Moving from employment to becoming a job seeker can be an unsettling and stressful process. Looking at the change as a positive opportunity rather than as a step backwards will help you take control of your job search, cope with the change, and increase positive results.  Every jobseeker comes from a different background with varied qualifications, experience and goals. If your job search isn’t getting results, perhaps a change in approach and attitude could bring you the results you’re after?  Here are some traits that are commonly recognised in the most successful jobseekers.

1: Clarity and Focus

Jobseekers with clear goals and defined career plans are much more likely to succeed than those with no plans at all. All too often those who have been made redundant immediately look to find a similar job elsewhere, so why not take a step back and consider whether the job you were in before is really what you want? Whether you are unclear which direction to take, or you are looking for a career change, it’s advisable to spend time on a personal self-assessment. Give yourself time to understand where to go from here. What is your long term goal and how will you achieve it? Assess your skills and experience and consider the environments and roles you would consider working in. What values are important to you, what are your priorities and what are your genuine interests?

Clarity is an important trait when job seeking, as it enables a more targeted job search. If you’re working with Recruitment Consultants they will have more to work with if you have a good idea of what your next opportunity needs to look like. Knowing your career priorities and the skills you want to use is the first step towards finding suitable matching opportunities.  Maintaining this focus throughout the entire process is also important as it will help you keep up momentum.

2: Positivity

Individuals who have been made redundant often go through a range of emotions including shock, anger and disbelief. However, if you allow yourself to harbour a negative attitude during this time, it will adversely affect your job search. It is important to maintain positivity throughout every aspect of job seeking – when making applications, when attending interviews, and when setting your goals. First impressions count and employers will look upon a positive and enthusiastic candidate much more favourably than a candidate with no energy.

3: Motivated

Jobseekers need to actively seek out opportunities, by using a variety of methods including consulting online job boards, contacting friends and colleagues and calling upon their professional network, as well as making direct approaches to target organisations.  Taking a committed, productive and proactive approach to the job search process will maximise your chances of making it to more interviews and having the opportunity to really sell yourself to potential employers.

4: Adaptable

The current job market is competitive and may be overwhelming for those who have not had to search for jobs recently. Successful jobseekers are willing to adapt, take advice and feedback and act upon it. Try new approaches and embrace new technologies. Candidates need to stand out, and only those willing to adapt and improve will thrive in the evolving job market.

5: Prepared (and ready to secure the role!)

Being able to sell yourself effectively is a skill in its own right. It requires confidence and self-assurance. If you have fully prepared in advance, you will automatically feel more confident and in control and you will have more chance of standing out at interview and going forward to the next round or to secure the role. Successful candidates research the organisation, the key staff, their business plans and know the role outline and person specification inside out. They have considered the questions they might be asked and have practised their responses (out loud). They prepare questions for the interviewer and feel confidently prepared before they set foot in the door. Taking the time to adequately prepare and practice before the interview really will make a difference.