How To Find The Right Career For You

Some people know exactly what they want to do with their lives. They have a firm idea in their heads of what career they want and how they want to progress with it. Some people may want to be a trucker and wear the latest trucker hats. Others may wish to work with the public on the telephone and sit at a computer all day. 

A lot of people, however, are unsure as to what they want to do. Don’t worry, this article can help you to get one step closer to finding the career that’s right for you. 

Think About Your Hobbies

What is it that you love to do? Many people have things that they enjoy and some can even turn them into a career. You may, for example, like to: 

• Take dance classes and dance as much as you can
• Drawer unique pictures or in a unique style 
• Write stories and reports 
• Gardening
• Sew and knit 
• Building or mending things made from metal or wood

If your hobbies include any of the above, there’s a real chance that they could be turned into a career. Don’t worry, the above list is not exhaustive, it’s just an example. There are many other hobbies that could be turned into a career.

Ask Others What They Want To Do 

Your friends and family members may give you a few ideas. It’s always worth talking to others as they may suggest options you have not yet considered. 

Look For Jobs That Seem To Appeal 

If you are ready to start looking for work, look for jobs that appeal to you. 

Consider applying for these jobs even if you don’t have the necessary skills or experience. 

There are many jobs out there so it’s worth looking around. 

Don’t be afraid to look for jobs that involve working in a restaurant or a store. 

Everyone has to start somewhere. You could earn money while you look for your ideal job. 

Get Some More Qualifications 

You may make yourself more open to specific jobs if you gain more qualifications. Think about the type of qualifications you would like to have. Start working towards them even if it means that you have to go to night school. 

Take a class or two each week and learn something new or even more about a subject that interests you. Gaining a few new qualifications can potentially open up a whole new world of opportunities. It’s these opportunities that could help you to get a job you love. 

Don’t Put Pressure On Yourself 

Many people put pressure on themselves to look for a good career. 

However, the more pressure they put themselves under, the less likely they are to find something they truly enjoy. 

Take your time and have a good look around. See what careers are out there and what appeals to you. Sooner or later you could find something that’s just right. 

Use the above tips to help you to find the right career for you. 

The Real You - 7 Tools to Help You Find Your Ideal Career

Whether you’re considering returning to work after a break, or just looking for a more rewarding working life, it’s worth taking time and effort to define exactly what type of career will be the ideal fit with your personality and your lifestyle needs. There are plenty of tools to help you, so we list a few of the most useful below.

1. Know what you want

The first step is to consider what will be important to you in your perfect career. Is it an opportunity to solve problems, and use your creativity? Will you want to be near home, and avoid commuting? Flexible hours? The chance to use your education and experience?

Make a list of everything you want, then divide them into two lists: ‘Essential’ and ‘Nice to have’. List each item in order of importance.

Next, make a list of deal-breakers. What aspects of a job would you not accept – low salary? Long hours? Working remotely?  

Now, armed with these initial insights, it’s time to look a bit deeper.

2. Gain insight into your working style

Although self-analysis is useful, it is also worthwhile to gather more data with an online personality test.  There are plenty of free resources you could try.  However, it’s probably better to go for one which has been validated by independent research, as you’re likely to get a more accurate result. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has been used for over 70 years and has been extensively tested. It’s widely used across a range of organizations and defines 16 basic personality types, plus their optimum working environment.  For example, if you are an ‘INFP personality type', or an 'insightful visionary' as it's described, there are clearly careers that will allow you to play to your strengths and others which won't allow you to flourish.  As an ‘insightful visionary’ would you prefer to start your own business, perhaps?  Or work for a start-up’, with your eye on a clear path to a bright future? 

3. Match your profile with jobs

Armed with insights from your self-analysis and chosen online psychometric tool, it’s time to start matching your profile with the careers that may suit you.  The US government provides two amazing online tools using their vast employment database: the O*Net Interest Profiler and the O*Net Skills profiler. The first will help you research careers that match your list of features you want in your career, the second is more based on your skills and experience. The O*Net site also provides in-depth job descriptions, as well as salary ranges and other data which will help to prepare for your job search.

4. The perfect salary

You may be in the fortunate position of not having to consider remuneration as an important part of your reason for working.  More likely you’re like the rest of us and you'll need to be realistic about the salary you want and can expect.  You’ll find plenty of information on the major job boards, based on real-time data from thousands of recruiters and job seekers. 

Also, why not consult local employment agencies for a realistic assessment of the salary range you might expect in your chosen career.

5. Friends and family

Friends and family can be a great source of feedback and inspiration. They know you best.  Ask them what they think would be your ideal career.  They may surprise you with suggestions that highlight strengths you didn't realize you had.

6. Seek professional advice 

Before launching yourself onto a new career path, it pays off to discuss your choices with an experienced professional. Consult a career counselor or a life coach who specializes in helping people find their niche.  It’s true that his will most likely require a financial investment as expert advice rarely comes free. However, when you consider the long-term financial and emotional impact of your career choice, it can definitely prove worthwhile. 

7. Be supported as you search

Once your job search is underway, get as much support as you can. There are plenty of online support programs that provide practical advice and tools.  

Ensure your CV is updated and really reflects the career choice you’re making.  These days, recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for each vacancy. It’s essential that whatever you send is clear and focused. Why are you the right choice for the position, and why is the position the right choice for you?

Choosing the right career is a major life decision, which requires careful consideration and planning. We hope that some or all of these tools will assist in getting you the ideal career. Good luck!