How to find the jobs that are best for you

Published at 01/12/2012 08:26:47

Introduction

It is a wonderful thing to do what you love and get paid for it. This is a possibility that lies within reach to us all, if we position and equip ourselves efficiently. The following are just a few of the steps to take in order to find the jobs best suited for you.

Step 1

Understand yourself and understand the job market.

Have a genuine sit down with yourself. List down your interests, strenghths, and accomplishments (academic or social). Get outside opinion if you must. This way, people can point out some strengths or weaknesses you did not know you had. Look at the job market and what it requires in your field of interest or jobs that require your strengths. Fill in the gaps that do not make you the best candidate for that position, either by getting that extra academic qualification or skill.

Research on companies in your field of interest.

This can be done by visiting the company website, reading newsletters or asking informed sources. Studying a company’s trend, can help you predict or identify a company’s next move. A growing company will mostly be looking to hire, while a failing one will not. This kind of information makes your job hunt more strategic. Find ways to meet individuals from these companies at career fairs or industry conferences. If opportunities arise, the rapport you create compels them to inform you early enough.

Step 2

Volunteer

Working for no pay in an industry or company of interest, shows passion and great interest in that field; something which most employers expect in their employees. There is a good percentage of people out there that do not enjoy their jobs, which is rather sad because much of our time is spent at work. People who are highly self motivated perform best and produce results.

Employment agencies

These are placement agencies that take your resume and secure job interviews on you behalf. Such agencies can save you a lot of time since most of them are recruited by potential employers to head hunt on their behalf. Instructions can be given to them, to only contact you in case of specific lines of work only. Some might ask for a fee which I do not advice giving, unless you have verified from other sources that they deliver. There are also websites that allow you to upload your resume for viewing by potential employers. This is a start to getting your capabilities out there.

Step 3

Do not let money be the base of your career choice

This probably looks hard especially in a harsh economy, but it is your duty to guard your heart and mind against outside influences into a field that doesn’t interest you. Money is one such influence. It makes you stray from your passion and blinds you to opportunities available to you in the future, drastically reducing your chances of ever becoming fulfilled.

Self employment

Nobody knows you best, like you know yourself. Self employment is the best way to wake up every day and do what you love. This job is customized to meet your flexibility and other working conditions. Though it requires some capital and a lot of self discipline, it is very possible to start small and grow with time.

Tips

Beware of scams. There is no job that requires you to pay a dime to get in; if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is! Be sure to keep yourself informed and alert. Opportunities lie around us but without the opening up of our minds to new concepts and ideas, we often miss them.