How to Find Out Your Job Interest

Finding out your job interest will lead you down the right career path.

Working takes up a considerable amount of time, effort and energy. Because of this, finding a job that really interests you is key in keeping you from becoming bored, burned out or unfocused. With so many job choices available, you may be wondering where you should begin to find the best fit for you. With a little research and evaluation, you can find a job that best matches your interests.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Consider your lifestyle and priorities. By taking inventory of your natural preferences and personal needs, you will lay a foundation for further job interest exploration. For example, you may desire financial security or to provide for your family. You may be interested in a fast-paced lifestyle. Perhaps you are interested in details and organizational duties. Examine your hobbies, volunteer work and activities you enjoy doing even without pay. People obtain the highest level of job satisfaction when they are doing something they love.

2. Complete one or more interest assessments. Several assessments are available online. Examples include the Self-Directed Search (SDS), the Career Exploration Inventory, the Interest Determination, Exploration and Assessment System (IDEAS), the Strong Interest Inventory and the O*Net Interest Profiler. The results will direct you to jobs that match your interests.

3. Speak to professionals working in the fields indicated as a good fit by your interest assessments. Their real-world insights can be extremely valuable. If you don't have personal contacts, get in touch with a local employer and request an informational interview.

4. Take a class. Select a subject based on the results from your interest assessment and enroll in a community education course that will allow you to explore the career further without a making a significant time or financial commitment.

5. Get assistance from a career counselor. Career counselors are trained to help you explore careers and make informed decisions. You can get connected with a counselor by contacting your local government work force center or your college career resource center.

References

• America.gov: Choosing a Career
• Job Hunters Bible (What Color is Your Parachute?)

Resources

• USA Jobs: Career Interest Guide Questionnaire
• USA Jobs: Job Interest Match
• O*NET Resource Center: Interest Profiler