Find a career for me

1. Conduct career appraisals.

Remember in high school when you were given career personality tests to determine what you should be when you grew up? They may have seemed comical, but the correct career evaluation may be an extremely important tool in determining your route, particularly if you are unsure where to begin. A career evaluation consists of two parts.

It should be dependable and genuine. The exam should really measure what it promises to measure, and the findings should be consistent over numerous attempts.

You should understand how to exploit the outcomes to your advantage. Having a list of prospective occupations is one thing. It's another thing entirely to utilize a career evaluation as a springboard for insight and self-reflection. Remember that a career evaluation is a tool, not a shortcut. It is up to you to put it to use.

2. Make a list of your alternatives.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the need to make a decision? Whether you know what you want to accomplish or not, figuring out how to get there is difficult. You must carefully look through your possibilities in order to identify the finest path to your desired profession.

Make a list of all your possibilities, whether they are actual work chances, educational opportunities, or career routes. Once you've put everything down, you may sort out what isn't quite right and restrict your objectives. Make as many possibilities as possible for yourself so that you have lots to pick from. You may also rank your alternatives in order of preference, and even combine several that are similar.

3. Search for overlap.

What you're strong at, what organizations need, and what you like doing may all be different, but it's critical to look for overlap between the three. That is how you choose your best job path. Instead of focusing on job titles, think about your interests, hobbies, and talents, and then figure out how these translate.

While you're at it, consider your past experiences to help guide your future. What did you like to do in past jobs? What did you find objectionable? Knowing your beliefs, interests, and talents can help you decide what kind of profession to pursue. And being aware of these aspects allows you to actively search for jobs that need your special skills.

4. Establish a network.

Whether you're actively looking for a new job or simply trying to figure out what road you should take, networking is a terrific way to get your feet wet. The more individuals you meet, the more you will learn about the work environment, the people, and how they like their jobs. And, if you're searching for a new career, networking is essential. According to surveys, nearly 85 percent of positions are filled via networking!

5. Consult with a mentor.

Never underestimate the importance and influence of a good mentor! When I decided to change careers, I realized I couldn't do it alone. I made the decision that I wanted to learn from the best, so I began working with mentors.

There are many various kinds of mentors, from those you pay to those who have been there and done that to those who can advocate for you at work. The appropriate mentor, regardless of kind, will guide you and help you advance in your profession. And the research backs it up: almost 80% of CEOs credit their success to working with mentors.