When we think about the most significant aspects of life, perhaps the first things that come to mind are family, health, and work. Therefore, no doubt, choosing a career is one of the key decisions you can make.
Deciding on what you want to do can take weeks, months, or even years as you study yourself, your predispositions and desires. Yes, finding your calling is not easy. This usually happens by trial and error, that’s why we’ve come up with an 8-step guide, helping you to avoid such a scenario.
Of course, when you decide on a specific field, you will need a brilliant resume to grab the recruiters’ attention. When choosing a platform for creating your CV, pay attention to velvetjobs resume builder as it offers numerous advantages. First, there are templates and samples for a variety of areas. Second, here, insights come from real people, so their experience and advice can be quite relevant to your situation. Third, you can also use the platform to build a cover letter thanks to the algorithms which prepare a preliminary draft.
And now let’s go back to the basic steps that will help you see your future more clearly.
Answer The Most Essential Questions
The first step is all about analysis. Here are a few questions to get you started.
- What are your core values? They may be financial stability, independence, following your dream, respect and recognition from others;
- What soft skills do you have? For example, time management, problem-solving, flexibility;
- What are your hard skills? For instance, data analysis, research, foreign languages, website development;
- What are your natural abilities? You can be great at writing, trade, project management, etc.;
- What is your personality type? Take the personality test of Myers & Briggs – it shows which areas are perfect for you to realize your potential;
- What are you interested in? Are you inspired by design, advertising, video production, etc.?
Define Your Basic Conditions
Mandatory conditions in work can be anything: salary, business trips, benefits, insurance, convenient office location. Here is another list of questions:
- Do you have strict salary requirements?
- Do you need certain benefits, such as health insurance or a specific number of days off?
- Would you like to travel on business?
- Do you need flexible hours to work from home?
- Are there certain tasks you wouldn’t perform under any circumstances?
- Is there a specific work environment you would like to be in?
Understanding what you need is essential. For example, if you want to get a stable salary, then it’s better to avoid freelancing and so on.
Determine Which Career Type Meets Your Needs
There are 5 career types, so let’s see which one suits you best.
A corporate one is ideal for practical and ambitious people guided by stability and great income. They obey strict rules and can sacrifice their interests for the sake of a good profit.
The static type suits those who aim at stability, clarity of tasks and psychological comfort. People of this type can cope with routine assignments, and most importantly, they don’t want to take initiative.
The professional type is perfect for enthusiastic people who value growth. For them, a career is much more than a source of income. Positions with boring responsibilities and lack of self-development will be a big dissatisfaction for them.
The creative type is for those willing to ignore traditional rules and come up with something outstanding. They are scared of routine tasks and instructions. Freedom and self-expression – that’s what is necessary for them to feel happy at work.
The entrepreneurial type is suitable for active and risky people. They don’t want to be a cog in a big machine. Thus, they take responsibility and are not afraid of risks for the sake of bright prospects.
Make a List of Jobs to Study
Once you’ve learned more about yourself and your needs, start looking for a job that seems interesting to you.
First, talk to your friends and discuss their experiences, they will surely give you a couple of tips and share insights.
Second, explore the industries. Are you drawn to a certain field, such as design, fashion, or education? Read what prospects they open up and what the job market looks like at this very moment.
Third, figure out what you enjoy doing. This can be anything from creating presentations or organizing teamwork. Based on this, write down occupations that might involve doing this.
Narrow Your List
The goal of this step is to choose one or two career paths that inspire you. Here’s what to analyze at this stage:
- A day in the life. Look at what everyday work looks like in each of the jobs, what are typical tasks and responsibilities?
- Salary. Study what is the average pay for the job you’ve chosen.
- Requirements. What certificates or degrees confirm your qualifications?
- Job prospects. How is the vacancy positioned in the labor market? You are more likely to prioritize jobs characterized by stable hiring and growth.
Update Your Resume
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to one or perhaps two career paths, determine if you need additional training or qualifications. Many employers look for candidates who already meet their requirements and are not ready to devote time to teaching you. Once you see you’re right for the job, update your resume so that it shows your strengths and skills.
Make The Most Of Your First Year
Getting used to a new job can take time. So, during this transition period, pay attention to the aspects that you enjoy. You will continue to grow, learn and change as you discover more about yourself and the whole industry.
Remember Your Goals
If you feel uncomfortable or unfulfilled in your position, it can be helpful to reread your goals for the future. If your career no longer aligns with what you want, consider changing careers or looking for better positions. Remember, it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
To Wrap It Up
Plenty of people are sure about their plans and intentions, but over time they may be disappointed in their career path. Why does it happen? We often misplace priorities and follow the wrong principles. Perhaps the most basic things when choosing a career are to listen to your inner voice, study yourself and the market well, and pick out a direction that meets all (or at least most) of your wishes.
