8 Ways To Get A Better Job

If you don’t enjoy your current job, there is no reason why you should stick with it. It doesn’t matter how long you spent training for it, how much money you spent to get there, what success you’ve had, or even what friends you have made along the way; if you dislike getting up each morning and making your way in, you have a problem. The good news is that you can fix the problem by getting a different, better job. Here are some of the ways to go about doing exactly that.

Write A Compelling Resume

Writing a resume is not something that many people particularly enjoy doing, but it is essential if you want to find a new job that you’re going to love. It’s not enough just to list the things you have done, the places you have worked, and all your qualifications. Instead, you need to make it stand out. Your resume is your way to secure an interview, and if yours isn’t interesting, then your chances of that happening are slim, especially if there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of applicants for the job. You can use online tools to help you make something a bit more special. Remember not to go crazy using different fonts and colors – you need to look professional.

Look In Different Places

Finding the right job to apply for is something that might take you a little while, but it’s worth putting in the hard work to find the right new career for you. Although the more popular job boards are great (those such as Indeed and Craigslist, for example), it might be better for you to look at the less obvious ones if you want to find a job posting that won’t have many applicants. It’s also a quicker way to go about things, as they will have fewer postings and that means you won’t have to search through dozens of jobs that are no good for you before finding one where you can apply. Don’t forget to check out job listings provided to alumni of your college too, even if it’s been years since you graduated.

Try The Company Not The Job

If you’re not picky about what job role you fulfill but you do know which company you want to work for, search through their open postings. You might spot something that you’re qualified for that will get you in with that company, to begin with. If you get the job, you can then work towards a different position over time if that’s what you want. Or why not simply reach out and ask the company or companies you’re interested in working for whether or not they might consider hiring you. You might even find interest in companies that are just starting out. These startups hiring for engineers might turn into the next Facebook or Apple, and your expertise in the field will be of great value to them. You can send in a speculative cover letter and resume just to see what might happen.

Learn New Skills

If you feel your resume is lacking in something or you have seen a job posting that you are keen to apply for, but you are missing one of the key skills, make it your mission to learn something new before applying for anything else. Having additional skills is another way to make your resume stand out, plus it can be truly useful for your new job. Knowing common French verbs or how to program or a business qualification can boost your chances of success, find you the ideal job, and keep your brain active even when you’re bored in your current place of work.

Make The Interview Count

Once you have got as far as being asked to come in for an interview you need to make sure you make it count. Always dress appropriately. However, this does not mean that you have to wear your most formal attire and shoes you would never wear anywhere else; you need to be comfortable to help you to make a good impression. It does mean that you need to dress smartly, make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, and make sure your shoes are not muddy or scuffed. These little things can make a big difference, even if it’s subconsciously. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask. It shows that you’re thinking ahead and that you want to do well.

Understand Body Language

Having at least a basic understanding of how to read body language can help you out in an interview and will certainly give you an idea of how well you are doing. It’s essential that you show that you are a pleasant, charming person from the outset as first impressions do count for a lot. If you understand body language, you can avoid doing anything negative that might affect your chances of being liked. Try not to keep touching your face, for example, or playing with your hair or nails. Don’t bounce your legs up and down. Don’t slouch, but don’t sit up too straight either. You need to come across as professional and comfortable with the people you’re with, and where you are.

Practice

There will be some questions you are asked in your interview that you can practice beforehand. If you already know your answers, you will come across as calm and confident, as someone who can think on their feet. Even if it does sound rehearsed, don’t worry; this can show that you have done your research and that you are serious about doing well. You might be asked questions such as what your greatest weakness is, where you see yourself in five years, or what attributes you can bring to the company. These questions (and others) don’t have a right or wrong answer as such, they just need to be answered as cleverly, confidently, and truthfully as possible.

Don’t Leave Angry

When you do get your new job, it can be tempting to walk away from your old one and burn your bridges behind you, especially if you truly disliked the place, the job, or the people there. However, this is not a good idea, no matter how satisfying it might be. You never know when you might come across that company again in a different setting; you never know when you might need to work with them, or need their help. Leave on good terms and life will be much easier further on. Even if you never see anyone from that company again, and even if you never need to call on their services, leaving on good terms will keep you focused and happy.

Thank to JP