Get Your Head in the Game Before You Start Job Hunting

Before you start hitting the “apply” button at random—or scrolling through job boards in a 2 a.m. panic—it’s time to hit pause. Most people skip this part. They dive straight into updating their CVs, firing off generic applications, and hoping something sticks.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t take a moment to figure out what you actually want, you’ll end up wasting your time, chasing jobs that don’t fit, or worse, walking into a new role you’ll regret within six months.

The most successful job searches don’t start with your CV—they start with your mindset. Let’s get that right first.

Why Are You Really Looking for a New Job?

Let’s get real: job hunting isn’t fun. Nobody wakes up thinking, “I can’t wait to spend hours applying for jobs today!” If you’re here, there’s a reason.

Maybe your current job feels like a dead end, or your boss is a walking nightmare. Maybe you’re chasing a bigger paycheck, dreaming of better flexibility, or craving a role where you actually feel challenged.

Or maybe it’s simpler than that—you need a paycheck now, and any job will do.

Whatever your reason, you need to figure it out before you do anything else. Why? Because understanding your “why” is the foundation for every decision you’ll make during your job search. It’s not just about motivation; it’s about direction.

When you’re clear on why you’re leaving and what you’re looking for, you can focus your energy on roles that genuinely align with your needs. No more wasting time on “meh” opportunities.

Take Stock of Your “Why”

Here’s an exercise that works. It’s simple, but it’s effective, so don’t skip it. Grab a notebook (or your notes app) and make two lists:

1. Why am I leaving my current role?
   Write down everything that’s driving you out the door. Be brutally honest:

   • “My boss only gives me attention when I’ve made a mistake.”

   • “I’m stuck on the same tasks I’ve been doing for three years—no growth.”

   • “The pay doesn’t reflect the stress I’m under.”

2. What do I want from my next role?
   Forget vague answers like “a better job.” Get specific:

   • How much money do you need? Write a number down. No, really.

   • What kind of flexibility do you need? Fully remote, hybrid, or happy to be in the office?

   • What type of work environment suits you? Collaborative, independent, fast-paced?

Once you’ve made your lists, highlight the non-negotiables—the things you absolutely must have in your next role. These are your deal-breakers. Everything else? Nice-to-haves.

This exercise isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a practical tool. It stops you from applying to roles that don’t fit your priorities and saves you time and energy for jobs that do.

Common Job Search Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Most people fall into the same traps when they start job hunting. Here’s how to dodge them:

• Applying for Too Many Jobs: Spamming applications to hundreds of roles isn’t efficient—it’s exhausting. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Using a Generic CV: If your CV looks like it could be sent to any job in any industry, it’s not working hard enough for you. Tailor it.
• Ignoring Your Network: Networking isn’t just for extroverts. It’s one of the most effective ways to uncover opportunities—especially the ones that never get advertised.

These are mistakes you can avoid if you start with clarity about your “why” and stay focused on your goals.