Hunting for a job is like trying to photograph a leopard.

Download e-book: Job Search Secrets

Most people on a wildlife safari strive to take pictures of the 'Big Five' - elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard. Finding these five animals to photograph on an African safari is no mean feat, just like hunting for and finding your perfect next role.

Step1: Know your job search destination. 

Using a similar process as for job search, my destination was a perfect picture of a leopard, sitting in a tree.

Step 2: Know the employment landscape and where your career goals fit. 

To achieve my goal it was important I knew more about the habits of a leopard. Now a leopard is very cunning, adaptable and stealthy.  It is also nocturnal and spends most of the day resting in trees.

Step 3: Prepare for your job search campaign and get the right career development tools. 

Before I could proceed with my safari trip, I had to ensure  I had the right camera, with a good quality lens. I was not sure how close I could get to the leopard so needed to be equiped for any opportunity.

Step 4: Consider alternative roles, without compromising your main job search goal. 

Though my heart was set on getting a leopard picture, I knew there were four other animals as part of the big five. An African lion as king of the jungle was my alternative, though much easier to locate and photograph.

Step 5: Talk to recruiters, hiring managers, HR specialists and others in your target industry. 

As I arrived at the game park I talked not only to the friendly rangers, but also to other guests to find out if they had seen any leopards. It quickly became clear that success was not going to be easy.

Step 6: Track your progress and adjust your job search tactics.

After a first unsuccessful day, I had to review my progress and change my approach. Instead of going on a bush drive, I decided to go out with a tracker and a game ranger, determined to find a leopard.

Step 7: Enjoy your journey and look forward to finding your perfect job.

It was a joyous moment late in the afternoon just before twilight when we saw the leopard resting in a big tree. All my planning and preparation paid off as I took my perfect picture. Finally, I could look back on my trip, satisfied, and just savouring the special moment.

Download e-book: Job Search Secrets