1. Know Yourself
Job seekers often overlook the importance of self-realization in strategizing their career. It is vital that you know your personality type and know what you want in life. (Research Myers-Briggs personality test online). A clear vision as to what really matters to you is a pre-requisite for a successful job search. A Muslim should have no doubts as to what his Creator wants from him and how he should deliver. He is well aware of his special strengths and weaknesses. He exerts extra effort to embed his career in the larger Islamic program that he strives for. With this self-knowledge, he knows which industry he should target.
Job seekers often overlook the importance of self-realization in strategizing their career. It is vital that you know your personality type and know what you want in life. (Research Myers-Briggs personality test online). A clear vision as to what really matters to you is a pre-requisite for a successful job search. A Muslim should have no doubts as to what his Creator wants from him and how he should deliver. He is well aware of his special strengths and weaknesses. He exerts extra effort to embed his career in the larger Islamic program that he strives for. With this self-knowledge, he knows which industry he should target.
2. Know Your Market
Armed with a personal vision, the career aspirant needs to learn about that industry. The wealth of resources available on the internet make research easy. Social media like LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent research and networking tools. The role of face-to-face research should never be discounted. By short-listing prominent organizations and requesting 15-30 minutes information interviews from them, you not only learn much about the industry but also leave a good impression on its professionals. This research further refines the particular market niche which you can thrive in.
Armed with a personal vision, the career aspirant needs to learn about that industry. The wealth of resources available on the internet make research easy. Social media like LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent research and networking tools. The role of face-to-face research should never be discounted. By short-listing prominent organizations and requesting 15-30 minutes information interviews from them, you not only learn much about the industry but also leave a good impression on its professionals. This research further refines the particular market niche which you can thrive in.
3. Help and be Helped
Armed with this knowledge, what you need is an experienced mentor working in that particular niche. There are many people out there you will give you contradicting advice, but the advice you should seek is of this mentor. Networking is perhaps the greatest tool for a successful job search. You should join your professional organization. Conferences, industry socials and seminars provide ample networking opportunities. For a Muslim, praying in the masjid regularly can be an excellent source of networking. It is important that you never blatantly ask others for work. Not only is this a big put off but is not befitting for a Muslim. Rather your focus should be on providing services by writing articles for your companies of interest in professional publications, volunteering, organizing projects in your professional organization, helping others seeking work, as well as giving relatives and friends good and sincere advice.
Armed with this knowledge, what you need is an experienced mentor working in that particular niche. There are many people out there you will give you contradicting advice, but the advice you should seek is of this mentor. Networking is perhaps the greatest tool for a successful job search. You should join your professional organization. Conferences, industry socials and seminars provide ample networking opportunities. For a Muslim, praying in the masjid regularly can be an excellent source of networking. It is important that you never blatantly ask others for work. Not only is this a big put off but is not befitting for a Muslim. Rather your focus should be on providing services by writing articles for your companies of interest in professional publications, volunteering, organizing projects in your professional organization, helping others seeking work, as well as giving relatives and friends good and sincere advice.
4. Stay Positive, Patient & Persistent
Searching for work is a full-time work and should be planned and executed professionally. Positivity is a contagious attitude. It helps you synergize with positive people and positive natural forces around you. Understand that you will only get your dream job when Allah wants you to have it. So it is vital to be patient and maintain a positive attitude. A Muslim is proactive, persistent, organized and focused and develops complete tawakkul on Allah in the pursuit of His rizq.
Searching for work is a full-time work and should be planned and executed professionally. Positivity is a contagious attitude. It helps you synergize with positive people and positive natural forces around you. Understand that you will only get your dream job when Allah wants you to have it. So it is vital to be patient and maintain a positive attitude. A Muslim is proactive, persistent, organized and focused and develops complete tawakkul on Allah in the pursuit of His rizq.
5.
Increase in Islamic
Knowledge & Practice
A Muslim is constantly learning and practicing his deen, especially in this sensitive phase of his life. Not only does he establish prayer in the masjid, but he daily prays Qiyaamul Lail beseeching Allah privately in a time when supplications are accepted. By attending a weekly Islamic class, he keeps polishing his vision of reality. He gives regular charity even if it is a small amount. Islamic knowledge anchors him in constantly striving both for the dunya AND the aakhriah such that he does not forget his greater Islamic mission once he eventually finds suitable work.
A Muslim is constantly learning and practicing his deen, especially in this sensitive phase of his life. Not only does he establish prayer in the masjid, but he daily prays Qiyaamul Lail beseeching Allah privately in a time when supplications are accepted. By attending a weekly Islamic class, he keeps polishing his vision of reality. He gives regular charity even if it is a small amount. Islamic knowledge anchors him in constantly striving both for the dunya AND the aakhriah such that he does not forget his greater Islamic mission once he eventually finds suitable work.
