Unleashing Success Through Practice!
Practice and perseverance are key to achieving success in the job application process. Sending out those applications is like taking shots on goal; the more you practice, the more likely you are to score that dream job!
My name is Olia Essina. I worked in the Recruitment and Immigration field for over 20 years and am happy to share some of my personal tips for your success.
A story
At the first day of the class Jerry Uelsmann, a Professor at the University of Florida divided his film photography students into 2 groups.
One group would be a “quantity” group and students will be marked for the number of photos they produce. 100 of photos is an excellent mark, 90 is good and so on.
The second group had to produce only one nearly perfect photo in order to receive A mark.
At the end of the term, Professor was surprised to find that the best-quality photos were produced by the “quantity” group.
The so-called “quality” group of students were thinking, planning, and procrastinating and did not produce any good photos.
At the same time, the “quantity” group students were experimenting, trying new lighting, and taking a lot of photos, as a result, they learned by experience and became good at the job.
There is a big difference between the desire to achieve and doing something to achieve things you want. Action is a type of behaviour which can deliver desired outcomes! (from the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear)
The topic today is practice in job applications.
II. The Challenges of the Job Market
Skill Mismatch: Sometimes, job seekers may find that their skills don’t perfectly align with the job opportunities available. This can lead to frustration and the need for upskilling or retraining.
Limited Job Openings: In some industries, there may be a limited number of job openings. This can make finding the right opportunity more challenging.
Cultural Fit: New Zealand employers often value cultural fit within their organizations. Understanding and adapting to the local work culture can be important for success.
Visa Requirements: For international job seekers, understanding the visa and work permit requirements is crucial. Navigating the immigration process can be complex.
III. The Benefits of Practice
How practice enhances your skills and confidence.
With each new application, you will learn a bit more about the skills employers want, how to highlight your best skills and so on.
My personal statistics from years of job search services I provided to skilled people: when I had an excellent candidate from the Green List/ or a list of highly needed professionals, like Diesel Mechanics or Registered Electricians, it may take only 10 phone calls to find an interested employer.
Similar statistics exist for written applications. Depending on the applicant it may take between 30 and 50 email job applications before you get a positive response.
My students may confirm that these statistics improve if you take the time to research an employer and then send your application. More time is needed at the beginning, but much less effort at the application stage. You will get noticed faster!
IV. Setting Goals
The importance of setting clear job search goals.
Make a reasonable goal for your applications, for example, 3 or 5 applications a day and keep records of companies you applied for.
If you really want a job- start acting now! Keep sending applications and when you get a job – share with me your success!
This is the same as starting a new habit. I, for example, make a decision to read one business book a month. I love reading and learning, but was procrastinating. So what I did? To motivate myself to read consistently, I give myself instant gratification – 15 min to read something I love. So, my new habit sticks with me!
V. The Practice Routine
Effective job application practice:
Research the employer – build a Cover Letter according to employer needs- apply for a job – follow up by a phone call!
Consistency is very important! Keep doing it every day! .Remember the story of photography students!
Only practice leads to perfection, procrastination leads nowhere!
VI. Overcoming Rejection
Rejection in job hunting is normal.
Learn NOT TAKING IT PERSONALLY, take it as one more number before you win a job you want!
VII. Conclusion
Keep sending job applications! As a minimum one a day.
The more you can do – the better outcome!
Make sure you know yourself, your best skills and what you want to do in your new job. Try to think outside the box- after listing all your best skills, you may find a job in a totally unexpected field.
Good luck with your journey!
Your questions are welcome here or by email tradies4nz@gmail.com!
