Getting Your Perfect Job

Finding your perfect job is one where there is a natural fit and you feel great. To help you find the job that's right for you, consider these five tips.

1. You can do it (right?) - Could you really do your dream job? Do you have the natural aptitude to learn the job's requirements, or would you struggle? Be confident and ambitious, but realistic and grounded. Focus your time and energy to apply for jobs where you know you have what it takes.

2. You'll love it - Are you excited about the right job? Are you genuinely interested in the position and care about the industry? Remember, success comes from doing something about which you're passionate.

3. It's a great fit for your career and life - How would the right job stack up against your career and life goals? What kind of environment would you work in? Some people thrive in fast-paced organizations with constant change; others find this painful and frustrating. Some people work best with clearly established guidelines and procedures; others see rules as confining and stifling. Weigh all aspects of your perfect job carefully to ensure they match your interests and preferences and align with your values and beliefs.

4. It offers the right salary and benefits - Just like finding the perfect jeans, you have to look at the price tag. Would the right job support your budget and personal needs? Would it meet your salary and benefits expectations? Would it support other benefits such as your preferred schedule, travel time, and business travel? How would the right job support your work/life balance? The job may appear to be perfect, but for it truly to be the right fit, it must support your lifestyle. When you find a great job, it's in your best interest to negotiate what you want up front to ensure it'll be the right job after all.

5. Your "gut feel" tells you it's a perfect fit - Rarely will you find the best job fit by analyzing statistics and data. Listen to your intuition. Do you "click and connect" with this job? Have the confidence to trust your gut and follow your heart.

When searching for a job, take time to identify a position that would be a natural fit. Then focus your job search on the correct industry, organisations and opportunities. Your efforts will pay off when you get the right job!

Make sure your CV does you justice

As a document, your CV is going to be the most important piece you have in order to get your foot in the door and you in front of your potential next employer. With this in mind, it is always important to make sure that your CV is as up to date as possible. However, you also need to be careful to ensure that your CV doesn't run too long. Keep in mind that, especially in an environment where an employer may get hundreds of CV's daily, they won't read all of your CV. The key details need to stand out - your achievements need to be highlighted - you need to ensure your CV sells what you can do for your new role.

It goes without saying, however, start with your most recent work and work backwards from there. Amazingly, people still seem to list their employment history from the beginning working to now. Start with what you've just completed and move backwards - it gives a stronger impression of your current level of work.

Some people may also do a one page summary to give a quick overview. Others may also tailor their CV based on the job that they're applying for.