Land your dream Job: A step-by-step guide + Job Board Launch
Welcome to Whatever Matters, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a high-performing life and career.
Before we jump into today’s edition I want you to take 5 minutes to help me craft this Newsletter for your 2024 goals. This will help me personalise the editions for you and get you the best jobs, strategies, career and life hacks available.
Over 60000 subscribers have already filled it. It helps me understand you better. All the questions are generic (I don’t ask for any personal details). Ignore if you have already filled it.
Today’s overview:
Important tips to land your dream job
Job Board Announcement - All you job seekers, assemble!
Rayn’s recommendation corner
In today’s edition of the ‘Whatever Matters’ newsletter, I am going to share my learning from helping more than 7000 people in their job hunt. A lot of you will be searching for your first internship, your first job or even a transition to a new job.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to shine and if you don’t like to read, do listen to my podcast for free. Your review of the podcast will be highly appreciated.
Preparing for an interview can be both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience but with the right guidance and preparation, you can be confident in your ability to excel in the interview and secure your dream* job.
Firstly, remove the idea of a DREAM job from your head. If it is a TCS, Infosys or any big firm they’re definitely great companies to work with but whether it’s a dream job for you is for you to decide not the society (nor your family).
Any job that serves you well - financially and personally is a dream job.
This guide will help you ace your interview, impress your employer, and showcase your expertise. Follow the advice provided to put your best foot forward. And, as an entrepreneur, I have to interview a minimum of 250-300 candidates every year - don’t be the ones that got rejected.
Let’s jump in.
Know about the company (interviewer is a plus)
No, don’t just skim through their website. Understand their values and the founding philosophy - utilise keywords from those paragraphs in your answers subtly to inform the interviewer indirectly that you understand what business they are into.
If you know the company better - your answers will align perfectly.
Understand the Job Description
Mainly during college placements, we often sit in interviews without understanding what the job role entails. This becomes a big red flag and can lead to an immediate rejection.
Try to ask questions if you have intricate doubts about the job but not if you have basic questions.
Highlight your skills
Identify the top three skills listed in the job description that perfectly match your strengths and connect those with work you have done at college. It’s okay even if it’s a food stall that you managed - you can call it on-ground operations work or maintained P&L for a food stall.
Your answer needs to be smart, not correct. An interview never looks only at your report card they will look at how street-smart you are.
In the following editions, we will deep dive into more such tips but let me tell you that without actually practising this with a sibling or a friend you will not be able to succeed in your hunt. The more you practise - the more confidence you will gain.
If you’re looking for Career Coaching or Guidance drop a line at narayanan@chalkmeout.com or book a call directly at www.topmate.io/chalkmeout
Want to stand out from the crowd? Keep reading
It's time to snooze your answers and learn how the market needs you to answer.
Let's kill it in the interview by killing unwanted stuff. These changes have helped my clients grab an opportunity in their fields at the price they wanted.
Let's go.
⚰️ RIP "I'm a team player." ⚰️
→ I'm a collaborative person, weaving seamlessly with teammates to win shared goals.
⚰️ RIP "I'm responsible for..." ⚰️
→ I spearheaded and owned that project, steering it from brainstorming to the victory lap.
⚰️ RIP "I have experience with..." ⚰️
→ I've honed my skills in XYZ like a diamond, ready to sparkle for your team.
⚰️ RIP "I'm good at problem-solving." ⚰️
→ Complex riddles intrigue me. I solve them up like a coding wizard.
⚰️ RIP "I'm a hard worker." ⚰️
→ My work ethic is like a mythical beast – unstoppable, relentless, and fueled by a passion for excellence.
⚰️ RIP "I'm interested in this job." ⚰️
→ Joining your team would be like joining a dream squad! My enthusiasm is off the charts, and I'm ready to contribute to your mission.
⚰️ RIP "I can adapt to change." ⚰️
→ Change is my middle name! I thrive in dynamic environments, bouncing back from challenges like a bouncy castle on overdrive.
⚰️ RIP "I'm a good communicator." ⚰️
→ Articulating ideas? That is my superpower. I foster open dialogue, ensuring everyone's on the same page and singing in perfect harmony.
⚰️ RIP "I'm detail-oriented." ⚰️
→ My eagle eye for detail is legendary. Mistakes tremble before me, and precision is my mantra.
⚰️ RIP "I have a degree in..." ⚰️
→ My degree isn't just a piece of paper, it's what defines me. It equipped me with the skills that make me a valuable asset to your team.
I hope these handy tips will keep you encouraged and direct you towards the right direction. I share small bits of knowledge and my learnings twice a day on Linkedin.
Weekly Job Board
Content Moderator - Work From Home
Operations Associate, Compliance India Team - Full Time [ Hyderabad, Telangana]
I am curating more jobs which will be updated every week and shared here so that you can focus only on the application.
I am going to create a Notion doc to help you better. Reply to the email with ‘Yes, I am looking for a job and I will use Notion’.
Narayanan’s Recommendation Corner
→ Quote of the week,
“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible” – Francis of Assisi
→ Book of the Week,
The Art of Interview by James Storey
The Art of the Interview by James Storey is a guide designed to help individuals succeed in job interviews, particularly for those new to the field and since, a lot of are searching for a job or internship - this is great
The key takeaways from this book I feel will help you:
Researching the company: Understanding the organization's mission, values, and current projects demonstrates genuine interest and allows you to tailor your responses.
Highlighting relevant skills: Identify key skills listed in the job description and showcase them with concrete examples from past experiences.
Practising your answers: Rehearse responses to common interview questions, focusing on your passion for the company's mission and your ability to contribute.
Preparing insightful questions: Develop thoughtful questions about the company's work and team culture, demonstrating your genuine interest and proactive approach.
This week’s question to you
What are you most nervous about before an interview?I receive over 12000 responses on each question and I am so happy that you take this step to share your thoughts and feelings. Step out, drop me a line with your thoughts, doubts or questions. I am happy to respond to each one of you.
Such a practical and actionable guide! Landing a dream job can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down step by step makes the process much more approachable. Great insights!