How to Find the Job That Best Suits You

According to Chris Isadore, CNN Money contributor, during December 2013, approximately 88,000 jobs were created in a variety of career sectors.

Are you unemployed and looking for work? Or, are you bored at your current job, and want to try something new? If so, you are in luck! This article is going to help you find the job that best suits you! Truth-be-told, in today’s economy, snagging your dream job can be challenging, to say the least. Thousands of people are out of work; therefore, any field you enter is going to be competitive. It is also important to keep in mind that you probably won’t find the “perfect” job immediately. In fact, it could take you months or years to find the job that best suits you. Moreover, you will experience more than your fair share of rejection letters, but don’t give up!

Keep pushing forward. Why? Well, eventually you will get the job that best suits you (i.e. work environment, management style, duties/tasks, hours, values, mission, pay, benefits, opportunities, location, etc.). And, although you may become discouraged from time-to-time, just remember that you are qualified and valuable; some company, business, or organization will eventually snatch you right up. But, how can you find the job that best suits you? Well, by following the suggestions listed in this article, of course! If you are interested in learning how to find that dream job, you have come to the right place. This article will teach you how to find the job you were destined to have.

Get an Education

In today’s job market, most employers require at least a high school diploma but prefer an employee with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and/or a doctorate (depending on the field). Therefore, there is a good chance you will need to earn a college degree, before snagging the job that best suits you. Note: If you are not “college material,” there are plenty of jobs (i.e. entertainers, actors, singers, athletes, customer service reps, sales reps, warehouse workers, fast food workers, etc.) that do not require a college degree.

So, if you really want to find the job that best suits you, consider enrolling in a college program in your desired area. With a bachelor’s degree, you can become a teacher, human resources generalist, nurse, counselor, etc., and with a master’s and/or doctorate, you can become a psychologist, college professor, lawyer, researcher, medical professional, etc. Basically, with a college education, you will be able to obtain higher paying jobs and more opportunities.

Research the Field

Another good way to find the job that best suits you is to research your desired field. For instance, if you want to become a psychologist, search the internet for psychology education, licensure, and experience requirements. Look at various psychology programs, and read about the different branches of psychology. Why? Well, because it will help you determine if a psychology career is really best for you. Do you have the necessary skills and abilities to become a successful psychologist? Do you have the temperament and personality to be an effective psychologist? Do you like to help people? Are you interested in learning more about how the mind works, and how it is connected to the body?

If the answers are “yes,” then you are probably on the right path. But, if, in your mind, counseling is simply a way for a “professional” to be nosy or intrusive, and /or if you have little patience, then the psychology field may not be right for you.  Note: If you do not already have a degree in your desired field and you need one, research various degree programs and determine which ones fit your personality, location preferences, specific degree program, tuition costs, courses, class hours, etc. Furthermore, make sure the program you choose is accredited.

Volunteer or Intern

If you want to snag your dream job, you may want to check the job out for yourself. In other words, if possible, volunteer or intern at a company that offers the position you feel best suits you. If you are in college, call and ask the human resources director or recruiter if you can volunteer or intern at the organization. Explain to the director or recruiter that you are interested in a particular job and would like to shadow an employee, if possible, to see if the job best suits you. Volunteer or intern for at least 3 months, preferably 6 months to a year. Take notes and soak in the atmosphere. Why? Well, if you do obtain a similar position, it will help to know what to expect.

Be Aggressive

If you are too passive, you will most definitely miss out on the job that was meant for you. Jump on job opportunities as soon as they are posted, make sure your resume is updated, be the first one in line at job fairs, solicit job leads from friends and family, and/or send potential employers “Thank You” letters following job interviews. Always behave respectfully and politely during interviews. In addition, make sure the recruiter knows that you are serious and ready to work. In other words, do not sit around hoping that a potential employer will call you, because that will not happen. Be pro-active and take steps to ensure your own success.   

Be Flexible

If you want to find that “perfect” job, you will need to be flexible, especially when first entering a new job field. Note: There is a high probability that you may not get the job that best suits you at first. For instance, if you want to be a coordinator at a healthcare company, but it requires a degree and you do not have one, you may have to settle for being a claims or customer service representative until you satisfy the requirements of your desired job. No, it is not the job you want, but it is a job and a “foot in the door.” If you work hard, and maintain a positive, flexible attitude, you will eventually get where you want to go.

References:

Isadore, C. (2013). Unemployment rate falls for all the wrong reasons. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/05/news/economy/unemployment-rate/index.html

The Muse. (2013). 9 questions that'll help you find your dream career. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2013/11/01/9-questions-thatll-help-you-find-your-dream-career/

Nelson, B. (2013). How to find your dream job. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/brettnelson/2013/02/28/how-to-find-your-dream-job/

Young, J. (2011). 5 critical steps to finding a new job fast! Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeromeyoung/2011/06/13/5criticalsteps/