What Research Will Help Prepare You Before You Apply for a Job?

You’re about to apply for a job you’ve always wanted. It’s the kind of job that makes you excited about the future—even excited about life!

But here’s the twist: Lots of other people want that job too. It’s a big competition, and everyone wants to win.

So, how can you stand out in this crowd of aspiring jobseekers? The answer is surprisingly simple: research.

Research is your hidden superpower that can transform your job application into something extraordinary.

In this chapter, we won’t just discuss the importance of research; we will dive into the practical aspects of it. We will ask you personal questions and answer what research will help prepare you before applying for a job.

Why You Should Do Some Research for a Job Interview

Why Research Matters

A study by Standout CV found that only 2% of people who apply for a job get invited to an interview. This shows why it’s crucial to be well-prepared and do your research and prepare before you apply for a job. Here are some more reasons why research matters when you’re job hunting:

Understanding the Job Landscape1. Get a Clear Picture: Just as explorers use maps to understand the land they’re in, researching a company and its industry helps you understand the job market. You’ll get a clear picture of what the company does, its values, and who its competitors are. This knowledge is like having a compass that guides you in the right direction.Customizing Your Approach

2. Understand the Requirements: One approach doesn’t fit all when it comes to job applications. Research lets you tailor your approach. You can match your skills, experiences, and goals with the specific requirements of the job and the company’s culture. It’s like having a personalized strategy for your job journey.

Boosting Your Confidence

3. Be well-prepared: Imagine going on an adventure without knowing the route. It can be stressful. But here’s the secret – research can boost your confidence. When you walk into an interview well-prepared, armed with knowledge about the company and the industry, you radiate confidence. You become the fearless explorer, ready to conquer new challenges.

And if you want to learn more about banishing interview anxiety and being your most confident self, check out our guide: Don’t Sweat It: How To Not Be Nervous In An Interview.

What Research Will Help Prepare You Before You Apply for a Job?

When you’re on a quest to find the perfect job, it’s important to start with the right knowledge. Think of it like going on an adventure with a map – you need to know where you’re headed.

Before you even start applying for jobs, you should do some essential research. In this chapter, we’ll explore the research you should do before applying for a job.

Know Yourself First

Before you can find the right job, you need to understand yourself better. This means knowing what you’re good at, what you like, and what’s important to you in a job.

1. Discover Your Skills

Think about the things you’re excellent at. These could be technical skills (like computer skills) or softer skills (like being a good communicator). Ask yourself:

• What tasks do I excel at?
• When have I been praised for my work?
• What skills do I enjoy using the most?

But here’s the exciting part – you can quickly enhance your skills with the help of Blinkist and its extensive library of 6,500 titles and book summaries. With just a few minutes of reading or listening each day, you can gain valuable insights into self-help, professional development, and more.

It’s a convenient way to boost your skills and stay ahead in your career journey. Start your free trial here:

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2. Understand Your Interests

Your job should be something you’re interested in. Consider:

• What topics or subjects do I love?
• What type of work excites me?
• Are there specific industries I’m curious about?

3. Figure Out Your Values

Your values are like your life principles. They guide your choices in work and life. Think about:

• What matters most to me in a job?
• Do I want a good work-life balance, a creative job, or something else?
• What kind of company culture do I like?

4. Set Career Goals

You should have goals for your career. These can be short-term (what you want to achieve soon) or long-term (where you see yourself in the future). Ask yourself:

• Where do I want to be in 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years?
• What big things do I want to achieve in my career?
• How does the job I’m looking at fit into my career plans?

Exploring Different Jobs and Industries

Now that you know more about yourself, it’s time to look at different jobs and industries that match who you are. Here’s how to do it:

1. Research Industries

Start by learning about different industries. These are like big job categories. Look at:

• How these industries are doing (are they growing or shrinking?)
• Who the big players are
• Any trends or challenges in these industries
• If there are many job opportunities

The US government provides here a list of all industry branches in the USA, Canada and Mexico, allowing you to browse and see where you best fit in.

2. Check Out Companies

Next, find companies that belong to the industry you’re interested in. Look at these things:

• What the company is like to work for (its culture)
• What people say about the company
• Job openings they have
• Reviews from their employees

At Blinkist, we offer a quick overview of a collection of 99 books about work culture. The great thing is that you can listen to quick 1-minute summaries for free, so you can get an idea of what those books about work culture are all about.

3. Talk to People

Don’t forget to talk to people in your network. This could be friends, family, or people you meet at events. They might have helpful information or even job leads.

For tips on how to network effectively, especially if you’re a beginner, check out our guide: How to Network: The Best Networking Tips for Beginners in 2024.

Understanding the Job Market

The job market is always changing. To stay ahead, you need to know what’s happening. Here’s how:

1. Job Trends

Stay updated on what’s new in the job market. Look at:

• How technology is changing jobs
• Growing industries
• The skills that companies want

For a detailed look at how jobs and skills will change in the next five years, check out the The Future of Jobs Report 2023. This report from the World Economic Forum talks about what employers expect and gives insights into how things like technology and society will change work in the future.

2. Local or Global

Decide if you’re open to jobs in your local area or in other places. Some jobs might be more common in certain regions or countries.

3. Economic Factors

Keep an eye on the economy. Sometimes it’s doing well, and sometimes it’s not. This can affect how many jobs are available.

Our Conclusion and Your Start of a New Life

By understanding yourself, exploring different jobs and industries, and keeping an eye on the job market, you’ll be ready for your job search. Remember, finding your dream job starts with good research and knowing yourself better.

And with the help of resources like Blinkist, you can improve your skills and learn more about personal development and professional growth.

Blinkist also has a big collection, including How to Land Your Dream Job, which gives you tips on networking, writing resumes, and doing well in interviews. It’s an easy way to feel more confident and stay ahead in your career journey.

Exploring different jobs and industries, understanding the job market, and keeping an eye on what’s new are all important steps in your job search. By spending time understanding what research will help prepare you before you apply for a job, you’ll be ready to find the right job and make the most of your opportunities.

So, start your journey to your dream job with the power of research, and remember that you can achieve your goals. And to give you a little head start, you can access all Blinkist book summaries and book collections for one week absolutely for free:

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