Three golden rules to jumpstart your Public Affairs career in 2016
If you are following politjobs.eu, chances are that you are either actively or passively looking for a new Public Affairs job. We are still at the beginning of 2016. What if this year, you land your dream job? Here are three golden rules to success:
- Your dream job starts with yourself
Dream jobs are for dream candidates. The perfect job is a perfect match between employer and employee. Therefore: make a list of your strongest and weakest points. Be honest to yourself. Then make a second list of what you really want to do, and what you definitely do not want to do in your next job. For what kind of employer you want to work, and for whom you really do not want to work. Again, be honest.
- Get informed
Now that you know what you want, the question is where to find it. Politjobs.eu is one way to find out. Additionally, get to know the market: look at how sectors, companies and markets develop – are they declining or growing? How well a company or market is doing, or how well-financed an NGO is currently and in the future, will determine the culture and work in your new job.
- Get going
Now you are ready! You know what you want, you know where you want it – now start talking about it. The direct way is to apply to job advertisements you found via politjobs.eu. Make sure you tell your potential employers what’s in it for them. Put yourself into their shoes: would you hire someone just because he or she likes to work for you? Without knowing if they are able to do the job? Employers naturally care less about what you want than what you bring them. And that’s ok.
The indirect way is to talk to friends about what you want, go to events where you can meet your future employers, and get them to know you. You are a Public Affairs professional – you know how this works.
It’s a great time to make the next step right now in Public Affairs! Make it the right one.