Job satisfaction is not measured by the amount printed on your paycheck, but by the joy you feel towards your career. Jobseekers should keep in mind that finding the right job must be a priority. It should fit their personality, skills, and credentials. Unfortunately, job hunting is no easy task. One must have the proper mindset and the right approach so as to make the whole process smooth and simple. Here are some useful tips to survive a job hunting spree.

1. Plan Your Hunting Trips

The first step is to have a solid plan on your career. Your dream job should always match your skills and character. Basically, a programmer is unlikely to work in a clinic or a teacher in an accounting firm. In this stage, a jobseeker should assess and determine where he plans to go. Fresh graduates should match their academic coursework to their specific job objectives. On the other hand, those with experience can have an edge as they can use their skills and knowledge acquired from previous job experiences on top of their credentials.

2. Find the Right Place to Hunt

Once you determine your career objectives, you can now look for the right place to look for a job. Depending on your chosen career, you must know where to find companies with job openings. They may be available through online job sites, ads on newspapers and magazines, TV advertisements, social networking sites, wanted signs on buildings, and even through your friends. But of course, you can always opt to hunt in all the places available. The more places you look, the better chance in finding the right job suited for you.

3. Choose and Prepare the Appropriate Weapon and Gears

Now that you know where to hunt, you may now prepare the weapon of your choice! Well, not the weapon that can inflict physical damage but the weapon that you can use to gain an advantage to win the hearts of your soon-to-be employers. Depending on where you intend to apply, a resume, a CV, and sometimes a job application letter, is required to get the job. You can write a brief written account of your personal, educational, professional qualifications, and previous work experiences but make sure all information is relevant to the job posting.

Also, always check for grammatical and spelling errors as it would affect the overall impact of your resume. An employer may require you to send the required documents online, or they may ask you to bring everything on your interview date, or both. Aside from preparing the necessary papers where you can package your work ethics and qualifications, you must also prepare what to wear for your interview. First impression may not always last but keep in mind that employers are very keen on how their future employees present themselves. Your physical appearance is a glimpse of your professional side so choosing the appropriate dress and/or make up is a must.

4. Practice!

Just like any hunter who practices using bows and arrows or guns, you must practice how to speak up to impress your interviewers. This does not mean that you should memorize word for word answers. Instead, you must asses yourself and determine your strengths and weaknesses. Use your strengths as your advantage, and your weaknesses as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Be familiar with common interview questions and think of your possible answers. After all, practice makes perfect.

5. Learn the Hunting Area

Nobody wants to fall on a cliff or sink in a quicksand. The best way to avoid these dangers is to study the place where you will hunt. Jobseekers must genuinely know the company that they plan to work. You can check the company’s website or social media accounts for information on their history, background, mission & vision, products and/or services, and others. This can save both you and the interviewer’s precious time as this aspect will help them determine how serious you are in getting the job.

6. Aim on the Target

Stay still, focus on your target, aim then shoot. Like a professional hunter, you must know what you want and focus in achieving it. You may have your weapon with spare bullets but it would be useless if you will just go out and shoot in all directions. You will not only waste your resources but also scare off your target. You must stay focus during your interview and make sure that your objectives are in line with the company’s goals. In this way, you will get the interviewer’s attention while proving your worth in the company. Who knows? This can be your key in getting that dream job.