Yet another week that we are able to do this, read to the end, and share with someone.
In the pursuit of success and opportunities, acquiring relevant information becomes a vital aspect of gaining a competitive edge. This holds true not only in the realm of job hunting but in every facet of life. The right information at a good time can serve as your competitive advantage, providing insights and opportunities that others may not be aware of. Today as part of the career thread that is what we will be exploring, the power of information, the importance of being proactive, and how to effectively navigate the process of securing opportunities. Let’s dive in!
Part 1: Accessing and Identifying Information for Success
a. The Competitive Advantage: Information is your key to unlocking competitive advantage. Whether you’re a first-class student, adding a second degree, or well-connected, the knowledge you possess sets you apart. Employers value individuals who can quickly grasp concepts and possess relevant expertise, you see why they sometimes go for them, but even if you don’t have those the essential thing is to continuously expand your knowledge base.
b. Human Connections: Building and nurturing relationships is another valuable source of information. Your network can provide insights, opportunities, and referrals that may not be accessible through traditional channels. Cultivating genuine connections and engaging with others can lead to serendipitous encounters and open doors to new possibilities, that is why it matters who you follow on Twitter especially if you are positioning yourself to see opportunities
Part 2: What to do with opportunities/the application process
It is one thing to identify it and another thing to close the opportunity, as you know there are several job advertisements in Nigeria going out every day. So how you should go about this is;
a. Applying Strategically: Treat your job search as a focused endeavor. Instead of applying indiscriminately, take the time to align your goals and skills with the specific job requirements. Study job descriptions carefully, only apply to positions where you can make a meaningful impact.
b. Goal-Oriented Applications: Define your goals before applying. Be clear about the minimum salary you are willing to accept, taking into account the changing economic landscape (fuel is high oo, and inflation is not slowing down as well). Avoid wasting time on opportunities that don’t align with your aspirations or financial needs. Time is the number 1 enemy if you want to own a school, being a teacher is not a bad journey, but when you know that is not your goal. Focus on what your goal is and what you can do to upskill/be better qualified for it.
c. Emotional Detachment: While applying, maintain emotional detachment until you progress to the next phase of the process. This mindset shields you from disappointment and allows you to approach each opportunity with clarity and objectivity. Don’t see a job that has even closed and you submit your email after all and all daydreaming you’ve gotten it. Apply as much as possible and approach it as a funnel you do your research and apply to the right place which has not been emotion with any at least until the next stage. This strategy also helps in negotiation which is what we will discuss next time.
READ: MALE SUPERIORITY ON THE FLIP (HOW TO BE BETTER POSITION AS FEMALE IN TODAY’S CAREER WORLD)
d. Vetting Job Applications Opportunities research starts from the point of the source of opportunity, you should not be getting opportunities or taking seriously every opportunity. You must have heard phase like this “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.” Do likewise shortlist where you are fit for and apply, that we said it is a funnel doesn’t mean 50 stones can through it, as it will not produce any result
e. Opportunity management:
Actively manage your application process by promptly checking your email and responding to any requests or inquiries. Your email should be neat and notification on, get the No’s and move on if they provide feedback look at patterns if there are any if none they are mostly lies. Unsubscribe from unnecessary things in your mail
Part 3. Conclusion
a. Market Awareness: Treat job hunting as a job itself, staying informed about market trends, industry developments, what is in demand, and emerging opportunities. Continuously enhance your skills and seek out lesser-known information that can give you an advantage.
b. The hack
This is why I said read to the end, and I wish many don’t read this part because when a hack is popular it becomes less effective.
Utilizing informal channels: In the dynamic landscape of young or developing companies, many opportunities are informally presented. Remember we said information can be a competitive edge. Therefore by proactively engaging with job advert posters or on open platforms reach out to the poster of the job advert, and remember like any hack you need to be careful. Some posters of jobs on this open platform like that are the employers and hence you may gain early access than going through the broad way. BUT Note do your research before you do that and only be looking to talk to someone on opportunities that you are fit for.
Don’t forget our chorus in this thread to keep developing yourself, have a proactive mindset, nurture relationships, and that you need to be prepared for opportunity.
I hope this help a bit.
If it does don’t forget to share with others it might help as well
Cheers and see you at the top
