To conduct a successful job search, it is essential to be very clear on the key requirements to perform well in your job targets. The requirements will usually be a mix of technical skills/needs (such as expertise in a particular IT area, marketing, accounting) and soft skills/needs (such as leadership, interpersonal skills, communication skills).
Most people do have a general idea of the requirements for their target jobs, but during their job search they fail to:
- Write them down in a concrete/specific way
- Prioritise the 6-10 most important requirements
- Keep the list as reference during their job search
- Make separate lists for groups of jobs, which are different in nature
- Make sure that everything in their job search material (resumes, cover letters, online profile, etc.) and job search communications (job applications, networking interactions, emails, etc.), show that they meet one or more of these requirements
The result is that most job seekers do not communicate well enough, that they meet the key requirements to perform well in their job target. In other words, their resumes, cover letters, email communications, interview answers and networking interactions, do not clearly demonstrate that they have what it takes to deliver exceptional results, if hired for a particular job.
So let me take you through a few examples, to give you a better idea of one way to arrive at the key requirements for your job search targets.
Job Search Position 1 - Project Manager with Singtel
First, look at a few advertisements for your job search targets.
Here is the job advertisement for the Project Manager role.
Responsibilities:
- Project manage and co-ordinate activities across IT for the rollout of Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN).
- Manage the delivery of solutions for the order-taking of new products and services that will be launched with NGNBN.
- Initiate and drive meetings to gather requirements and develop solutions with project stakeholders to deliver good customer experience.
- Track project activities, manage resources and budget, and report project progress.
- Work together with project stakeholders across the organization, vendors and partners for a successful implementation.
Requirements:
- A degree from a recognized university preferably in IT/Computing.
- Advantage to be PMP certified.
- At least 8 years of relevant experience of which 3 years are in senior project management capacity, preferably from the Information and Communications Technology industry.
- Able to lead in J2EE projects to achieve stipulated objectives and goals.
- Team player with good interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and able to overcome challenges.
- Strengths in relationship management and ability to influence peers, seniors, subordinates and external, senior level contacts/advisers in changing mindsets.
- Good written, communication and presentation skills.
- Strong awareness of current technologies.
Next, consult a good occupational database (such as O*Net) and find the closest match to your job search target. This can be useful, since many time job advertisements that you find might not contain enough/good information about the position and its responsibilities/etc.
Here is an extract of the information provided for an ‘IT Project Manager’
Tasks
- Develop and manage work breakdown structure (WBS) of information technology projects.
- Develop or update project plans for information technology projects including information such as project objectives, technologies, systems, information specifications, schedules, funding, and staffing.
- Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope.
- Prepare project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
- Assign duties, responsibilities, and spans of authority to project personnel.
- Coordinate recruitment or selection of project personnel.
- Develop and manage annual budgets for information technology projects.
- Develop implementation plans that include analyses such as cost-benefit or return on investment (ROI).
- Direct or coordinate activities of project personnel.
- Establish and execute a project communication plan.
- Identify need for initial or supplemental project resources.
- Identify, review, or select vendors or consultants to meet project needs.
- Initiate, review, or approve modifications to project plans.
- Monitor or track project milestones and deliverables.
- Negotiate with project stakeholders or suppliers to obtain resources or materials.
- Schedule and facilitate meetings related to information technology projects.
- Assess current or future customer needs and priorities through communicating directly with customers, conducting surveys, or other methods.
- Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
- Monitor the performance of project team members, providing and documenting performance feedback.
- Perform risk assessments to develop response strategies.
- Submit project deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
And finally, condense all the information and arrive at the 6-10 key requirements for your job search target
It is a must to prioritise the most important requirements and group similar items together, so that you arrive at a manageable list. This will help you focus on what’s most important and not get lost in all the details. It will also make it easier to incorporate/demonstrate the requirements, during your job search.
- Experience in all stages of the Project Management cycle
- Planning, Organising, Tracking
- Leadership & Team Management
- Client (Internal/External) Relationship Management, Interpersonal Skills
- Process, Productivity, Cost Improvements
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Relevant/Related Information and Communications Technology Expertise
Job Search Position 2 - Marketing Manager, Global Transaction Services, Citigroup
First, look at a few advertisements for your job search targets.
Here is the job advertisement for the Marketing Manager role.
About the organization:
Global Transaction Services (GTS), a division of Citi’s Institutional Clients Group, offers integrated cash management, trade, and securities and fund services to multinational corporations, financial institutions and public sector organizations around the world. With a network that spans more than 100 countries, GTS supports over 65,000 clients, delivering client-focused, innovative and industry-leading Transaction Services solutions and service. An acknowledged market leader, GTS also differentiates itself through our continued investment in growth and sustainability, and especially in our people. For more information, check out
Position Objective:
Responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of a range of marketing communications activities aligned to the business priorities and competitive positioning of Citi’s Global Transaction Services business across Asia Pacific, targeted at both internal and external audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Regional Head, Marketing, Global Transaction Services, Asia Pacific, the Marketing Manager will be responsible for helping to promote the business priorities and competitive positioning of Citi’s GTS business, from building the brand identity and thought leadership platform, to enabling the product commercialization and sales process, across the various products, services and countries, in alignment with our global strategic marketing plans.
This role will work to ensure succinct and clear articulation of core themes and weave them through various marketing activities and communications channels including, but not limited to:
1) Advertising/Branding
2) Thought Leadership (Print/Speaking) Opportunities
3) Conferences, Events and Webinars
4) Marketing Materials (Print/Digital/Electronic)
5) Awards/Polls
6) Client and Internal Communications
Qualifications:
- University graduate - Bachelor’s degree
- 8+ years experience in communications/financial services marketing, usually acquired through related work experience and formal education
- Strong knowledge of financial services products and services, preferably in Transaction Banking
Knowledge/Experience:
- Fast learner, with demonstrated experience as a team player who can manage interactions with internal/external parties of all levels of seniority
- Demonstrated experience as a proactive, detail-oriented, critical thinker, with an ability to develop insights to drive unique communications
- Demonstrated initiative and motivation to do deliver high-quality work, preferably in an international environment
Skills:
- Strong project management skills - excellence in execution, with commitment to monitoring and measuring results
- Strong interpersonal, problem-solving and organizational skills
- Strong English writing and verbal skills
- Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe etc)
Competencies:
- Adaptable - ability to handle multiple tasks (prioritize workload), work under pressure and tight deadlines calmly
- Flexible - ability to handle last minute issues
- Independent - strong work ethic, resourceful, takes initiative and has a sense of urgency
Next, consult a good occupational database (such as O*Net) and find the closest match to your job search target. This can be useful, since many time job advertisements that you find might not contain enough/good information about the position and its responsibilities/etc.
Here is an extract of the information provided for ‘Marketing Managers’
Tasks
- Formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities and policies to promote products and services, working with advertising and promotion managers.
- Identify, develop, and evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- Direct the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of marketing and sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, and return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- Initiate market research studies and analyze their findings.
- Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
- Coordinate and participate in promotional activities and trade shows, working with developers, advertisers, and production managers, to market products and services.
- Consult with buying personnel to gain advice regarding the types of products or services expected to be in demand.
Work Activities
| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
And finally, condense all the information and arrive at the 6-10 key requirements for your job search
It is a must to prioritise the most important requirements and group similar items together, so that you arrive at a manageable list. This will help you focus on what’s most important and not get lost in all the details. It will also make it easier to incorporate/demonstrate the requirements, during your job search.
- International/Regional Marketing Management, Integrated Marketing Communications
- Brand Building
- Marketing Analytics & Research
- Event & Conference Management
- Strategic Client/Partner/Vendor Relations
- Leadership & Team Management
- Recruitment & Development
- Planning & Organisation
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Knowledge of Financial Services Products
Remember that all of this is pointless, if you do not use the requirements during your job search.
So once you have your list - keep in handy, refer to it often and test all parts of your job search material/communication to ensure that they demonstrate you meet one or more of the requirements.
In case you would like help/feedback, for arriving at the requirements for your job search targets, please write a comment below and I would be happy to assist.
