The Basics to an Effective Career Search 

What do you want to be when you grow up?  As we go through life, this question can be intimidating.  If you are someone who has always dreamt of being a doctor, a teacher, or a business owner, you might already be ahead of the game.  For the others who are still grappling with what direction to choose, there are a few steps to help guide you in the process of finding the career best for you.

Step 1 – Self Assessment

Part of an effective career search is knowing what inspires you. Take a look inward.  What brings you excitement?  What challenges or encourages you?  What skills do you possess that help make you shine?  Considering your personal values and goals are also great components when deciding what industry, or even company, you want to be a part of.  These are all questions you can ask yourself to help determine the next step of your career no matter where you are on your journey. Take a self assessment to get help to know yourself a little better and utilize tools that can help with finding job inspiration.

• Self assessment: Take a look at 12 Personality Tests to Take Online.  
• Need job inspiration? Jobtrees has many tools to help you discover and find roles such as colorful picture exploration and swiping games. Get lost in the magic of discovery!

Step 2 – Research 

Take a deeper dive into the industry you are considering and research about it.  Find out who the top companies are in that industry.  Are there recent newsworthy happenings surrounding the industry or companies?  What are the obstacles being faced?  Innovations being created?  It is best to familiarize yourself with trade journals and industry-related publications geared toward your chosen field.  Utilize networking sites and sources like LinkedIn to start following companies and/or people that are related to your field of interest.  Having knowledge about the industry you are hoping to be a part of enables you to speak accurately and confidently when you move on to the next step.

Learning more about companies and reviewing what others that have worked there have to say, can help you find the perfect work culture for you. Check out the top company review sites here. Once you have identified these companies, you can keep an eye on them and watch for internship and job opening opportunities. 

Step 3 – Networking & Networking Sites

Once you have educated yourself on the career you have chosen to pursue, the next step is to begin networking and start your job search.  

Networking is a great tool to not only educate yourself by conducting informational interviews, but also it can potentially provide an advantage within your job search.  Start with your existing contacts and continue with staffing agencies, new contacts, and creative or marketing associations.  The more you network, the more you get your name circulating throughout the industry. Check out some of the top networking sites to start building up your connections because most job offers come from your contacts built through networking.

When conducting your job search online, it is advantageous to sign up to be notified by specific employers when a position becomes available.  Remember to stay positive during the process and to practice, practice, practice.  Each application and interview is different.  

Part of an effective career search is accepting that your career journey may take multiple turns throughout your life.  As you grow and your interests change, what motivates you might lead you in a different path.  You might even find yourself back at Step 1 on your career search. 

Tip: Networking should be part of every step of your career search process starting with discovery. For a full comprehensive list of steps and tools to help you with each stage of your search, check out The Steps for Better Job Search Results.

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