Ambition is a necessary ingredient for career success. It’s what motivates you to move forward, and without it, progress cannot occur. However, by itself, ambition is not enough to succeed and you’ll need so much more to get the job.
As a current job-seeker myself, I know firsthand how frustrating it is to have so much ambition and desire to get the job, but still, manage to come short. I’ve come to realize that the following is also essential when looking to get hired.
1 #Perseverance
Sometimes the job hunting process can be challenging. It can take longer than expected, and it can be easy to feel discouraged and defeated. However, after every setback, it’s important to continuously get back up and keep trying. I understand after a job rejection, you may want to throw yourself a mini pity party but keep the pity party short (and get back to the job search). This way, you don’t let each hurdle get in the way and stop you from getting the job that’s meant for you! if you want career success, it’s essential that you persevere.
#2 Clarity
Clarity is essential when job searching because you need to incorporate a targeted approach throughout your search. This means you need to know not only what type of job you want, but also the tasks that are involved, the work environment, the industry, the size of company etc. Having a clear vision for yourself will help determine what types of jobs you will go for, and help show the recruiter that you aren’t just applying for the job for experience or money (which improves the likelihood of getting hired!).
#3 Networking
Personally, I dread networking. If I had the choice, I’d choose not to go through the awkwardness of attending networking events and cold calling people. However, after continuously getting no response from resume handouts and online applications, I’ve realized how important networking can be.
Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door. It allows you to connect with others who may either be looking for someone to hire or know someone who is and If you play your cards right, you can really utilize networking to propel you to get the desired career.
#4 Focus on Improvement
It’s important that you develop both a polished resume and cover letter to first get noticed by the potential employer. Then once you snag the interview, it is essential that you showcase your strengths and abilities during the interview. Therefore, you need to use your ambition as fuel to consistently work on improving your skills.
Focus your energy on what you need support in – do you get nervous during the interview or is it resume writing that you really struggle with? Start working on the areas that you need improvement, and slowly more job prospects will come your way.
#5 Have a Plan (and stick to it)
They say that a dream without a plan is just a wish right? Well, the same is true when wanting to get hired. Start by making a schedule of when you want to have something accomplished and stick with it. Designate some time for searching for work, working on resume/cover letter, networking, planning etc. When you set time for these tasks, you are much more likely to get them done and succeed in your job search.
#6 Take Care of Yourself
The job search process can be stressful! It involves consistent effort and action, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. Therefore, it’s important to take care of yourself. Schedule in breaks when needed, and remember to breathe (and don’t stress too much!). If you have the right balance between hard work and self-care, you won’t burn out and you will be more productive throughout the journey.
Courtney is a 24-year-old Registered Nurse living in Calgary, Alberta.
She enjoys soaking up the sun (preferably at a beach!), pin-binging on
Pinterest and curling up on the couch with a good book. Courtney is also passionate about teaching women how to WELLTH up their life and founded The Wellness Hive to do so. You can keep up with Courtney at
her website thewellnesshive.com