The Marksmanship Principles of Job Seeking
Written by Adrian Cheesman
Recently, as I was driving through Catterick Garrison on my way to Leyburn, I noticed the familiar sight of red range flags being raised
Instantly, it took me back to my Army days all those years ago.
One of my distant memories of those range days was how much the group’s overall shooting improved when the instructor reinforced the Marksmanship Principles.
It wasn’t about firing more rounds or rushing through the process. It focused on the fundamentals, ensuring they were locked in before pulling the trigger. And as I thought about this, it struck me how the same principles apply to job seeking.
1. The position and hold must be firm enough to support the weapon.
Job Seeking Equivalent: Build a Strong Foundation
Your foundation needs to be solid before you even start firing off applications. This means:
🔹A well-structured CV that highlights your transferable skills.
🔹A strong LinkedIn profile that aligns with your job goals.
🔹A clear understanding of what roles fit your experience and aspirations.
Just as a steady shooting position ensures accuracy, having the right foundation gives you stability in your job search.
2. The weapon must point naturally at the target without undue physical effort.
Job Seeking Equivalent: Target Roles That Fit You
If you have to force your aim onto the target, you will struggle to hit it consistently. The same goes for job searching. You’ll miss the mark if you’re applying for roles that don’t align with your skills or interests. Instead:
🔹Focus on job opportunities that match your experience and career ambitions.
🔹Avoid a scattergun approach, be strategic and deliberate with applications.
3. Sight alignment and sight picture must be correct.
Job Seeking Equivalent: Maintain Clarity and Focus
If your sights aren’t aligned on the range, you’ll miss, even if everything else is perfect. In job seeking, your “aim” must be precise:
🔹Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role to ensure alignment.
🔹Ensure your online presence (LinkedIn, job boards, CV databases) reflects your expertise.
🔹Try to stay focused, don’t get distracted by roles that don’t fit just because they’re available.
4. The shot must be released and followed through without undue disturbance to the position.
Job Seeking Equivalent: Follow Through with Persistence
Many job seekers apply for roles and then do nothing. This lack of follow-through affects results like a shooter who flinches at the last moment. Instead:
🔹Follow up on applications with a polite email or LinkedIn message.
🔹After interviews, send a thank-you note to reinforce your interest.
🔹Keep track of your applications and adjust your approach if needed.
🔹Stay persistent, rejection is part of the process, but each shot gets you closer to a hit.
Final Thought
A good marksman does not rely on luck. They prepare, they align their aim, and they execute with precision.
Job seeking is no different. If your approach feels scattered, take a step back and apply these Job-Seeking Marksmanship Principles, you might find your accuracy improving.
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