How to Choose Your Career: Step-by-Step Guide

  • October 19, 2023
  • Xin Hui
  • Fresh Graduates

"Choose a Job You Love, and You Will Never Have to Work a Day in Your Life." 

We often hear the phrase, “Work doesn't feel like work if you're doing something you enjoy,” and there’s a lot of truth to it. If we enjoy what we do, the process becomes a lot easier and more enjoyable! Since we spend a substantial portion of our lives at work, we all want to like what we do, but finding the ideal career can be challenging. Selecting a career that fulfills your interests and aligns with your present and future goals is essential.  

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to choose the right career. In this article, we will provide you with the framework to narrow down and decide the best job for you.

Assess yourself

Before you start looking to kickstart your career, take the time for self-reflection.  

Ask yourself these questions: 

  • What are your interests, goals, and values? 

  • What do you look for in a job?  

  • What kind of environment do you want to work in?  

  • What does success mean to you?  

  • How would you like to advance in your career? 

Additionally, make a point to identify the must-have benefits you look for in a job as well as the top transferable skills you possess. Keep all these questions on a list with all the answers. 

Research jobs and companies

After figuring out what you're looking for, search for jobs and companies that match your preferences. Start by finding jobs that interest you and create a list to explore. Look into these job titles to learn about the required qualifications, job descriptions, career growth, salary, and skills. Next, check your preferred companies to see if they align with your goals and beliefs. Job search sites like Jobs Lah offer quick insights into a company's mission, vision, and values, making it easier to determine if they align with yours. 

Sharpen your skills

After identifying your skills in the first step and discovering job roles and companies you are interested in, find if you need additional credentials or to sharpen your skills to succeed in these roles. It is always a good idea to sign up for professional development training before applying for jobs, as this will enhance your skills and subsequently elevate your position in the eyes of the recruiters.

Update your resume

Next, it is time for you to update your resume to demonstrate your relevant qualifications and skills. Explore the career opportunities you are interested in and take note of the job description to find out what the companies are looking for in ideal candidates and how you are suited for this role. If you need help writing the perfect resume, learn the common resume mistakes to avoid here!

Start applying for jobs

Finally, the most challenging but rewarding part is applying for jobs. Use all the previous steps to make the best decisions on the career path that is ideal for you. Choose the road that will give you the most satisfaction, and if that path turns out to be unsuitable for you, don't worry; you can always explore new career avenues. Let's start your job search and find exactly what you need.

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