7 traits of successful job-seekers

If someone started looking for a job today, there is no way of knowing how long it will take.

You have to make looking for a job a job in itself. It needs to be a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year job.

I've known people who have taken one year and nine months to find temporary work.

But by starting early, planning intelligently and making good use of your broad-based skills, especially those related to research, analysis and network, it shouldn't be too hard to meet the challenges and be successful in the job search process.

Being a jobseeker in today's crowded job market is tough.

We know job seeking is a tough job in itself and that too not a good one. (Just reiterating!)

We spoke to quite a few candidates who successfully got job offers to understand what it takes to land a dream job.

Following are the traits of these people who have successfully landed themselves into the most lucrative jobs.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

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Just like successful people in life have specific goals, successful job seekers have specific jobs or roles in mind.

They fulfill three employer questions: That they have the required skills, qualifications and experiences.

They convince them that this position is the next logical step in their planned career path.

Trying to claim skills, experiences, or qualifications that you have neither done nor have?

Well most of us do. But successful job seekers reveal more depth of their capability as their application progresses.

This means that they don't over claim, they just have more communicated capability around the claimed skills.

So communicate your best!

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

You got to sell yourself. If you think selling is manipulating, pressuring, or cajoling.

It isn't so!

Selling is explaining the logic and benefits to the employer on how you fit the position.

Sell yourself for the highest position you deserve and not less.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Everyone's talking about using social media for job-hunting.

Well this is nothing new.

A smart job seeker will have his presence on all the networking sites.

Employers are increasing using social networking sites to attract and recruit candidates and to accept applications for employment.

Many companies use a multi-faceted social approach.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Employers actively seek out graduates who can adapt to changing circumstances and environments, and embrace new ideas, who are enterprising, resourceful and adaptable.

Organisations in a quest to maximise productivity with the help of minimal resources, are identifying and seek graduates with 'multi-tasking' abilities.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

A good job is more than just a paycheck.

A good job fosters independence and discipline.

Certainly money matters, but employers want to hire graduates who want to work for more than just a paycheck.

They are looking for graduates who want to follow their passion and their passion deriving profits for the company.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Heard about doing things differently? So try it now!

Remarkably successful people habitually do what other people won't do.

They go where others won't go because there's a lot less competition and a much greater chance for success.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier