{"id":2236,"date":"2021-12-09T09:00:01","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T08:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/?p=2236"},"modified":"2024-07-22T11:03:02","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T10:03:02","slug":"how-smart-goals-can-improve-your-job-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/how-smart-goals-can-improve-your-job-search\/","title":{"rendered":"How SMART goals can improve your job search"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you\u2019re on the hunt for a new job, or even your first job, the process can seem overwhelming as you tackle your CV, source vacancies, and keep track of your job applications. Alternatively, you may have no trouble at all handling the job applications and interviews, but ultimately face job offers that just don\u2019t fit with your envisioned career path. Both of these problems often come down to one factor: a lack of initial goal setting. That\u2019s where SMART goals can make all the difference.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What are SMART goals?<\/h2>\n
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SMART is a method of creating effective, targeted goals. It stands for:<\/p>\n

S<\/strong> = specific
\nM<\/strong> = measurable
\nA<\/strong> = attainable
\nR<\/strong> = relevant
\nT<\/strong> = time-bound<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A SMART goal makes it clear what you want to achieve (specific), provides a way to measure your success (measurable), ensures that the goal is realistic (attainable) and suits your overall purpose (relevant), and that it has a deadline (time-bound).<\/p>\n

So how does SMART help you?<\/p>\n

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Specific (S)<\/div>\n
Creating a specific goal makes it clear what you are striving for and provides a definite path to follow. It removes the obstacle of distractions and detours, and identifies what steps you need to take to achieve that goal.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Measurable (M)<\/div>\n
You might think that having set a goal, for instance, research local employers, you can just get on with it. However, some tasks \u2013 such as research \u2013 can be vague and difficult to measure. Instead of simply \u2018research local employers\u2019, make it \u2018research 50 local employers\u2019. This makes it easy to see whether you have achieved your goal.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Attainable (A)<\/div>\n
This is the reality check. Are you striving for something that you can achieve or are you setting yourself up for failure and upset? It might be that your ultimate dream job is beyond your reach right now, but you can easily find a job that moves you one step closer to your dream.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Relevant (R)<\/div>\n
Each goal should assist your overall purpose. Remember those distractions and detours I mentioned? This element of SMART checks that you are on the right path.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Time-bound (T)<\/div>\n
Like M, this element of SMART provides a way to measure your success. By setting a deadline, you can clearly see whether you have completed your task. Working to a deadline will also help to maintain your focus and motivation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How to use SMART goals in your job search<\/h2>\n
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The best way to use the SMART method in your job search is by breaking the process down into a series of smaller SMART goals.<\/p>\n

What steps will you take to land that job? Your list of steps might look like:<\/p>\n