Playing To Your Strengths: How To Find The Right Job For You

One of the most interesting things about human beings is that we are all different. When it comes to career advice, it can be difficult to find golden nuggets that resonate with you or to stumble across articles that make you feel like the writer is talking directly to you. Honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for finding the perfect job, and that is why it’s so beneficial to personalize your search. Here are some tips to help you find a role that is right for you. 

Figuring out what you want

The most important thing to think about when you’re looking for a new job or a career path is what you want to do. The average adult spends around 37 hours per week at work. This is a huge commitment, so it’s crucial to try and find a position that will make you happy and bring a level of contentment and satisfaction. Focus on your objectives and try not to be influenced by societal trends or demands or what other people think.

It’s common to hear people talking about going into fields and sectors because that’s what their parents did or wanted them to do. If you feel under pressure to make decisions that you don’t want to make, communication is key. You might feel like you’re doing the right thing by making other people happy, but your wellbeing should also come into play. You don’t want to end up with a job that makes you miserable to placate others. 

Understanding and recognizing your personality traits

We all have unique personalities, but often, the way we think and behave can be categorized or grouped according to dominant trends or traits. If you were to take the Enneagram test, you might find that you’re an analyst or a caregiver, for example. Finding out what kind of personality and character traits you have can be extremely useful in determining suitable career paths.

If you think about others often, you like to protect and look after people and you’re sociable and hard-working, a career in nursing or teaching may appeal. If you prefer your own space, you like to look at facts and you’re a thinker, you might err towards a career in research or engineering, for example. Ideally, you want to find a job that enables you to play to your strengths at the same time as minimizing the impact of or allowing you to address potential weaknesses. 

Research Potential Employers

The more you know about a potential employer, the better you’ll figure out whether you actually want to work for them. It gives you a better idea of what it’ll actually be like to work there. You could have a better picture of what your working environment will be like.

It’s worth looking them up before you apply to any of their open positions. The likes of Primerica reviews and employee reviews about similar companies can help with this. With how much it could help you find the right career and job for you, there’s no reason not to.

Implementing a plan

Once you have ideas about the kind of job you want, you can turn your attention to finding suitable roles and giving yourself the best chance of receiving employment offers. This includes trying to capture the attention of executive recruiters online, too, because you really want to show off what strengths you have and how you are strongly different from the competition. Start with practical concerns, for example, experience and qualifications.

If you haven't got the relevant skills or training, look for opportunities to undertake study and complete courses and apply to companies and organizations to get some experience. There are so many opportunities to gain new skills through online learning opportunities. A good way to find out what skills and qualifications you need is to look at job adverts and pick out any recurring requirements that keep appearing. If job ads are asking for a togaf certification, specific software experience, or similar, then this is a good starting point to start acquiring the skills you need for your dream career.

Update your resume, start searching for vacancies, and tailor applications to specific roles. It’s useful to set career goals, but don’t get too carried away with dates and milestones. It might take a while to get to the end, but as long as you’re moving in the right direction, that shouldn’t matter. 

We spend a huge amount of time at work, so it’s important to think carefully about finding the right job. Whether you’re changing careers, or you’re on the hunt for your first job, hopefully, this guide will point you in the right direction.

How Can You Learn To Make Better Career Decisions?

If you are unhappy in your career or you don’t like the company that you are working for, you may be thinking about making some big career moves. It might be that you are considering a complete career change or simply looking for similar positions at a different company.

In some cases, people are one hundred percent sure that they are making the right choice, but often, people have a lot of doubts about these big career decisions. A bad decision can have a big negative impact on your career and your life as a whole, so it is important that you always make sensible career decisions. But how exactly do you do that? These are some of the best ways to make better career decisions. 

Consider Your Priorities In Life 

When people are considering a career move, they often think about what they want out of a job, which is important, but you also need to consider your overall priorities in life. For example, if it is important for you to make a positive impact on the world, you need to start looking for a rewarding career that is more than just a way to make money.

If your family is the most important thing in the world to you, then you need to find a job that offers a good work-life balance so you can spend more time at home. By considering your overall priorities in life, you will get a clearer idea of what you want from a career. 

Take Advice Wherever You Can Get It 

This is so important because different people have their own perspective on your situation and they may offer insights that you haven’t even considered. Don’t try to make this decision on your own, speak to your friends and family members and see what they have to say.

You can also speak to a careers advisor or even get a free psychic reading if you believe in that. Take as much advice from as many different people as you can and you should be able to assess your options more effectively. However, it is important to remember that it is ultimately your decision and you should do what feels right for you. If you don’t agree with somebody’s advice, you don’t have to take it. 

Imagine Your Future Self 

When you are trying to decide whether a career move is right, don’t just think about the short term, consider your future self as well. If you have a long term career plan, is this move going to push you in the right direction?

How do you think your family life will change in 5 years and will this new job fit in well? Do you think that you will be happier a few years down the line if you stay where you are right now? When you imagine your future self, it helps you to build a clear picture of exactly how this career move is going to affect your life. 

Making big career decisions is always tough and there is always the chance that you will make the wrong choice. However, you can start making better career decisions if you follow these simple steps. 

Is It Practical to Chase Your Dream Job?

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Perhaps a friend or family member remembers. Maybe you’ve written it down somewhere, or you might even have lots of decorations and memories surrounding you that constantly remind you of what you wanted to be.

Did you ever reach that goal?

If you’re reading this, then the answer is likely a resounding no. But that’s perfectly fine. Most people don’t reach where they want to be in a few years. In fact, some people don’t ever get to chase their childhood dreams because it’s simply not practical.

But what if there was a practical way to chase your dream job? What if there were logical steps to take that would help you achieve your dream career? Would you still go for it?

It’s all about optimizing your time

For someone with a family and commitments, switching your career can seem like a pointless endeavor. You have responsibilities, after all, so you can’t be playing pretend or chasing something that isn’t guaranteed. However, modern technology has made it possible for us to study and learn new skills at our own pace. Be it online courses or audiobooks, there are lots of opportunities for us to acquire skills while working our current job.

So is it practical to chase your dream job? It can be, but it all depends on how you optimize your time!

Below, we’ve included an infographic about online nursing degrees that you can study in your own time while you’re still working. It’s a great way to advance yourself in a particular field without investing too heavily, and also one of the best ways to chase a dream job.

Design by: Carson-Newman University Online Nursing Programs

4 Mind-Blowing Reasons To Choose A Career In Healthcare

Healthcare careers divide opinions. Everyone knows how valuable they are to society, and the work of all the individuals in healthcare jobs is unquestionably brilliant. However, many people don’t want to enter this career field because they’ve heard bad things. They think you work long hours, get hardly any pay, and you don’t have many holiday days.

While these things can sometimes be true, they neglect to mention the benefits of a career in healthcare. It can be far better than almost any other career out there - and here’s why:

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Jobs for life

Humans will always need healthcare. We will always need help when there’s a problem with our bodies, and we need professionals to provide advice. Some elements of AI or robotics may enter the field, but human workers will always remain. In this respect, a career in healthcare is a career for the future. You won’t need to worry about being let go, which provides you with some much-needed job security.

Room to grow

Speak to people in this industry, and you’ll quickly learn that there’s always room to improve. Doctors can undergo additional training to become surgeons or specialists. Nurses can get degrees that allow them to improve their job title and take on more work. If you look at the website for the University of Southern California, you’ll see that healthcare administration assistants can also advance their careers with degrees. Everyone has a chance to climb the ladder and improve their job position. Life is much better when you know that you can do something to get a better job. There are always opportunities in healthcare, which is what makes it such a brilliant career choice.

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Job diversity

In the last paragraph alone, you saw around three different job titles. The healthcare sector is massive. This means there are so many different jobs you can explore. People assume you have to be a doctor or a nurse. But, you can be a physical therapist, a researcher, an admin assistant, a record keeper, etc. You’ll struggle to find another sector that offers the same job diversity as the healthcare industry. In essence, there’s a role for everyone!

In-demand roles

People with the qualifications to get a job in healthcare will rarely have to wait a long time. In most scenarios, you go straight into work after gaining your qualifications. This is because these jobs are so in-demand. You see things on the news all the time about a lack of people in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. The world needs people like this, so your job search should be reasonably easy.

Healthcare careers are much more rewarding than some people will have you believe. Don’t neglect this sector if you’re looking for a new job. It’s especially suitable for students that want to know what degree to study. Find a healthcare degree, and you will be on a fast path to an excellent job. Despite what some people say, the pay in this sector can be excellent when you gain experience.

If You're Down With Digits These Careers Are For You

There are some people that can't make heads or tails of money, numbers, or anything in between. And then, there are the others. Numbers just make sense. They are logical, and there is an explanation to support all theories. They just get it. If you’re one of those people, then a career in math, science, or engineering can be for you.

Photo by Antoine Dautry on Unsplash

Here are some of the skills you likely have:

• A deep understanding of quantitive, abstract, and spatial relationships

• Ability to analyze, critique, and challenge your own work, and the work of others

• Identifying structures and patterns via observation of relationships

• Taking calculated risks

• Details and precision

• Patience—because sometimes not everything is visible and solutions take time and a lot of data

So if you are down with digits and a lover of numbers, there are a few career options for you. 

Mathematical Modeler

A mathematical modeler designs models to solve complex problems that are associated with objects and devices. A definition you will often see is "a representation in mathematical terms of the behavior of real devices and objects." Vahid Dabbaghian: What is Mathematical Modeling, pg. 3. In order to do the job, you are going to have to earn a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, or something similar. There are some options where you will need a master's degree and simply some experience instead. 

Data Scientist

There is an increased demand for people who can work wonders with data. A skilled data scientist will bring structure and make sense of these numbers. In general, you will find that most data science roles will require that you have a degree in computer science, mathematics, or in a specialist area like data science masters degrees. If you want to gain a competitive advantage, you can eventually opt for Ph.D.; top earners are reported to earn over $200,000 per year. 

Algorithms Engineer

Data structures and algorithms are the bread and butter to the development of every computer application. These types of engineers are employed throughout every sector. As an algorithm engineer, you would need a bachelor's degree in engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. As well as a degree, it will pay for you to be well versed in multiple programming languages, and highly proficient in at least one. 

Software Engineer

Android and iOS engineers will develop new applications for mobile devices using several techniques. Software engineers code and create something that users can enjoy and is beneficial to businesses that they are associated with. Often a software engineer will have a degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field.

Tips To Getting A Job So You Can Travel The World

There aren’t many jobs out there that enable you to travel the world, but if you’re looking for a career change, then getting a job that allows you to see all those beautiful places out there is certainly one that should be taken full advantage of. Here are some tips for getting a job so you can travel the world

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Figure Out What Jobs Include Travel

Firstly, when searching for a job, you want to think about what types of jobs will offer the opportunity to travel. Some may not have that opportunity until further down the line, and maybe some places restrict where you end up going. It could be that certain companies only operate within specific countries and so all this needs to be thought about when trying to figure out what it is you’d like to do.

As a few examples, becoming an air steward can bring you the best opportunities to see some amazing places. Again, it all depends on the airline you fly with, so make that decision with some consideration. You could also consider being a pilot, although you might want to consider going to one of the top aviation colleges in order to do that. Some wine sommeliers can go to some beautiful locations, and as a freelance chef or wedding planner, you might be picked out to travel the world, doing something that might not even feel like work. 

Be Prepared For Further Studying

When changing careers, it might be necessary to seek further studying. Especially when it comes to something completely different than what you’re doing now, a few jobs might take a little more than just skills and experience. Some may require actual qualifications, and that will mean a trip back to education.

Going from what might be a full-time career back to the lifestyle and financial aspects of an education may mean that you have a lot of considering to do whether this is something you can afford right now. You also need to think about whether you are mentally prepared for the thought of having to study and to make time for the lectures and all the potential coursework and exam prep that you have to do in the process. It’s not something you want to take likely because once you’ve agreed to it, you could be wasting a lot of money if you don’t end up passing or drop out of the course. 

Discuss It With Family And Friends

A big move when you have a family or friends to rely on is important to share with them, particularly if you live with a partner and you have children. Being outside of your country might have been easier when you were single, but now it might be more difficult. It might be a venture where you can bring along your partner or family, but if you’re constantly moving, then it’s good to discuss it with them.

It’s never too late to take advantage of an opportunity like traveling, but it’s important to remember that once you become responsible for someone else, they get a say in what happens too.

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Use The Internet

Starting a blog or recording videos for YouTube are somewhat new career paths. These entrepreneurs are making their own money from using the internet, and although a lot of other individuals will say it can be so easily done, it’s actually a lot more difficult than people think.

These influencers end up creating, editing, and promoting their content on a daily basis. Some do dedicate every waking moment to creating content for the internet, and that hard graft can end up making them a fortune, so much, so that they never really have to work again. So why not use the internet to your advantage, just others are doing. You could essentially travel the world and be able to have your blog or YouTube channel pay for it as long as you’re willing to work all hours to build it up.

Work On The Go

And finally, who says you need a permanent job when you can get flexible work and still travel the world as you so please?

A lot of individuals will do this during their gap year, but if you have no responsibilities or ties to anything, then you might find working on the go very rewarding. Pick a location to start off at and make sure you have some ideas or at least a solid starting point with your work. Of course, you might already have some savings, but ideally, you want to be able to keep saving while working alongside exploring that country. The more you want to see, the more you should be putting in the hours to earn money. Being able to travel the world without having to worry too much about set hours is pretty incredible.

Traveling the world is something that everyone needs to do, and when it comes to getting a job that does that, all you have to do is be willing to work hard and to put in the time to get there. Whether you train to be a pilot or make your millions on YouTube, there’s no wrong career choice when it allows you to see the world. There’s so much of the world out there to see, so why not take advantage of what’s available to you and grab it with both hands!

Is It Time To Switch To A More Rewarding Career?

If you struggle to get yourself going when it comes to working, chances are that you have may have lost your passion and enthusiasm for the job. Being happy and motivated in your career is important and can have a much wider impact on your overall health and happiness. If you find that the drive and love for what you do is not there, it may be time to consider other career options.

There is nothing wrong with switching careers. Many people may struggle with moving to a new line of work because they think that it reflects badly on them by making them look indecisive or not committed, or that they are poor decision-makers. This is not the case and many people who switch careers go to find the passion to thrust them towards better job opportunities while providing them greater emotional fulfillment and job satisfaction. 

If you are currently at a loss with your career and are thinking of ways that you can bring joy back to your working life, here is some food for thought. 

Careers That Benefit Others

For many people, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that they are helping others. This may mean being there for them emotionally in their time of need. You may want to explore training to become a counselor or work on the helplines for a mental health charity. 

Physical health is another major area that a lot of people are drawn to because it is such a big area of life. You may want to explore several exciting openings in emergency medicine, get employment as a carer, or train as a nurse or a doctor

Teaching is another area that makes a difference in the lives of others. But teaching should not be restricted to just schools, colleges, and universities. There are many opportunities for you to take your skills and passions and share them with your local community and enhance their career prospects or quality of life as a result. 

Creative Career Choices

While it is considered to be low paying, creative industries are far from being somewhere that you won’t be able to earn a living. If you stop and think about all of the times in a day when you see an image, video, listen to music, or read or hear something, you will be shocked to realize that there must be a big creative industry behind that. 

From setting up your own online store selling artwork to working writing advertising copy for a corporation, there is a range of career options that will allow you to put your creative side on display and express yourself. For many people, having this creative outlet allows them to deal with lots of things in their life in a positive way, helping them to find their own happiness.