With graduation season fast approaching, students have been offered advice on finding a first job they’ll actually love.
Craft has advised students to network and consider benefits and workplace culture before signing their first full-time contracts post-university.
Job satisfaction is a two-way street. Not only will it mean you’re generally happier, but from your employer’s perspective, you’ll probably be more productive too.
In fact, businesses whose employees score in the top half for employee engagement have a 50% higher success rate on productivity outcomes, on average.
But it’s not always as easy as it sounds, so the team behind Craft have offered five tips to help students in their search.
A spokesperson for Craft comments: “Finding a job that you love can be a daunting task. It might involve a change in career or a search for slightly different opportunities in your current field – but ultimately the more you enjoy your job, the more successful you will be.
“Make sure you’re clear on what you’re looking for in your next role, such as the type of work you are passionate about, your ideal work environment, and your desired level of pay and benefits.
“Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that with patience and persistence, you can find a job you will enjoy for years to come.”
Identify what exactly you love to do
It may sound obvious – but identifying what exactly it is that you love to do is a critical step in matching yourself with a certain job or career path. Chances are you’ve already narrowed it down a bit based on your degree, but there’ll still probably be many options available.
Therefore, it can be overwhelming to find the right job – one that you enjoy and feel passionate about. However, with some introspection and consideration, you can identify what you love to do and be better prepared to choose your ideal role.
To do this, reflect on past experiences. Think about what you’ve done up to now and identify what gave you the most enjoyment and satisfaction. This could include a project, a task or even a hobby you enjoyed. Next, identify your strengths. What are the things that you are naturally good at? Often, the things we excel in are also the things that we love doing the most.
Network
Networking is one of the most effective ways of finding a meaningful job and attaining career success – with 70% of individuals citing they got their current job through networking.
By connecting with like-minded professionals in your ideal field, you can gain access to valuable information, hear about new job openings, and find potential mentors who can provide guidance and support as you search for your dream job.
Networking can also help you build relationships with industry leaders, which can open the door to exciting career opportunities you may not have otherwise considered.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to make a change, investing time in networking can be an invaluable step towards finding a job you will truly love.
Look at the benefits and culture
When searching for a job, it’s important to consider more than just the job requirements and salary.
The benefits and culture of an organisation can significantly impact your overall job satisfaction. By researching an organisation’s benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible schedules, you can ensure your needs will be met.
The impact of these benefits is shown in the stats – with 75% of employees more likely to stay with their employer because of their employee benefits package.
The culture of an organisation is equally important, as it affects your daily work environment and job relationships. Consider factors such as work-life balance, team collaboration, and leadership style.
By prioritising these aspects, you can find a job that aligns with your values and ultimately leads to greater job fulfilment.
Research companies
Do your research on companies that interest you. Look at their mission statement, values, and work culture.
By conducting detailed research, you can identify companies that align with your career goals and values, which can lead you to find a job you love.
Knowing what the company stands for can also help you tailor your application to showcase your skills and values that match the company’s ethos.
Researching a company can give you insight into the potential growth opportunities within the organisation. And learning about the company’s history, goals, and progress towards those goals can help you assess the potential for advancement within the company.
Don’t settle
Finally, only settle for a job that you love. It’s important to find a job that makes you happy and fulfils your career goals. Keep searching for the right job and try not to give up until you find it.
Creating your own personal value framework allows you to list and prioritise what is important to you, and what this would look like in a company to help you look for a match during the hiring process. It is also a great way for the future employer to get a deeper understanding of who you are.
