A Six-Step Formula for Finding Employment

The education system in South Africa – both secondary and tertiary provides little guidance or insight into the process involved in finding suitable employment. Most of us adopt a scattered and silo-based approach – putting together what is usually a poor-quality CV and thinking that a few isolated applications will result in a response. Once the realization sets in that this has no result whatsoever, the result is despondency and de-motivation, which further immobilizes the individual concerned. Worse still advice offered by friends and family is of little use in clarifying the right technical approach to finding a suitable role. Succeeding in the quest for a satisfying means of making a living requires an integrated and holistic approach.

Herewith are six coaching steps to achieve satisfying results

Step One: Build on Yourself

As with most areas, the initial starting point involves working on yourself. If you think of it this

makes sense, for it is yourself that you are marketing. For most job seekers, the complete

vacuum experienced after having made a few initial attempts at applying for a job has resulted in a feeling of helplessness, fear and dread. It is important to consciously move out of this mode and to start creating your own career future. Before you start, re-assess your identity and purpose. What is important to you? Also critical is work on self-worth and self- belief. If you cannot believe in your own value add in a work context, how can a prospective employer or client be expected to do so? Start by setting some clear goals and a draft action plan to achieve these.

Step Two: Conduct an Objective Assessment of Your Skills and Qualifications

Look realistically at your qualifications or training, make a list of your core technical and

behavioural skills, summarize your experience or consider your lack of it and start

contemplating possible options. Start asking yourself some career related questions. What do you enjoy doing? Where could you build?

Step Three: Work on Job Market and Bigger Picture Understanding

Start realistically analysing your possible career options. Study advert s in your field and take note of technical requirements. Look at gaps and plan or consolidate as required. Look at a short course or even some voluntary work on a part time basis which might enhance your skills set and employability.

Step Four: Decide on Options

Having built your awareness, the next step is to match your skills, likes, and dislikes to possible options. As you do this, it is likely that more than one formal or entrepeneurial option will emerge. This is positive as flexibility and back up planning are both valuable tools in a career context. In an insecure and fast changing job market, it is advisable to have a Plan A as well as a Plan B and to work at both of these simultaneously.

Step Five: Prepare Accordingly

The bottom line is that you are marketing yourself, thus appropriate techniques are required.

Commence by researching and recording contact lists, which might include recruitment agencies, networks and referrals. Once you have ascertained who can be proactively contacted by you, set about drafting suitable career documentation as per your individual needs . Remember that you are doing this both for Plan A as well as Plan B for each will require different documents. A CV or Professional Profile should highlight your overview expertise and skills in a Profile Comment. If you are planning on working for yourself ensure that you draft a detailed Business Plan. Also, have a professionally drafted service offerings list. It is also necessary to prepare for potential interviews or meetings.

Step Six: Get out There

Having done some thorough groundwork, you are now ready to get out there. Finalize your contact options and start proactively making contact with the right people. Utilize referrals, network, engage face-to-face and follow up with appropriate documentation. Do this in a structured and systematic way, allocating daily time for this and keeping note of what was said and done. Follow through, persist and most importantly believe that you deserve a wonderful career and that given your focus and application this is going to happen for you.

A Career Coach, Jennifer Ritchie specializes in ensuring employment solutions and career success. She can be contacted on 084 5112258.