
Be honest with yourself and realistic, 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.
Once you have a clear set of career goals:
Ensure that you have created a professional and strong CV for each application (you can read our other articles about CV writing tips for guidance).
Follow the application procedures. There are some differences between job sites. Invest time to research the best way to apply for each site and company: if only a CV is needed; or CV plus cover letter; or video, etc.
Use the wide range of search options that job boards search provide to find the positions that suit you best. Invest time to study the websites work, which will help you 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).
Sit down and read carefully the job advert of interest. Analyze it and study well the function of this position and the key requirements. 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.
Do not apply to jobs indiscriminately. Although it might sounds obvious, many people do so as they think that the more applications they send the more responses they will get. In finance and banking it is not about the quantity, but about quality.
Do not be lazy and use the same CV and cover letter for each application. You are going to spend probably a minimum of 8 working hours at your job; shouldn't you invest a good amount of time searching for the right opportunity?
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.
