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How to Find the Right Job for You

The right job is not just one you’re good at, but one that you enjoy and that supplements your life well. Here are some useful tips from Placed for finding that awesome next gig!


Let’s face it.. job hunting is tricky. Whether you have an idea of what you’d like to do, or no idea at all, it can be hard to navigate the job market. 


What’s most important is to find a job that’s a good fit for where you are in your career, and where you are heading in the future. While this can be daunting, thankfully there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and more clear.


Consider how your job will fit into your life


One of the most crucial things to consider first is how your job will fit into your lifestyle. Are you studying and therefore in need of something part-time? Are you looking for more casual work, or hoping to kickstart your career? Take time to consider where you are currently in life and what you want to get out of your job.


Once you’re clear on the type of work that will suit your life, you’ll be in a stronger position to effectively hunt for a job that’s right for you.

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Analyse your skills


If you are finding it difficult to hone in on some potential roles or industries, first consider your skills.


Look hard at your skills, particularly those acquired outside work. What do you do well? What would you say you’re proud of your ability in? Ensure you have plenty of up-to-date evidence of any skills development such as courses taken or events attended, as well as any voluntary activities you’ve done.


And remember, these don’t just have to be hard skills such as technical knowledge or management skills, they can be soft skills such as great communication, excellent organisation and teamwork.


Work out your motivations and dealbreakers


Sometimes we can be so swept up in the idea of landing a job that we forget to focus on what we actually want. A job isn’t just about working hard, it’s about enjoying what you’re doing, learning and experiencing new things – even if you’re just after a casual gig. Remember that while this may not be your job for life, it could be a great stepping stone into your future career.


To help you work out what’s best for you, start by creating a list of things you enjoy and that motivate you. What environment do you thrive in? Do you feel most happy when you’re collaborating with others in a team, or do you feel better focusing independently? Do you enjoy helping customers, or are you motivated by reaching targets and goals?


It’s equally important to also consider what you don’t enjoy so much. What are your dealbreakers? Do you hate commuting? Does working late nights drain you? Do you dislike rigid work hours?


With these in mind, you can narrow your search down to jobs that fit these criteria, and become closer to finding a role that’s perfect for you.

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Don’t jump into the first opportunity


It’s easy to get excited over the first job that comes your way, and of course you should – it’s a great achievement when opportunity comes knocking! However, it’s important to be confident in your job choice before diving in. Even if you’re simply looking for casual work, a job that you don’t enjoy will wear thin quicker than you might expect, and then you’ll end up having to start a job search all over again.


So, ensure you’ve followed the steps above and taken some time to do your research. Pick a couple job ideas and look online for what current or past employees say about their work. If you know anyone in the industry, speak to them first to get a feel of what they love most about their work and see if it resonates with you.


And importantly, if an offer comes your way, research the company first! You can find out a lot about a company’s culture on their website or social media pages. On the Placed app, you can even browse and follow brands to see testimonials, images and videos and even take quizzes to learn more on whether it’s a good fit for you.