If you’re looking for a career position, you’ve reached an exciting point in your professional life. Find the right one and you are assured of enjoying job security, taking on new responsibilities, and thriving within a supportive culture. Just be advised that winning that perfect long-term position is easier said than done. To help you as you apply, we’ve put together a list of 3 do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Be Upfront – There is no harm in making it known you’re seeking a career position. In almost every case, an employer would rather make a hire who’s in it for the long haul.
- Highlight Loyalty – Employers want to know that if they hire you for the long term, you’ll be there for the long term. In every way possible, try to highlight instances from your professional past when you’ve been loyal to employers or to projects you’ve worked on.
- Prove Passion – Professionals in a career position are expected to develop their skills and grow into industry experts and insiders. Find ways to demonstrate your commitment to professional development, and reference industry blogs/magazines/luminaries to demonstrate how much you care about the field.
Dont’s
- Go Negative – You may have had a negative experience with a previous employer, but now is not the time to bring it up. That is petty behavior and calls your capacity for loyalty into question. If the subject is broached, reference it as diplomatically as possible, and stress how you grew as a professional and weathered the setback.
- Contradict Yourself – You’ve expressed your interest in sticking around long term. Don’t contradict that by also saying you want to move across the country, travel the world, or go back to school. Any time you’re asked about your goals and long-term plans, make sure they align with the agenda of the employer.
- Lack Passion – Remember that a career position is not just any job, it is THE job. You have to prove to your potential employer that you are truly passionate about the position available and eager to dive in completely. Don’t reference other employers or potions. Focus entirely on the opportunity in front of you.
Take these tips to heart, and you have a much better chance of getting the job offer of your dreams. If you’re having trouble finding open positions that you can imagine turning into your career, contact the specialists at The Squires Group.
