How do I Choose a Viable Career?
Choosing a viable career involves finding a career with the salary, benefits and job satisfaction you want. As an entry-level job candidate or a career changer, you can explore ways to find a suitable career. According to an August 2010 HelpGuide article, you can recognize your career strengths by looking at your personality and researching different career options. After you have a career choice list, create a resume, contact companies and begin the interview process.
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Instructions
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Explore your career options based on what you enjoy doing, according to an July 2009 HelpGuide report. Take notes of activities you engage in during the evenings or on your days off. Avoid listening to unhappy employees and listen to individuals who enjoy their jobs and earn a good income.
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Compare and match what you enjoy doing with different career choices. You can enjoy working by yourself and reading books, so different career choices include book editor, trade magazine publisher or book indexer. Each is a viable career because you can enjoy full-time work options with company-paid benefits. Make a list of possible career choices for research.
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Ask yourself if you have the skills to perform the careers listed. An August 2010 Career Key report advises you to match your personality with your career choices. The report shows different personality types, such as investigative and social. Think of your personality during your career search, but remember you want to make a living to support yourself.
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Research your written list of careers, ranging from type of work to rates of pay. Use your library or computer for initial research and keep an ongoing list of researched information. As of 2010, the HelpGuide article suggests you review the location of jobs and how the work hours can interfere with your family interaction.
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Look at your transferable career skills, including oral communication and computer literacy skills. Before devoting the time and money for re-training, you want to make sure your current skills cannot be used for your desired career. List career-related skills obtained when exploring hobbies or volunteering, such raising money for a church bake sale.
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Create a resume before contacting potential employers. Read sample resumes targeted toward your career choice. After completing your resume, review it for grammar, spelling errors and accurate dates of employment. Your resume must grab the attention of the person scanning it because other people are applying for the same job.
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Contact companies where you want to start your desired career. Accept requests for interviews from companies matching your work duties and pay range, because you want to earn a living from your work efforts. Keep up to date with your viable career and remain willing to continue learning.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a resume.
Network with career professionals.
Prepare for your interviews.
References
Resources
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