How to Find the Right Job
The right job can mean different things to different people. For some it’s just about paying the bills, for others is doing something they love, or perhaps doing something that allows you to give something back, but what do you need to think about to make sure you find the right job for you?
Top Ten Criteria
A good place to start is to think of a “top ten” of essential criteria – a list of things that you want your job to provide you with. You need to pay the bills so salary and security is something you need to think about and be realistic about. Hours and benefits may also be important. Are you using your skills, which skills in particular are you keen to use in your new role? Do you want to be able to enhance and add to these skills? Are you looking for a job that allows you to give back to the community you live in?
What’s Wrong About your current Job
If you are in a role and not enjoying it ask yourself why? Is it the company, your colleagues or the work you are doing that isn’t right? What is missing?
Think about a day when you had a real buzz at the end of the day, a day when you achieved what you wanted and felt satisfied. What made it such an enjoyable day and why?
Ignore Job Titles
Don’t worry too much about job titles; very often a job title doesn’t reflect the type of work you will or want to be doing so read the job description in detail to determine what the role will involve. Guru, manager, director, or assistant has little meaning without context so make sure you aren’t just relying on the job title to influence your choice of job application.
Research Potential Employers
Do some research on the company. Glassdoor is a website that allows employees past and present to share information on companies they have worked for. This includes company reviews, salary reports, interview questions, benefits reviews, office photos etc.
Check out company websites and their LinkedIn page, what sort of “vibe” do they send out – is it a culture you would enjoy working in?
Think of the Bigger Picture
You probably won’t find the perfect job straight away so consider roles that act as stepping stones to get you where you want to be. Finding a company and job role that allows you to progress and develop within the business could be the way to get you into the right job. Saying that you don’t want to be seen as a job hopper so think carefully about the potential each job has before you apply. If you can’t find the right thing, is temporary work or contract work a way of bridging the gap until the right job comes along.
Choosing the right job is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The right career should bring you success and happiness for many years to come.
