Job seeking is hard. Looking for your next role is exhausting. It can take time, requires lots of effort and feedback can be hit and miss.

This is where writing your ideal job description comes in. I can’t guarantee it’ll get you your next job but it will help uncover your motivations and what it is you’re really looking for.

You can use it as a filter when choosing whether to invest time in applying for a role. You can also use it to describe what you’re looking for when friends, people in your network and recruiters ask.

So, if your ideal job existed, how would its job description read?

Your task is to write it as if you could have everything you’re looking for in a new role. Include everything from job title and location to perks and benefits. Describe the organisation, it’s size, values, ethos. Some other things to consider:

  • What would your focus be in this role? Write down any goals you’d love to be working towards
  • What does month one, three and six look like in this role?
  • What will you be doing day to day, week to week, month to month?
  • Who will you work with? Your internal colleagues and external stakeholders
  • What skills are they looking for to be successful in this role?
  • What experience do they want?
  • What are the perks in this role? How much will you get paid? Is flexible working important

 

You can write this yourself from scratch or do research by looking at job descriptions and piecing together all the bits you like. It needs to be a constantly evolving document that you edit, removing and adding things to as you go. Consider the language you’re using and if there’s a better way to phrase something, change it.

This is a manifestation tool and it can be powerful. So, don’t be surprised if you see all or some of it in an advertised role soon. The universe works in wonderful ways.

This article was written by our partner coach Emily Bal. Emily has been supporting midlifers with career confidence since 2017 and can help you work out your plan B, update your CV or prepare for an interview. You can get in touch via her profile page or book a chemistry call here 

May 1, 2024