No one likes job hunting. However, if you’re unhappy in your current job, it might be time to move on. A new job can provide you with a more meaningful way to spend your day. It doesn’t feel like a job if you enjoy what you do.
Building a career that you enjoy and that brings meaning to your life can be an amazing way to get paid.
But how do you get to that point?
Creating a career strategy
Your career strategy is a big part of moving forward and finding a work situation that you love. It’s important to create a career strategy that works for you. Here’s what you need to do so you can take the next step:
Figure out what you want to do
Do you know what you want to do? Pay attention to the things that you enjoy, and that bring you happiness. Is there a way to turn those things into a career? Is there a job out there that allows you to make a difference?
Reflect on your values, strengths, and preferences. Use what you learn about yourself to research potential careers.
Research the skills you need
What knowledge and skills do you need to excel in your chosen field? It’s important to know what kind of education or experience is required.
Some of your current skills might transfer to your new job. However, you might also need to get a new certification or degree. Perhaps you need to take a course. Figure out what you need to do in order to reach the next level, or even switch careers entirely.
Plan to get the right skills
How can you get the skills you need? In some cases, you might be able to learn what you need from an online course and then practice. Other times, you might need to sign up for a seminar or take night classes.
Figure out if your current employer offers tuition reimbursement or has an education program. You might need to commit to stick around a little longer, but it could be worth it. You might need to save up and take one class at a time, or get student loans. Decide what path works best for your situation and your wallet.
Update your resume
If you already have the right skills, or if you are in the process of acquiring them, it’s time to update your resume. You can have a professional look it over to help you get the right look and feel.
When updating your resume, make sure to include action phrases and keywords related to your preferred career field. You should also make sure that the resume can be tailored to different positions. That way, you can alter it slightly to reflect the requirements of each individual position related to your preferred career.
Brush up your interview skills
When was the last time you had an interview? Now is the time to brush up on your interview skills so you are ready to answer questions and put your best foot forward.
Before an interview, make sure you research the company so you understand the mission, as well as some of the challenges it faces. Not only will this help you interview better, but it will also help you figure out if your personal values align with the mission and values of the company.
Reach out to your network
Don’t forget about who you know. Let your friends and family know you’re looking, and be clear about what you are looking for. You might be surprised at what crops up when people in your network are helping you find the right job.
