How to Choose the Right Career Path for You

Many people begin their adult life unsure in which direction they want to go. This is perfectly normal and understandable considering how little school-leavers and new students know about the wider world. It is incredibly tough to narrow down your future options at such an early stage, but what many people don’t acknowledge is the fact that you can change your career path at any time in life. Of course, the best way to make the most of your chosen career is to spend as much time developing your skills within it as possible. However, if the career you have is no longer serving you, it’s time to look elsewhere. Avoid falling for the sunken cost fallacy, which is when you believe that just because you’ve spent time and effort on something, that means you must commit until it pays off. There is nothing wrong with wanting a change of career at any stage in life. Here are some ways you can choose a career path and some advice on how to land a job.

Weigh Up Your Existing Skills

Whether you are just at the beginning of your working life or you have been in your career for some time now, a good way to start your search for a new career is to closely examine your current skills and what levels they are at.There is no point in being dishonest with yourself by over-emphasizing the extent of your abilities in a particular area. It’s worth noting, however, that if you find yourself wishing that you were better at a skill, this might be an indicator of the direction you want to take. For example, if you look at your current skill-set and find it disappointing that you lack the ability to code, then perhaps you are drawn to a career in software technology and computers. It’s useful to know what you are already good at, too. Write out a list of your top skills and pay close attention to the qualities that link them. Are they all people-focused? Do they all involve lateral thinking? There will be a reason your life has guided your abilities in a certain direction – it’s up to you to decide whether you want to follow it or not.

Consider the Lifestyle You Want

Another key aspect of choosing a potential career path is the lifestyle it can offer you. The reason for work is not only to make the world a better place but also to provide a comfortable lifestyle for yourself along the way. Think carefully about what you are willing to sacrifice and what is most important to how you enjoy your daily life.

Here are some examples to inspire you:

• Freedom – If you value the ability to change your mind and move around with short notice, some careers will suit you better than others. Considergoing freelanceso you can select your projects and stay flexible.
• Socializing – Some jobs are quite isolating for the people performing them, such as security guards and truck drivers. If you prefer working alongside other people and building a team, factor this in when looking for a new career path.
• Excitement – Not everyone wants a job that offers routine and regularity. You might prefer the idea of working somewhere that requires you to constantly think on your feet and adapt to unexpected situations.

Once you have an idea of the kind of lifestyle you will enjoy the most, it becomes easier to rule out particular careers. There are plenty of other considerations to think about, including:

• Whether or not you are willing to relocate if your employer asks you to, and how far you might be willing to travel for work.
• How long a commute doyou feel up to making each day.
• Shift patterns, such as night shifts or irregular working hours.
• If you have children or plan to have children, your career will affect childcare and finances for looking after a family.

What you prioritize about a job and your lifestyle will indicate the kind of career best suited to you. Perhaps you would prefer not to travel for work, but if it means that you can afford the little luxuries that make life more enjoyable, then it could be something you are happy to sacrifice. Writing these points down where you can see them is a helpful way of getting your thoughts out of your head and organized in the real world. You can also bring them to someone you trust to ask for their input and advice. A new perspective on the problem can help you make a more rounded decision.

How to Start Searching for Your Ideal Career

Once you have decided roughly in which direction you hope to pursue a career, it is time to start searching for suitable jobs. The job market is incredibly competitive in many fields, so priming yourself to outshine everyone else can take some time. Inform people that you are searching for a job, and they might let you know if they hear about something relevant to you. Create accounts and sign up for alerts on different job searching websites to cast a wide net. Invest in yourself and work towards becoming the kind of employee an employer would be eager to hire. You can do this in a variety of ways, mainly by adding to your qualifications, speaking with people inside your chosen industry, and preparing for the hiring process itself.

1. Gain the Relevant Qualifications

After researching your chosen field, chances are you have a stronger understanding of what is expected of people within certain roles in the industry. Different job types require different levels of qualification. For example, applying for a degree course with Rockhurst University Online will make you more desirable as a nursing candidate. Learn about the roles you want most and what common qualifications they expect from applicants. Very rarely will you be able to get a job without the qualifications stated on the job posting. Once you have the qualifications to back you up, you can search for your ideal career with greater confidence.

2. Network Within the Industry

The importance of building connections within the field you want to enter can’t be understated. One of the most common ways that jobs are filled is by someone recommending a person they know to the hiring manager. This doesn’t mean that you must dishonestly befriend as many insiders as possible. Instead, make yourself open to new experiences in places that attract people with similar interests to yours. Of course, there are also specially organized networking events that bring people in certain fields together where connections can be built. Not everyone is confident when it comes to putting themselves out there and actively meeting new people. If you have any kind of social anxiety, this idea can be hugely off-putting, and you might want to avoid the need to network altogether. It is such a valuable part of finding your ideal job, however, that it’s important to overcome these fears.

Here are a few tips to help you increase your confidence when it comes to professional networking:

• Don’t feel obliged to talk a lot. Many shy people overcompensate for their social anxiety by speaking more than usual. This can result in interruptions or not fully listening to other people in the conversation.
• Approach networking as a low-pressure environment. You might convince yourself that if you don’t successfully obtain the contact information of at least ten people, then you have failed. This is not the case because networking isn’t as formulaic as that. Instead, see it as an opportunity to share ideas with like-minded people, not as a desperate attempt to find employment.
• There’s no need to become someone you’re not in order to make connections. If you are genuinely interested and can listen well to other people, you are more likely to network successfully than someone adopting an insincere character.
• Use social media to chat to people in your field before an in-person event. This way, you’ll feel as if you already know each other, and the stress will be slightly alleviated.
• If the event is open, invite a friend to come with you, even if they aren’t in your industry. This can take the pressure off compared to attending by yourself.
• Have a loose goal for your networking event. Don’t turn up just to stand around before leaving. Plan to speak to a number of people or make some new friends. Not every connection has to be job-focused. You would be surprised where career opportunities can arise in the future, so stay open.
• If you find yourself with the email address or phone number of someone you wish to get back in touch with, don’t be afraid to reach out. You can’t always wait for someone else to make the first move for you.

Networking doesn’t always take place at designated events. You never know if the CEO of a company you’d like to work for is sitting across from you in the dentist’s waiting room. Maybe a potential collaborator or colleague is having a drink at the same coffee shop as you. Demonstrate kindness and professionalism as often as possible to keep your opportunities open.

3. Perfect Your Resumé

If you have the necessary qualifications, experience, and knowledge, you must tie them all together into a coherent and eye-catching resumé. Different industries expect different qualities in an applicant’s resumé, so make sure to research good examples before formatting and writing your own. For example, the successful resumés sent to law firms will look very different from the successful resumés seen by design agencies. Your resuméis an advert for yourself, so don’t be afraid to outline all your desirable qualities. Keep it concise and relevant to the post you’ll be applying for – your time volunteering at the dog shelter might not influence the hiring manager at a marketing agency to invite you to interview. Use your best judgment to assess whether something should or shouldn’t be included in your resumé. A good way to do this is to carefully read the job requirements and make sure your skills truly align with what the company is seeking.

4. Prepare for Interviews

Interviews can be the most nerve-wracking part of finding a new career path. While applying for jobs and not hearing back from hiring managers can be disheartening, receiving an invitation to interview is another kind of stressful. Take a look at this interview advice to help you plan for the big day:

• Dress appropriately. It might sound simple, but an employer can’t help but have an immediate first impression of you based on how you look. Depending on the company, it’s likely that dressing smarter won’t hurt. Make sure to be well-groomed and presentable as well as comfortable – you don’t want to be fidgeting in an uncomfortable suit for the duration of the interview.
• Breathe deeply and drink water. Sometimes, interviewers will provide water for applicants, but if not, come prepared with your own. Having a dry mouth makes it more difficult to answer questions and can lead to panic. If you find yourself becoming stressed, pause and breathe. The most important thing is that you answer the interview question fully; you don’t need to rush.
• Research the company and have a solid knowledge of its ethos and goals. Focus on what you can offer them rather than what they can offer you.
• Practice answering common interview questions. Even if they don’t get asked, something similar will. Have a stockpile of memories and examples that show off your best, most employable qualities.

Accept Failure

While it isn’t fun to think about, looking for a new career involves a lot of failure and rejection. How you handle this failure will define your future. Instead of succumbing and giving up, use your setbacks as opportunities for growth. Every mistake is a lesson to be learned from. If you keep your end goal in mind and focus your efforts, success will eventually come your way.