Being empowered with the right information when engaging in a job search is key to ensuring that you achieve your goal – to get that dream job. Here are some insights to help you get started.

A Unique Purpose and Plan for You:   Being out of a job or in the wrong job can be very frustrating and discouraging. The process of getting from where you are to where you want to be could be even more frustrating if you don’t have the right mindset and attitude. My personal advice which has worked for me and many others is that before you start the job search, have it settled in your mind that it is God’s will for you to have a good job. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 God assures you that  “He knows the thoughts He thinks towards you, they are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” His will is not for you to suffer or for your needs to not be met. Not having a job is a major need and God knows it.  Do whatever you need to do to build up your faith in this area before your embark on the journey. Seek the word of God for scriptures on God’s plan for you and hold on to it. Remember, employers are not looking for jobs to hand out to people, they are looking for people to solve their business problems and you have been created to solve someone’s problem.

Scripture References: Psalm 139; Jeremiah 9:11; Genesis 1:28

Define Your Job Search Goal:  Identify what you are really trying to achieve. This is very critical because it will determine the actions you take to achieve your goal. Jesus Himself encourages us to always do some planning. He tells us to “sit down and count the cost” Luke 14: 28. As indicated earlier, you were created for a purpose so an assessment of where you are and where you are heading to is critical before you take any step. 

What are your career aspirations? Do you understand your core strengths, skills and your purpose?  What steps do you need to take to move you closer to your aspirations? These are some of the many questions you need to ask yourself. You might want to talk through this aspect with an accountability partner, mentor or career coach to ensure you are heading in the right direction. I recommend you spend a lot of time here because regardless of your situation, some steps need to be taken. 

Scripture References: Luke 14:28; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 24:27 

Define Your Plan: Imagine your dream employer stands in front of you and you have an opportunity to convince him/her to hire you, what would you say? It is critical to have your story/pitch prepared for the moment your perfect opportunity presents itself. Nehemiah in the bible is a great example of someone who was ready when the opportunity presented itself. In chapter 2, King Artaxerxes noticed he had a lot on his mind, and asked him what the problem was. Nehemiah recognized the opportunity and clearly articulated his goal to the king. He had done his research, had devised a plan and was able to convince the king his goal was worth investing in. You also need to put effort into planning for your career. It takes time, effort and commitment. But it is worth every second because it gets you to the plan God has for you. Your plan will include things like identifying jobs/careers of interest, understanding your strengths and gaps, creating or updating your resume, networking etc. I also recommend getting some help in this area from a mentor or career coach. 

Scripture References: Nehemiah 1&2; 1 Samuel 17: 31-37

Recognize and Maximize the Help of Others: Do not underestimate the power of relationships and networking. It is simply about creating avenues to connect with people you might not ordinarily connect with and maintaining an ongoing relationship with them. The truth is that most of the time you might not know all you need to know to get to your desired goal, and others usually do. Someone has been where you are and you can learn from both their mistakes and successes. Getting into a habit of building and maintaining relationships before you need a career change is most effective because the benefits of the relationships are realized naturally through the relationship and not just because of your need. As part of your plan, identify all the individuals within your immediate network – family friends etc. and make sure they know you are in the job market and what your career goals are.  Many times it’s not really those within your immediate network but someone within their network that may be the link to your next career opportunity.  Also maximize networking tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, networking events, alumni networks etc. 

Reference Scriptures: Ephesians 4:1-13

Stick with the Plan: I can almost assure you that you will be tempted to give up along the way when the process becomes overwhelming and it might seem you are not getting the results you are looking for. That is absolutely normal. Don’t give up. The truth is working towards your career goal requires hard work and dedication, which is sometimes underestimated. It is a process you learn and grow from. Most of the time the job doesn’t turn up immediately. If you observe you have been getting stuck in a particular part of the process, it is recommended that you get help in that area. For example, if you are getting calls from potential employers but never get past the interview stage, you might need help with interviewing. The point here is once you are clear on the dream/goal God has given you, don’t give up. You might need to reassess your plan and identify how to improve it, or get additional assistance and encouragement, but stay focused.  “Don’t be weary in your efforts for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Reference Scriptures: Galatians 6:9; Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalm 37:4

In conclusion, most importantly, throughout the process, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that regardless of the actions you take, it is God who opens doors through His divine favor and mercy. Your strengths, skills and abilities are gifts from God, which He will use to set you up with your divine opportunity. So trust Him and listen for His instructions along the way. He will lead you to the plan and purpose he has for you.

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No More Excuses: In achieving any goal, there are always perceived or actual obstacles, and we need to understand that obstacles can be overcome because we are overcomers. The question is, what is the truth? 

Myth: You have to know someone to get a job.     

Truth:  While research does say referrals are the best ways to get a job, the ultimate One we need to know and trust is God. He is the one who makes referrals lead to opportunities. “His Favor surrounds you like a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

Myth: I am not qualified so I cannot get the job.

Truth:  While each job has basic qualifications and generally you should be qualified for the job – have the education, or experience required – if you believe you can do the job based on strengths not reflected on the required qualifications for the job, find a way to tell your story. Remember no one thought David could kill Goliath until he had an opportunity to make his case to Saul.

Myth:  I might not be able to perform the job because I don’t have direct experience.

Truth: There is something called “transferable skills”  that can be applied from one experience to another. It is important to identify all your experiences including those outside of your paid work experience. Get some assistance with articulating your experiences in a way that reflects your ability to do the job although you might not have direct experience. Remember Gideon in Judges 6 did not have any direct experience as a warrior when he was called to lead the Israelites in battle.

Myth:  One resume is enough for any job in the job search effort.

Truth: Just as job descriptions differ, your resume needs to be modified to align with the position you are applying for. Think about it in terms of receiving an email from a friend either sent to a general group or with information meant for a different person. Such an email is not personal nor tailored to you so the attention you pay to it might be less than if it was directed to you and targeted towards things that interest you.  Your resume needs to spark the interest of the hiring manager. Since the hiring managers’ needs are different, make an effort to ensure your resume is well aligned, with key words and descriptions of experiences that will be attractive to the hiring manger.

Myth:  It is acceptable to just include job responsibilities as opposed to achievements and exemplary highlights on resumes.

Truth: Potential employers want to have a good understanding of your actual accomplishments reflecting the impact you have made in previous jobs. A description of your job responsibilities is not sufficient to provide that insight. Make sure your resume sells your abilities before the potential employer meets you. 

Myth: Over-qualification makes me unattractive to employers 

Truth: This is an assumption that prevents job seekers from pursuing the opportunities available to them. Employers look to hire people who can solve specific problems. Job seekers should focus more on presenting themselves as the best candidates to solve problems.