How to Sniff Out the Right Career

Finding the right career path to follow and to excel in is never easy. Our preconceived misconceptions can get in the way more than any other opposition to success. The trick to finding your perfect career path is in finding out what hides behind a job title – what the actual duties are and evaluating yourself honestly to see if it would make you happy. Confucius said it best; “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” The following tips and questions are intended to help you determine the path that’s right for you.

What do YOU bring to the table?

The first step is to evaluate what makes you who you are. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, things they can handle and things that would make them go insane. This checklist of questions will start to provide the answer to the question of what kind of job would best suit you. Ask yourself what it is you are best at and what drives you most. Is it…

1. The need to help others accomplish their goals?
2. A passion for finding solutions to problems no one else can?
3. Curiosity about the impact various solutions have on the outcome of a project or the environment?
4. Making a work process easier, quicker or more efficient?
5. Sharing knowledge with others?
6. Finding a position that gives you a creative outlet?
7. Being creative?
8. A conviction for a product/method you want to convince others about?
9. Are you interested in pursuing a career while getting to know a different country/culture?

If your answer falls into any of the categories between 1 and 9 it’s definitely worth finding out which career would be the best fit for you in this sector, and what to aim for in improving your situation. You need a passion for what you are doing in order to shine at your job and be an important contributor.

What kind of work would fit you best?

If your answer was 1 and/or 5

You would probably be well fit for a training position. Sure you will have to learn the ropes first, but with this mindset you would be good at imparting motivational training, actively helping plan careers and offering educational options in a step by step scenario.

If your answer was 2 and/or 4

Finding solutions to problems usually implies that you are hands on and can visualize a process without problems. This would best place you in the production area of your company, where you can observe the processes and optimize them.

If you answered 3, 6 and/or 7

Ditching the company lifestyle for a trade where you can truly express yourself might be a good answer for you. What that trade will be lies in your talents to create.

On the other hand, you also might find yourself being an asset to the marketing department of a company. Not only do you have to be creative to market your product, but you have to know how it will impact your target market. It’s all about the when, where and how.

If your answer was 7 and/or 8

Sales would be the department lucky to have you. Being able to convince others of a product or method you believe in, is invaluable to any company. Creativity is needed to find the right approach for the target buyer. What is good for one buyer may not be for another, that’s why it’s important to be able to address buyers in a way that appeals to them.

If your answer was 9 in addition to any of the other combinations

Taking on a career in a foreign country will definitely make a positive impact on your resume. The question is where do you want to go and how do you go about it? The answer will lie in doing your homework. You can look into career passport site for help on every aspect of foreign careers. Ranging from finding a position to relocation advice and help, it’s a nice tool at your disposition. Living and working abroad is a sure way to broaden your horizons and realize your dreams.

What will you ask before starting your career with a new employer?

When you apply for a position that you are qualified for, make sure your employer meets your standards as well. Today, with the help of the internet you can get quite a bit of information before submitting your application.

·        If they have job descriptions posted for the position you would like, read them carefully and ask yourself if this is what you want to be doing over the next few years.

·        Read the company philosophy. Is it one you can share with them? It’s hard to work for a company if you resent their motives and objectives.

·        Do they promote from within? How much room is there to grow? If you work for a company that can’t offer the opportunities you are looking for, you are wasting time.

·        What are the benefits your new employer offers new hires? Are there special incentives such as income protection insurance or other benefits?

·        Does the company offer training programs to keep you up to date in your field? If not, are they willing to take on some of the cost that would be involved if you were to obtain the training elsewhere?

·        If you are from a different area or country, will the company help with relocation costs? Do you know anything about the area you are going to move to?  Will you be able to adapt to the new culture?

These questions are far too important to ignore. They will make the difference between a future career and a job. The key thing, in any decision that brings about change, is to know what you want and where you want it to lead you. You can’t build a house without a foundation and the same goes for the right career path -you can’t build a career on a position you aren’t happy with. Put your nose to the ground, start sniffing out the right one, and make a commitment to your future happiness.

Article submitted by Arlene Chandler, a freelance writer who enjoys discussing career and business-related subjects. When she’s not enjoying a good book out on her patio, she writes about leadership skills, job searching tips, and income protection plans from Suncorp. 

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