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5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Looking for a Job

Are you job seeking or about to start applying to roles? We’ve put together some essential questions to ask that will make the journey to new employment easier, smoother and more effective.


The job search can be confusing to navigate. It can feel like a maze figuring out where to begin, what to look out for and, quite frankly, whether you’re doing the right thing or not.


Thankfully there are some considerations that can simplify things for you. With these five key questions, you can carve out a practical path that will put you in a good position to successfully find the right job for you.

 

1. What are my key skills?

A seemingly simple question yet possibly the most vital. All your job search efforts should be made with this thought at the steering wheel.


It may be helpful to write down 5 key skills that you currently have. Keep the list short and straightforward. And remember, these don’t have to be from an existing job or specific work experience. Think broad – what are you really good at? Have you volunteered at an organisation before, led a group project or participated in a sports team? Consider soft skills such as ‘teamwork’, ‘attention to detail’, and ‘strong communication’, as well as hard skills such as ‘sales knowledge’, ‘customer service’ and ‘management skills’.


Once you have your list, you can use this to easily identify particular jobs that suit you. Narrow down potential jobs to those with descriptions that list your skills.


On Placed App, you can even take a discovery quiz to work out which positions might be best suited for you, and apply to relevant open positions near you.

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2. What do I really enjoy?

It may seem like an obvious one, but it’s something that is overlooked more times than people think. Many people still rush into the wrong job and regret it later down the line.


You don’t need to have your career or potential dream job figured out by any means, but having a sense of what you enjoy and going for jobs that align with your values and interests will give you more fulfilment and open up more paths than going for the first job that comes your way.


Take a moment to consider the moments you feel the most focused and content. Do you enjoy helping people? Do you find satisfaction in organising?


It’s important to also consider the environments that you find the most motivating to work in – do you prefer sociable teams or more independent work? Do you feel most comfortable in a casual or more formal setting? These are just a few useful further questions you can ask yourself.

 

3. What are my long-term and short-term goals?

While you might still be unsure on what exactly you want to pursue long-term, have a think about what goals or aspirations you currently have. You might be studying and simply looking for a convenient part-time job, or working your way up a career ladder. Or perhaps you’re uncertain and just want to build some valuable work experience. Decide what the best action is for you so you can really target your job search.


You might find it helpful to think beyond the realm of just jobs, too. You could explore the potential of doing an apprenticeship, taking a course, or volunteering abroad, for example.

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4. Have I set myself achievable job search goals?

Job seeking can be frustrating and can often feel endless. To ensure you are maximising your efforts, it’s worth considering how you are organising your job search. Have you set a goal for a number of jobs you’d like to apply for a week? Have you explored which platforms you could branch out to?


Equally, it’s important to make sure you are not burning yourself out. Put time aside for self-care, socialisation, leisure and exercise. The job search can be mentally taxing and so you want to ensure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health, which means taking breaks and having fun, too.

 

5. Who can help me in my job search?

Finally, think about how resourceful you can be. Don’t limit your job search to one platform; explore all your options! Ask yourself if you know anyone who works in or has previously worked in your industry and reach out to them. They may be able to help you get into a specific job or provide useful advice and tips. Explore using social media to discover new companies, attend events and build your online presence.


You can also try various sector specific job-search tools, such as Placed App – a recruitment app made specifically for the service sector, where you can get instantly matched with jobs that match your skills, personality and values.