By Nina Hendy
Last year, Melbourne’s Jess Wartski walked into her dream job working in media and advocacy with support and care organisation Motor Neurone Disease Victoria. And she hasn’t looked back.
She was previously in a PR role, but ready for a change, and decided to apply. “I wanted to do something I believed in. I loved the media space, and wanted to learn and grow, but most importantly, I wanted that work-life balance,” she explains.
Jess Wartski says being in a new role has been “life-changing”.
It’s not just the work she loves. It’s the people she works with, and the fact that management affords her plenty of freedom to try new things, go for a walk if she needs one and the trust that she will produce great work.
“Because of that trust and support, I’ve already achieved work outcomes that I know will remain highlights of my career, and have been able to do work that I’m really proud of,” she says.
“Being in this role has been life-changing. I feel energised by my work, I love coming to work each day and I feel just as happy on a Monday as I do on a Friday.”
Job searching
The start of a new year is traditionally a time when Australians make a resolution to apply for a new role. Whether they’re seeking more recognition, a pay rise or they’re sick of the people they work with, it can help draw a line in the sand, or a deadline they set themselves to make a move.
Shay Peters, CEO of recruitment firm Robert Walters says the first few months of each year marks an increase in job applications. If you’re hunting for a new role, her advice is to consider sending your resume into a company you want to work for, even if a specific position isn’t advertised.
Almost all permanent roles are advertised, either directly by the employer, through a recruitment consultancy or both. “However, contract opportunities are often filled without the need to be advertised through either the employer or through a recruitment consultancy’s existing network,” Peters says.
As a jobseeker, if you’re open to contracting opportunities, register with a recruitment consultancy that specialises in your field, he says.
Before sending in your resume, try and connect with someone in the in-house recruitment team or a recruitment consultancy that works on behalf of the organisation, Peters says.
“If you do your research and work out what recruitment consultancy or consultancies the company partners with, they’re likely to have existing networks inside that organisation. That way, there’s more of a chance to get your resume reviewed by the most relevant person.”
LinkedIn career expert Cayla Dengate urges potential jobseekers to spend the break getting their resume prepared, brushing up on your skills and updating your LinkedIn profile.
“When you land the interview, practice introducing who you are. It’s often the first question in an interview, and I feel like it sets the entire tone,” she says.
If you see your dream role advertised, even if you might not be exactly the right fit, make sure you apply, Wartski says. “Don’t be the one that takes yourself out of the running. If it’s what you’re looking for, you could be just what they’re looking for.”
How to find your dream job
Consider your motivations: Whether it’s the people and projects, a great office space, the ability to work from home or the chance to travel in the role, write a list of what matters to you in your ultimate dream job.
Identify the skillset: Be realistic about the skills you have, and the skills you actually need to land your dream job. Consider how to fill the gap with some extra learning.
List your soft skills: Whether you’re a great communicator, creative or a brilliant leader, quantify your soft skills and consider how to demonstrate these in an interview situation.
Research careers: There are plenty of opportunities to sidestep into a related field to look beyond your current industry for potential roles.
Research job titles: Job titles are constantly evolving in modern workplaces, so make sure you understand what the job title involves so you’re not underselling yourself.
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