Strategies for Productive Career Pursuits | ProductiveandFree

As a first-time job seeker, finding a job you like may seem impossible. However, even the most overwhelming task can be accomplished with a strategy and a plan for staying productive during your search. This guide will provide tips for finding meaningful work, applying to and preparing for job interviews, and remaining productive and engaged throughout the process.

Search For Meaningful Work

Everyone wants to find a job they truly enjoy and look forward to every day. The good news is that finding a position that leaves you fulfilled is possible and searching for a job you’ll enjoy could help you to be more productive since you’ll be excited about the mission at hand.

The first step is to think about the type of work that’s meaningful to you. What do you enjoy the most? For example, if it’s being creative with painting or drawing, maybe a graphic design career would fit the bill. Perhaps you’re looking for a job that will allow you to see the world, but you don’t know what type of position that would be. In that case, you could research jobs at companies that offer more vacation time so you have a chance to get away.

If you want to do something you love but are unsure what you’re most passionate about, ask someone who knows you well what you’re good at, and you might get some ideas. One of the best ways to find a job that suits you is to network and talk with people you know. You may have people close to you who have the same interests. Ask about their job and if they’re hiring. If they are, ask if they can put in a good word for you. You can also network online by finding groups on Facebook or LinkedIn and then mentioning that you’re looking for a job and see what comes up.

If you are interested in several different career fields but are unsure where to commit, see if the companies offer internships. Working as a temp or intern is a great way to see how the job operates and potentially get your foot in the door.

Steps To Take When Applying For Jobs

Applying For Jobs | ProductiveandFree — Unsplash

Once you learn about the career path you’d like to take, it’s time to start applying for jobs. You can find applicable positions by going online and visiting job sites like Monster and CareerBuilder. If you know about a particular company that’s hiring, you can also check its website for open positions.

When applying for your first job, the next step is to create your resume and cover letter. Your resume will likely be short when you’re first starting, but that’s okay. By making it brief, employers will easily see your best credentials.

For the greatest chance of success, model your resume and cover letter to the job you’re trying to get. If you have skills specific to a position, list those first. In your cover letter, mention that you’re looking for a job in that area and why you’re the best fit. If you don’t have any relatable job experience, focus on the skills and knowledge you learned in school, which could be enough to impress potential employers.

When you get an interview, make sure you leave early so you arrive on time. You should also research commonly asked interview questions before you go and prepare your answers. Finally, make sure that you dress for success. Wear a shirt and tie or a professional blouse. The idea is to look like you’re excited about the position and that you take the opportunity seriously.

Stay Productive

Unless you get the position you want right away, you’ll likely need to stay busy and send out applications for various jobs. It’s possible that you won’t get a job in the first week or month, but you must stick to it. The best way to get the desired result is to have a system.

There are many ways that you can be more productive and stay the course. Start with proper organization. Keep your resumes and cover letters in a specific folder on your computer. Create a routine for updating talking points on your resume for each new job. Set reminders on your phone to apply to jobs and follow up with applications you've submitted.

Your mental and physical wellness is also necessary when you’re trying to stay productive. If you don’t care for your well-being, you could get stressed, making the whole process harder. Start by ensuring that you prioritize sleep so you can wake up physically and mentally refreshed so you can send out resumes and nail your interviews. Also, schedule workout time in the morning and eat right throughout the day so you can stay in tip-top shape and feel better overall. By creating a structure now, you’ll be ready to keep that same mind frame and handle new tasks when you get your job.

Conclusion

You likely won’t find your dream job on day one, but don’t give up. Remember that you are your habits. There are many famous quotes that you can keep in mind during your job search, like “habit and routine are more effective than motivation” and “believing in yourself is the first secret to success.” Put your best foot forward and consider the tips shared here, and you’ll get the chance to find a job and achieve career success.

Katie Brenneman

Katie is a passionate writer specializing in time management, marketing, and education-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.