The State Employment Service advises using the SMART technique to make job-search goals specific, measurable and time-bound. The Service explained five steps that help select relevant vacancies and plan actions.
Specify the profession and types of activity
Head of the career guidance and psychological support department Inna M’yakota explained that a vague desire «I want to find a decent job» does not provide a clear plan of action. Specialists advise defining exactly what kind of job you are looking for: for example, for a translator this could be written translation, consecutive oral interpreting or simultaneous interpreting.
Each type of activity requires different skills and training, and a more precisely formulated goal makes it easier to select vacancies and prepare a CV. If you know a specific direction, it is easier to tailor documents to the employer’s requirements.
Measurable goals and work indicators
One recommendation is to set measurable goals: for example, send at least five CVs adapted to vacancies each week, or attend at least four interviews in ten days. Such metrics allow you to assess progress and adjust the search strategy.
In addition to quantitative measures, they advise setting time limits for making decisions about offers. Having a specific date for making a final decision helps avoid prolonged waiting and uncertainty.
Assess your capabilities and the relevance of vacancies
Before applying for a vacancy, you should honestly assess your knowledge, experience and strengths — especially when changing professions. For example, a translator may be competent in social services or commerce, but lack knowledge for narrowly technical subjects.
Also take into account the relevance of the vacancy: employment format, working conditions, employer requirements and your own values. An example is given where a salary may be 40% higher than other offers but require frequent business trips — and such a schedule may not suit personal circumstances.
