In today's economy, more and more people are content with jobs that don't drive them crazy or that they hate in the truest sense of the word. However, the truth is, you can't live this way. Regardless of their qualifications, everyone deserves a rewarding job that fits their lifestyle.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding a Job That Matches Your Interests
Step 1. Evaluate what you are good at
In general, you are good at the things you love. Learn about the industries and options that best suit your interests, so you can dedicate time to what you really like. To get started, just do an online search on various professionals.
- Consider your hobbies and how you can adapt them to a job.
- Think about your past work experiences, their pros and cons.
- Consider getting a career coach at university if you are a student. It will help you determine what your qualities are and how to exploit them in the world of professional careers.
Step 2. Talk to people who work in a variety of fields
You will get a better idea of the tasks involved in each profession. Maybe in your city they organize job fairs: if so, take part, in fact it is a great opportunity to test the waters. You can also invite friends and family to share their experiences.
- Learn about the working hours, key points and challenges of the various professions.
- Invite others to give you feedback on the jobs you are considering and the plans you have in mind to start a particular profession.
Step 3. Try doing job shadowing
Supporting and observing a professional allows you to evaluate a certain profession and all the responsibilities that a certain field implies. You can understand what it really means to be in a job that intrigues you.
- Check with your university to find out if there is an opportunity to work alongside a professional in order to better understand a certain job. The job orientation or Erasmus office can be of great help in finding potential career opportunities.
- Several organizations offer job shadowing opportunities, especially for students.
Step 4. Take a psycho-aptitude test
On the web there are many free tests which, based on psychoanalysis, identify the most interesting works for their character and lifestyle. These are questionnaires that aim to suggest specific professions suited to one's interests, in order to help trace a professional path. You can even discover jobs that you didn't know existed.
- There are different types of tests, try doing this or this.
- The test has 68 questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
- The answers should reflect your true nature, not what you aspire to become or what you think you should be for yourself or someone else.
- You will be given useful links to better inform you about the suggested jobs.
- Remember that there are no wrong answers, no right or wrong personality types.
Step 5. The test will give you various information
The results will help you discover the deepest traits of your personality, for example you will understand if you think logically or emotionally, if you like to work as a team or as an individual. Consider your ideal work environment. If you are outgoing and enjoy being in contact with people, you can think of jobs that allow you to meet new people and make conversation. If you are introverted, consider professions that allow you to work in a solitary environment. The test will help you understand your attitudes from this point of view.
- Extroverts are better suited to industries similar to teaching, sales, hotel management, restaurant management, or medicine.
- Introverts may adapt better to more secluded jobs, such as those that take place in the office, involving accounting, writing and editing.
Step 6. Consider your ideal lifestyle
If you dream of living lavishly or traveling often, you may want to look for jobs with a larger paycheck. Examine the average salaries of the professions you are considering to determine if they will offer you the lifestyle you aspire to. You can find averages online, for example on this site.
- Also consider if you want a family and children. Some jobs require a commitment of 40 hours per week, which should not be underestimated if you are hoping to build a family.
- Keep in mind that you may be happier with a job that pays less than what you currently have. Consider careers in which you would like the job itself versus those that simply pay more.
Part 2 of 3: Looking for Jobs
Step 1. Focus and don't be discouraged
Let yourself be supported by other people in your search. They can offer you practical advice or listen to you when you need to let off steam. Remember that getting a job takes time, so the best thing you can do is keep patience and work hard.
Step 2. Build a resume with all the trimmings
It must be professional and cared for, with a detailed list of all your qualifications. If you don't have a good CV, your application is unlikely to be considered by HR. Use the formats available in Word that will help you create your resume, but you can also find resources online.
- It will be useful for you to take a look at this site, which will allow you to write your resume in European format, also in other languages.
- The resume should include professional experience related to the job you intend to apply for.
Step 3. Prepare a portfolio
It is very useful for keeping all your work related documents in one place and showing your projects. It will also help you in moments of deadlock in talks or to give concrete answers to headhunters. For example, if you are asked about your professional experiences, you can show a report or project statistics.
If you teach, you can include your mission statement, letters of recommendation, student work, and a sample lesson. If you are a photographer, you can make the most of your portfolio by including your best shots or other works
Step 4. Distribute the resume
Nowadays there are countless ways to find work and apply. You can do a search on sites like Monster.com or Indeed.com, check out your local newspaper, visit companies' websites directly, or introduce yourself in person. Whichever method you choose, make sure you always stand with your antennas upright and apply whenever you can.
Every time you intend to apply, you must send a personalized cover letter, in which you will talk a little about yourself and why you have decided to apply. Online you can find several resources to write it, for example on this site
Step 5. Take advantage of networking to cultivate fruitful relationships
In many cases, you can find work by networking and communicating with people you already know. By building a positive relationship with former employers, colleagues and friends, it may be easier to get hired. Companies like to take advantage of the connections offered by their employees.
- Talk to friends, relatives and acquaintances, explain what kind of job you are looking for.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for a favor isn't the end of the world, just make sure you reward someone else's willingness with gratitude and professionalism.
- Avoid going into the detail of the relationship with the contact person until you are sure of the reputation within the company. In some cases this person may not have a very good reputation with the employer and this could negatively affect your chances of getting the job.
Step 6. Create a LinkedIn profile
Get to know people like you and build friendships with sites that help you look for work. Much of the most fruitful research and exploration takes place thanks to networking. LinkedIn is one of the most used outlets in this sense. Opening a profile is free and will help you find professional opportunities, business and new business ventures.
Step 7. Hold on to your current seat until you find another one
Searching for a job is challenging, so you shouldn't leave your current position until an enticing position is offered to you. Once you are ready to fire, be sure to notify your employer in time, as stipulated in the contract, so that you maintain a good relationship with the company.
If you leave your job and maintain a good relationship with the company, you will be able to indicate your former employer when they ask you for references in the future
Step 8. Try to be realistic
It is possible that you are not yet qualified for your dream job. You must therefore inform yourself well, understand what are the titles and the steps necessary to reach your goal. You can't start working as a CEO right away, but you can gradually get to that role.
- Determine if your dream job requires academic or other training.
- Accept jobs that can lead you to the role you want. Sometimes what matters is putting a foot in the door, and then gradually climbing towards the apex.
- Look for a job in the field you aspire to. For example, if you want to become a nurse, try working as a receptionist in a doctor's office while you study - this experience can help you better understand the environment and pace of work.
- Work hard and build strong relationships with your colleagues. Doing your best to develop your current job skills and establish good working relationships with your colleagues could help in the future, for example if you are hoping to get a promotion.
Part 3 of 3: Have a Great Interview
Step 1. Prepare for the interview
Review all the skills needed for your dream job, but practice, in particular, interacting with potential interviewers. You can do it alone or in company. You could participate in test interviews organized by universities or career guidance centers. They will give you feedback on the impression you tend to convey to potential employers.
- When practicing the possible answers, say them out loud in front of someone. This will help you prepare better.
- The resume should be written in 12-point font, with no grammatical or typographical errors.
Step 2. Dress professionally
The outfit you show off at an interview helps create an image or perception of your way of being, so choosing the right clothing is very important when you are applying for a job and want to convince the company to hire you.
- Learn about the company to find out which outfits are most appropriate for an interview.
- Whenever you have doubts about clothing, it is a good idea to dress a little more elegantly than necessary, so as not to risk appearing too informal.
- If you don't have the right clothes for an interview, go to the mall and ask a clerk for help.
Step 3. Find out which companies are calling you for an interview
You should know more about history, mission, founder and so on. During the meeting they could ask very specific questions, so it is better to go prepared, showing some interest in society.
You will likely be asked why you want to work in that particular company. Make sure you prepare a good answer
Step 4. Agree to participate in all interviews offered to you by companies that have vacant positions
Learn everything you can about the industry. Interviews can be good sources of information and networking, whether you are hired or not. Take some time to research companies and determine if you are actually interested before making an appointment.
Step 5. Be grateful after the interview
The next day, send a thank-you note to the person you spoke to - you'll make a good impression and they'll remember you. You can send it by post or by e-mail. You simply have to thank her for taking the time and let her know that you want to get back in touch.
Step 6. Reflect on the path
If you're wondering why you weren't called or hired, make a list of the pros and cons to figure out what went wrong. Work on your weaknesses and strive to improve performance. Applying for a job means facing stiff competition, so it's important to always learn from experience and stay prepared.
- Review the resume and make sure it is error free.
- Share experiences with friends and family, invite them to give you advice on your answers. This will help you exchange views and gather ideas for future interviews.
Advice
- Learn to listen carefully in an interview. It's easy to get overwhelmed or distracted by your own insecurities, but take a deep breath and focus.
- Don't be afraid to appear vulnerable, and remember that you can very well ask others for help.
