It’s true, most people are unhappy with their job. Everyone should have a job they enjoy and makes them want to wake up to go to work each day. How does that old saying go? Something like, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, that’s easier said than done right?
Whatever career path you choose, it’s important to have the proper knowledge and skills. If the thought of snagging a brand-new job, these tips should help the process go smoothly.
Decide what it is that you want
It can be stressful trying to decide on the best career path for you. Instead of suffering in the job you’re currently in, consider creating a pro and con list about the things you like and dislike.
Add a section for things you would like to explore in the future along with your strengths and weaknesses. Look over your list and try to determine what positions moving forward are in your best interest. Even if you’re still unsure about which job to pick, make another list with multiple jobs that strike your interest. You could even search for jobs on EmploymentHub to get accurate information about different career choices. Simply type in the job title you’re interested in along with your zip code. It’s the ultimate job search guide!
Don’t be afraid to try
Having a fear of the unknown is very real. (I mean, imposter syndrome is a thing for a reason.) Questioning everything you do and asking yourself: “Is this the right decision?” “What will happen next?” “What if I find a job worse than the one I have?” are all totally normal thoughts. Just take a deep breath and take a leap of faith! Don’t talk yourself out of something that could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Research the company’s culture
Does the job sound too good to be true? Invest your time trying to learn about the company you’re applying for. Find out how the company is structured: is there room for growth? Does the dress code is fit for you? Learn what other employees say about different companies on Glassdoor. Doing your homework will help you answer any questions the hiring team may ask you about the company. Share with them things you admire about their company’s culture or mission.
Update your résumé
When was the last time you updated your résumé? Many people only change a few things every time they switch jobs. Start by making a cover letter if you don’t already have one. Then, remove some of those old entry-level positions you had and consider deleting the positions that have nothing to do with your career now. Next, you could make sure all of your contact information and references are up-to-date. Refresh your professional skills.
Pro tip: Try reading your résumé aloud in front of friends or family to catch any small errors or typos.
Don’t limit yourself to online applications
With today’s technology it’s simple to just upload your résumé and click “apply.” But, there are other ways to go about finding a job. Many employers still prefer job seekers to fill out an application in person. It gives them a chance to see you in person and maybe chat with you. If you’re a student you could check to see if the career services department has any jobs in your career field. They might have close connections with employers in your community. Even though this sounds outdated, you could check out your local coffee shop to see if they have any job boards.
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Take your time, and don’t rush into making any decisions about a company without doing your due diligence first. Believe in yourself and allow your calling to find you.
