Keep yourself while hunting proficient job

One of the hardest things to swallow while job-hunting is getting rejected, yet rejections are part and parcel of the job search and happen more often than you think. So, what to do when your search has stretched for what seems like an eternity and your confidence has taken a thorough beating? Here, expert suggestions for keeping sunshiny when the going gets rough.

1. Accept that rejection is a normal part of life. Instead of giving in to defeat, seek out the lessons from your experience (including any mistakes you might have made) and use them to make yourself a stronger, better person.
2. The rejection does not reflect who you are. Even the best candidates have experienced being turned down, sometimes for the most inexplicable or flimsy reasons. If you’ve done your best, there is no need to be ashamed of your job-search scars.
3. Be realistic. Expect that your job search won’t be a walk in the park. On average, job searches can take from four months to one year.
4. Don’t quit. It’s so compelling to give up and slink into some dark corner after a major letdown. But to produce results, it’s better to lose yourself in positive action than wallow in self-pity.
5. Say thanks. No matter how miserable you feel, send a gracious thank-you note to the employer. Who knows? A new opportunity may just come up for you with the same company in the future.
6. Take care of yourself. Fight the urge to punish yourself for your “failure.” Instead, make an effort to look good, to exercise, to eat well and to have adequate rest. You need to be in tip-top shape for what lies ahead.
7. Get a volunteer or part-time job. This will accomplish three things: Keep you busy, sharpen your skills and widen your network. With part-time work, you’ll have some earnings to help tide you over till you find a real job.
8. Be frugal. Don’t go through your savings as though you’re sure to find a job tomorrow. Brace yourself for the possibility of an extended period of unemployment by cutting your expenses, gimiks-even the number of credit cards you have.
9. Avoid negative people. Choose friends who are optimistic, forward-looking and supportive to inspire and encourage you. Negative people will only reinforce and affirm your greatest fears.
10. Count your blessings. Look at the positive side of life. List down all the things you should be grateful for-from good health to a supportive partner. Focus on your blessings and you’re sure to shake those blues away.

Get your dream job

Job satisfaction is a hot topic at the moment and according to recruiting experts Hays there are many people now actively looking for their dream job.

“Over the years I’ve heard many people talking about finding their dream job. Most candidates however have no idea what their dream job is, let alone how to find it,” says Chris Mead, General Manager of Hays in Singapore.

Chris says there are no quick or easy answers but there are a few things you can do to help you find your way.

List your skills: “You need to think of the big picture and consider not only what professional experience you have, but also your talents and your hobbies. List the things you are good at and highlight those you enjoy doing.”

Describe your personality: “To help you determine what type of career you are best suited for, think about your personality traits. Are you meticulous with an eye for detail or are you strategic with a big picture view? Do you enjoy working in a team or do you prefer to work on your own?”

List your priorities: “List what is most important to you in your career and your values. For example, are you looking for a career that challenges and rewards you? Should it be something you are passionate about and inspired by? Is money more important to you than work/life balance?”

Identify what your dream job isn’t: “Here you should not only think about what type of roles but also what things you are not willing to compromise on, such as hours worked, pay and location. Consider also your values in this context; for example your dream job wouldn’t undermine your values or take you away from the things that are important to you in life.”

Define your dream job: “The next step is to develop a loose description of your dream job.” Chris suggests you start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Who/what would you like to work with?
   
2. Where do you want to work?
   
3. What type of tasks do you want to work on?
   
4. What type of work will make you truly happy? This could be anything from working with animals to working with computers.
   

“Collating this information will provide you with a synopsis of who you are and will help you determine your dream job.”

Plan to snag your dream job: “Once you know what your dream job is, you just need to develop a plan to get it,” says Chris. He suggests you:

• Research the industry as well as the knowledge and skills you will need.
  
• Network and get to know people in the industry. Not only will this help you get a better understanding of the industry and if you like it, but it will put you in contact with potential employers.
  
• Take action. If you don’t already have the skills, how do you get them? Will you need training? Maybe you just need to update your resume to highlight a different skill set you already have.
  

Chris knows the value of snagging your dream job. “At Hays we work with thousands of people every day to connect them with the right job, which can transform their life for the better.”