How to find a job you love in 13 steps

6. What are some organizations you'd like to work for?

Keeping the research on Business Builders and Entrepreneurs in mind, it's time to make a shortlist of the types of companies you'd like to work for.

If you feel more aligned with the scrappy, rule-breaking entrepreneurial mindset, make a list of start-ups you'd like to work for. If you're more interested in stable, steady long-term growth – well-established companies are more likely to be your cup of tea.

Or maybe your ideal organization is making a difference in the world in meaningful ways – helping wildlife, and vulnerable people or reversing climate change, for example. Sometimes it’s the impact a company is striving to make that motivates you to want to play a part.

Once you have your list, check out company reviews for each to make sure that the employee experiences are aligned with your needs and values.

7. Which career suits your personality traits?

Another important consideration for career aptitude is your personality traits, and what kind of role suits your personality. But with so many facets of personality, which do you focus on and how does it relate to your career? This is where the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) becomes a valuable tool.

First developed in the 1940s, the MBTI has long been used as a tool to determine job suitability. The test measures personality along four dimensions:

Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
Perceiving (P) vs. Judging (J)

Your personality type is any combination of these traits. For example, if you're extraverted, intuitive, a thinker, and a perceiver, you are an ENTP. Find out more about the best workplace personality tests.

8. How can I build my network?

With the right people in your network, getting a head start in your ideal career will be much easier. But what if the contacts you have in your field are limited?

Here are some ideas on how to build your network using LinkedIn:

Attend events and webinars
There are countless online events where you can (virtually) rub shoulders with people in the industry or profession you're vying to join.

Reach out and connect
Connecting with people who share your career goals, or are already working in the field you want to get into is a great start. Another strategy is to connect with recruitment companies that hire for the kinds of jobs you're looking for. If you can forge a strong connection with a recruiter, they'll keep you in the loop for upcoming job openings in relevant industries.

Join and engage with LinkedIn groups
LinkedIn groups are a fantastic way to build your network in the field you're looking to get into. They're also a great place to learn about industry trends, ask for career advice, or connect with people. Contribute relevant ideas or advice if you can, and ask questions that might help you in your career journey.

Optimize your profile
Make sure you have a current professional headshot and a compelling bio that outlines your experiences, skills, value, and achievements. If you're able, be sure to add an #Opentowork frame on your profile picture to let recruiters know you're ready to work.

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9. How can I build my resume or CV?

According to an eye-tracking study, hiring managers look at resumes for as little as 7.4 seconds on average before moving on to the next application². If you want to make an impression, you need to make sure those 7.4 seconds count.

Here are some tips for building a resume that will get you noticed:

Keep it simple
When it comes to getting your resume noticed, you need to be clear and concise. Opt for bullet points instead of paragraphs. Focus on what will make an impact, and leave the rest out. Get inspirations from innovative resume examples and tailor your resume to the specific job description.

Tailor it to the role or company
Instead of sending off the same resume, tailor it to the role, or the company that you're applying for. List your skills, relevant experiences, and achievements that match the job requirements in the listing.

Lead with your accomplishments
Instead of just listing your previous roles and job descriptions, it's always a good idea to lead with your achievements. Remember, the reader has likely read hundreds of job applications from applicants who've worked in the same types of roles. What they're looking for, and what will set you apart, is the impact you've made.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
ATS are becoming more common as a way to screen resumes for relevant keywords. Always include industry-specific keywords and phrases that align with the job description.

10. How can I prepare for interviews?

So, you've covered all bases, applied for positions and the replies are rolling in. To make sure you nail your interviews, here are some things you should do to prepare

Research common interview questions
A basic search on Google will yield plenty of results that point you in the right direction. Knowing what interviewers are likely to ask in advance gives you time to plan your answers.

Do solid background research
Becoming a fountain of knowledge on the company's culture, mission, products or services is sure to set you apart. Head over to their website to spend some time steeping yourself in the company's history and to make sure you understand their services and core values.

Prepare questions
Show your interest in the role by preparing a list of considered questions to ask the interviewer. These may be about the company culture or the products or services on offer, or help you get a clearer picture of what the role entails.

Practice, practice, practice
Choose a friend or family member to play the role of interviewer, and do a few rounds of practice questions. Endeavor to dazzle them with your knowledge, ask poignant questions, and answer all questions with confidence and ease. Didn’t nail it the first time? Try again until you feel confident you can tackle the interview with relative ease.

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11. How can I mentally and physically prepare for my job search?

One of the hardest things about job hunting is just how physically and mentally taxing it can be. Scrolling through job boards to find the types of roles you're looking for and receiving rejection can take its toll. You need to be at your best to make it through the hiring process, so taking care of yourself during this time is crucial to your success.

Here is what we recommend to give yourself the TLC you need during your job search.

Positive affirmations
Reading through lengthy job descriptions for jobs that you want but are above your level of experience can play havoc with your confidence.

“Can I really do that?” you might ask yourself. This is where you need to remind yourself of the achievements, talent, and value you can bring to the table.

‍Look after your health and wellbeing
If you're not working full-time, it can be very easy to let your physical health habits and wellbeing slip. Without a solid routine, it's not hard to start sleeping in, scrolling too much on your phone, or skipping your workouts. Learning the science of forming good habits will serve you through the job search phase and set you up for success once you've landed the role.

Stay positive, but be realistic
While you're looking for jobs, it's good to stay optimistic, but be ready for disappointment. You might get lucky, but the chances are that you'll come across many rejections and failures along the way. Just remember that you only need one yes. Once you get it, all of the no's won't matter.

12. How can I build my personal brand?

In the era we're living in, landing a sought-after position requires more than a laundry list of skills, experiences, or qualifications. To land the job opportunity you want, you need to position yourself as a brand.

Gone are the days when branding was something that only companies did. In today's job market, building a personal brand is equally important for job seekers.

Here's how:

Define your unique value proposition (USP)
Your USP is a short sentence or statement that neatly summarises your strengths, skills, and unique qualities. For example, FedEx's USP is:

’When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.’

The statement clearly distinguishes FedEx from its competitors, demonstrating what it does differently, and the value you can only get from FedEx.

Your USP is similar to, but slightly different from your personal brand statement.

Craft a compelling personal brand statementA brand statement is a few sentences that capture the essence of your brand. While a USP focuses on the key features of what you do, a personal brand statement is more about your core values and mission. If you've already defined your purpose, this is a great place to put it.

Position yourself as a thought leader
Create or share insightful content to position yourself as an industry thought leader. Offer valuable insights, opinions, and expertise to establish yourself as a go-to resource. If you're already using LinkedIn, this is the best place to share thought leadership content.

13. How to negotiate your salary

Lastly, you need to make sure that your dream role is going to pay you your worth. Even if you're passionate about the role, you still have to be compensated with an accurate salary that matches your value.

Research the salary range
Research the average salary range for similar positions in your industry. Websites like Glassdoor can provide valuable salary data that will point you in the right direction. This information will help you set your expectations for what is realistic.

Set your desired salary range
Set a clear minimum and maximum salary range based on your research and personal needs. Be flexible, but have a bottom line that aligns with your financial goals and the value you bring to the role.

Be prepared to compromise
If the salary is less than your desired range, it always pays to keep an open mind and consider other benefits on offer. Equity, bonuses, flexibility or professional development opportunities can be just as, if not more valuable, than a higher salary.