Are you looking for a new job opportunity? New job vacancies have been announced these days and you can take part in the selection processes by sending in your CV to fill these positions.
Before you even start looking for Job VacanciesHave you ever stopped to think about what you're really looking for in a professional position? Many people skip this crucial step, but it is self-knowledge that will direct your entire journey in a more efficient and less stressful way.
Imagine leaving home without a clear destination; you'll probably waste a lot of energy and time going around in circles. The same logic applies to your career. Clearly define your interests, skills, values and short- and long-term goals is the compass that will guide your choices.
How about a practical exercise? Take out a piece of paper and write down your five main technical competencies (hard skills) and five behavioral competencies (soft skills). Then think: do you prefer a dynamic, innovative work environment or a more traditional, hierarchical structure? Do you value salary more or the potential for learning and growth? Answering these questions is not a simple form, it's an investment in yourself. This clarity will allow you to filter out the countless Job Vacancies available, focusing only on those that truly make sense for your moment in life.
Remember that your goals can and will change over time, and that's perfectly normal. The important thing is to have a well-established starting point. Re-evaluate your plan every six months or after significant professional experiencesadjusting course as necessary. This continuous process of reflection ensures that you're not just looking for a job, but building a career with purpose and in line with who you are.
The Curriculum Journey: Beyond the Document
If self-knowledge is your compass, your CV is your business card, the first contact a recruiter will have with you. And believe me, it needs to be more than just a list of professional experiences. A modern and effective CV is strategic, focused on results and customized for each opportunity. How many times have you sent the same generic resume to dozens of Job Vacancies without getting a return? That's a clear sign that it's time to rethink your approach.
Instead of just listing your previous responsibilities, focus on your achievements. Use numbers and data to prove your impact. Replace "Responsible for sales in the region" with "I increased the region's turnover by 15% in the first half of the year by implementing a new prospecting strategy". This change of perspective transforms a generic description into a powerful narrative of success. Also, adapt your keywords! If the vacancy requires "agile project management" and "teamwork", make sure these phrases are highlighted in your document.
And don't forget the format. A clear, visually pleasing CV with no spelling mistakes is essential. Tools like Canva offer great templates, but remember to always save as a PDF to keep the formatting. Finally, ask for feedback! Show your CV to trusted colleagues or mentors. An outside eye can identify points for improvement that have gone unnoticed. You can find valuable tips for structuring your CV on the In Practice.
Where to look: Exploring the Diverse Channels of Opportunity
With a sharp CV in hand, it's time to explore the best places to find Job Vacancies. Today's market offers a huge variety of channels, and mastering them is half the battle. Don't put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your search sources to maximize your chances. Online platforms, networking and direct selection processes are some of the paths you should consider at the same time.
Vacancy aggregation sites are excellent starting points. Platforms such as LinkedIn Jobs, InfoJobs e Catho have thousands of opportunities from different sectors and levels of experience. Use the search filters to your advantage: select by location, modality (face-to-face, hybrid or remote), hiring type and keyword. But go further! Follow the career pages of the companies of your dreams on social media and register on their websites to receive alerts of new opportunities. Job Vacancies directly.
However, did you know that a significant percentage of Job Vacancies or even published widely? This is the famous hidden market, accessed mainly through networking. Your network of contacts - former colleagues, professors, friends from college - can be the key to exclusive opportunities. Attend events in the field, webinars and genuinely engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Often, a referral is worth more than dozens of CVs sent to an impersonal portal.
The Job Interview: Preparation is the Key to a Yes
Getting the call for an interview is always exciting, but it can also be a very anxious moment. The good news is that, with preparation, you can turn this nervousness into confidence. Treat the interview not as an interrogation, but as a strategic conversation between two parties who want to find out if there is a perfect match. Your mission is to demonstrate how your skills and experience fit in with that specific vacancy and the company's culture.
How to prepare? First, research the company thoroughly: its mission, values, products, recent news and competitors. Secondly, practice answering classic questions such as "tell us about yourself" and "what are your strengths and weaknesses?". But beware: don't memorize ready-made answers. Craft authentic narratives that connect your background to the challenges of the position. Thirdly, prepare intelligent questions to ask the interviewer. This shows genuine interest and critical insight. Ask about the culture of the team, the biggest challenges of the position or expectations for the first three months.
And don't underestimate the power of details: test your internet connection for online interviews, choose a quiet environment with good lighting, and dress appropriately, even if the camera only shows from the waist up. For face-to-face interviews, calculate the travel time with a safety margin. Arriving late, whether virtually or physically, is a mistake that can be costly. Remember: the interview starts the moment you make contact with the recruiter, not just in the meeting room.
Post-Interview and Negotiation: The Crucial Final Steps
The interview is over, but the selection process isn't yet! Many candidates make the mistake of simply waiting for an answer, missing out on opportunities to stand out even more. The actions you take after the interview are just as important as your performance during it. A thank-you e-mail, for example, is more than a mere formality; it is a demonstration of politeness, professionalism and renewed interest in the vacancy.
Send a personalized email to each interviewer within 24 hours of the meeting. Thank them for their time, briefly reinforce your enthusiasm for the opportunity and mention a specific point from the conversation that struck you. Something like: "It was very enriching to better understand the expansion project you mentioned, and I'm even more motivated by the possibility of contributing my experience in launching markets". This simple gesture keeps your name in the recruiter's mind in a positive way.
What if the answer is positive and the job offer comes through? Congratulations! But this is where many people run out of steam: salary negotiations. Don't be afraid to negotiate in a professional and informed manner. Research the average salary for the position and your level of experience on sites such as Glassdoor and be prepared to discuss not only the salary, but also benefits such as meal vouchers, health insurance, bonuses and growth possibilities. If the initial offer doesn't meet your expectations, express your gratitude and present a counter-proposal with clarity and solid arguments. Remember: a successful negotiation lays the foundations for a healthy and mutually valuable professional relationship.
