When it comes time to find a new job, you can’t just apply to anything that tickles your fancy; you need to find options that match your current skill set. But how do you manage a search with that in mind? By using the right methods.
Depending on where you are in your career and what you’re hoping to do in your next position, this process may be fairly intuitive. However, if you are looking to head off in a slightly different direction, you might not know exactly where to begin. To help you manage the process, here are some tips to help you locate a job that matches your skill set.
Evaluate Your Core Skills
The first step you need to take is to analyze what you have to offer. Often, the easiest way to do this is to list your core skills on paper. Include anything you feel confident in using on a daily basis, and don’t forget to record soft skills as well as hard skills during your evaluation.
This exercise is designed to help you understand what your current skill set includes. If you need help, review your latest job description or resume for guidance. If you’ve recently completed additional education or training, reference those details to fill out your list.
The length of the list isn’t particularly important. You just want to be honest about what you know, so you can match it to job openings.
Search Using Skill-Oriented Keywords
Now that you have a list of core competencies, you can begin searching using keywords selected from the included skills. Start with those you enjoy most and hope to use in your next job. As you begin sorting through the results, review the other skills the employers require and see if it is a match.
If a competency can go by multiple names or be referenced as an acronym, don’t be afraid to run the search using the variations. You also don’t have to limit your search to one skill. Focus on your top few preferred capabilities and see what shows up in the results.
By taking a skills-based approach instead of focusing on job titles, you may find more options than you would otherwise. In many cases, titles vary from one business to the next, so focusing on those designations may lead you to miss out on opportunities. Skill-oriented keywords are fairly universal, so you might find something interesting by concentrating on those details instead.
Work with a Recruiter
One of the simplest methods to see how your skills translate into new opportunities is to work with a skilled recruiter. Often, they have an idea of where a particular skill set can fit within organizations and may be able to connect you to opportunities you’d otherwise miss. Typically, they can help you assess your core competencies as well, helping you identify what you bring to the table.
Are you looking for a new IT job?
If you are interested in working with a talented recruiter during your search, the team at Resolution Technologies can help you find the right match for your skill set. Contact us today to see how working with a professional recruitment firm can help you reach your goals.
