We are at the tail end of 2022 and have seen quite a lot. There is still a lot of talk about The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, Global Recessions, and everything in between. In one way or another, the recruitment space is still taking center stage.

Whether you are still on the lookout or if you are planning to make a change and start anew in 2023, consider these few things to prepare you for the daunting task of finding your next big opportunity.

 

1. Do your research

Before you click on that apply button, do preliminary research on the hiring company and the role. You are more likely to do your homework and perform better in interviews if you are excited about your new prospect.Quality applies here, not quantity. Indiscriminately applying everywhere wastes your time, other people’s time and more importantly, holds up false hope and energy. You want to make better use of your energy.

Job hunting is very stressful, but if you are excited about your new prospect/s, you can use that as motivation and fuel yourself throughout the job hunting / recruitment process.

 

2. Understand the role you are applying for

Understanding the role you are applying for continues beyond knowing the duties and responsibilities as well as the requirements for the position. You should also see the role's impact in the bigger picture.  

For example, if you are looking for opportunities with a start-up company, you should be prepared to wear different hats. Understanding what those hats are will make you prepare yourself better if you get that job. 

 

3. Prepare your MSAs

If you are unaware, MSA stands for “Most Significant Achievement.” These milestones in your career made the most impact in the holistic sense.  If you have achievements that affect a more significant scale beyond your typical job scope – all the better!

The best way to showcase your MSAs is to look for milestones across your career span and not just focus on your current or last role. Think about these MSA from different points in your career because that would be seen as a pattern and that you didn’t just luck out.

 

4. Think about your transferable skills

Besides your MSA, it will also be good to consider the transferrable skills you can bring to the table. They will add a premium to what you can offer. It signifies your ability to adapt faster and be more susceptible to change.

There have been some discussions that in 2023, hiring managers will be more eager to see candidates’ soft skills as well.

 

5. Dive in head first, all in.

Every good recruiter can sense hesitations from a mile away. If you have decided to look for a new job, go all in. Job hunting can be stressful, but what’s more challenging is if you mix indecisiveness with it. You will do a poor execution of items one to four here if you are in two minds of the opportunity you are interviewing for. 

Do not tag along the recruitment process just because you want to know the offer. If you are 100% sure about the opportunity, you’ll prepare to present your best self during interviews, and you’ll be at an advantage to negotiate the best offer for yourself when you get to that part.

 

It has been said many times that job hunting is one of the most demanding undertakings, but with the right attitude, motivation, and a good set of support systems, you will find the right opportunity for you in due time.