Finding a job you love has a huge impact on your quality of life. Not only does it affect your financial health, but also your overall happiness and satisfaction. It’s therefore one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
For some people, they have a strong interest or talent in one particular career path. They know they want to be a nurse, a programmer, a teacher or an engineer. For the rest of us, though, it can be an agonizing choice.
There are so many occupations to choose from, each with its varying pros and cons. At the same time, different employers offer a range of cultures, from more traditional to casual, family-like and everything in between.
While there will always be a risk with whatever decision you make, there are some ways to minimize it and find a job you love. Here’s how.
Take a career aptitude test.
The best place to start is with yourself. Taking a career aptitude test, for instance, will give you insight into the positions that you’ll be well-suited for and are most likely to excel in. It asks you questions about your personality, habits, values and interests with the results giving you more clarity about your career path. You’ll also learn about your strengths and weaknesses, so you can target your search.
Do your homework.
Once you have a better sense of your career aptitude, you can focus your job search on a particular career path. Before you commit, though, do your homework. Find out what the average salary is for a particular career path, how many jobs there are in your geographic location, what the educational requirements are, and what each occupation entails on a day-to-day basis. With this knowledge in place, you can decide whether this is a career path you want to pursue further.
Work with a professional.
Another option to help you find a job you love is to work with a career development professional. If you just graduated or are in school, your college or university will offer career services you can take advantage of. If you’re not enrolled, there are often local agencies that offer these services free of charge, including staffing agencies.
If you want some one-on-one guidance from an expert, you can also work with a career coach. These professionals can be especially helpful if you have some experience, but are looking to make a career change or want to move ahead, but don’t know how. A coach can be a guide, a mentor, and an advisor, helping you to navigate your career journey with more success.
Don’t forget about culture.
Beyond the kind of position you should pursue, including whether it’s remote or in-person, think too about your ideal employer. Within your chosen industry there will be a wide range of diverse benefits, cultures, and corporate values. Identifying your work style and personality traits can help you determine which companies are a good fit for you.
If you’re not sure, take a personality test. There are many free ones available online. Similar to a career aptitude test, these tests ask a series of questions to gauge your personal traits to identify the best-suited careers and environments for you.
Some individuals thrive in large, competitive, corporate settings, for instance, while others are more comfortable in smaller or more casual environments. Understanding your personality will help you identify the kind of employer to pursue during your job search.
Examine your current position.
If you are a veteran in your industry and are looking to make a change, another step to take is to look at your current role. Think about how you feel about it and why. Identify the areas you don’t like and that will be deal-breakers in future positions. At the same time, clarify the aspects of it you enjoy, whether it’s related to job duties, perks and benefits, or the culture of the company.
When you determine what’s working and what’s not in your current position, this information can serve as a compass of sorts that will guide you in your upcoming search. You’ll have a much stronger chance of finding a new job that’s right for you in the future, as a result.
When it comes to every job search, there are many factors to weigh, from your interests and personality to your abilities and financial goals. If you’d like help with the process, turn to ResumeSpice. We offer career coaching services, as well as professional resume writers, LinkedIn profile writers, interview preparation help, and more. We’re your total source for job search support, so you find that opportunity you love.
If you’re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
