Finding a career can be a daunting task. There are tens of thousands of potential careers, in thousands of fields, and many of them can seem remote or inaccessible. However, if you break the process down into simple steps you will find that your interests and goals will guide you in the direction of a satisfying career.
Identify Strengths
Bill Knaus, author of "Fearless Job Hunting," recommends taking different standardized career tests to establish what kind of work you enjoy, and what suits your personality and skills. He notes that frequently changing jobs can be a sign of workplace incompatibility and that a "study can confirm the career direction you are already taking, help give direction towards a new career objective or rule out career settings where you could feel like a duck out of water."
Examine Options
Once you have a clear idea of the type of work, or industry you are interested in, learn more about available careers. Career Overview recommends researching your area of interest with a number of questions in mind. Find out about: "work activities and environment, training and career education requirements, personal qualifications required for success in the particular field, earning potential, as well as job outlook and employment projections." This information will help you determine what steps you need to take towards your ideal career.
Education And Training
Finding a career relies on education and gaining relevant experience. Many careers require specific qualifications or courses. The Princeton Review offers a search function that will help identify university majors related to your chosen career. If you are looking to gain practical experience in a trade or profession, resources such as the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship can help you find training schemes that can give you first-hand experience.
Job Hunting
Getting the right job means clearly communicating your objectives and qualifications. The U.S. Department of Labor advises: "One method is to set a clear goal or career objective, and make sure your resume reflects that objective. You don't necessarily have to state your objective on your resume, but write a summary statement to show how the particular job matches your career goals." This ensures potential employers have a clear idea of your skills and will save you wasting your time on pursuing jobs that are not well-suited to your goals.
References
- Psychology Today: Top Tips for Job Hunters -- How to Find the Right Job for You, Dr Bill Knaus, EdD, June 2010
- Career Overview: Careers and Occupations Guide -- Complete List of Career Choices
- The Princeton Review: Majors Search
- U.S. Department of Labor: Office of Apprenticeship
- CareerOneStop: Resumes + Interviews
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