Navigating the path to your ideal career

Job hunting can be an overwhelming task. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

Finding a career that suits you involves self-reflection, experimentation and action.

To help get you on track, we’ve put together 10 top tips to consider when searching for your next role.

1.??? Align your role with your passion

Aim to match your career aspirations with something that brings you joy and fulfilment. Take for instance someone who has a passion for looking after the environment. They participate in clean-up events, join community gardening projects and enjoy bird watching. By looking for a role in sustainability, it would allow them to contribute to environmental preservation through their professional work and their personal interests and activities.

2.??? Try things out

Don’t be afraid to try new activities in your spare time to experiment with your likes and dislikes. It’s like sampling a new cuisine at a restaurant or enjoying that strange new ice cream flavour you’ve had your eye on – perhaps it’s not for you or maybe it’ll be your new favourite! By trying new things, you’ll be opening the door to new opportunities.

“The role is perfect because I love to help others. Being part of a great team allows me to connect with lots of people from around the business and help new starters.” - Leisa Wyllie, People Services Administrator

3.??? Seek advice, information and guidance

Sometimes it’s great to bounce ideas off other people and get an outsider’s perspective. Talking about what’s on your mind can help clarify how you really feel. Networking on professional media such as LinkedIn can help you to connect with like-minded people, seek feedback and find support in the professional domain.

4.??? Harmonise your work-life balance

Your job is a personal experience – and it can influence your wider world. To find a good work-life balance, think about how you want your workday to pan out, consider what you do once the laptop is closed or the tools are put in the van, then map out the schedule and explore your options. Your job doesn’t have to be all-consuming but remember that it occupies a substantial amount of your time and energy, so there’s no point in wasting it!

“It was important that the company values aligned with my own, helping me to work towards objectives that are personally meaningful. I enjoy working to create safe, strong communities for people to live and raise their families, it’s a privilege!” - Suki Kaur-Gill, Housing Team Leader

5.??? Consider past experience for future gain

Review your CV and previous experience and think about your strengths and experiences to help understand your options. Where did you find joy, and what wasn’t so fitting? This can help you realise where your skills can take you and learn a lot about yourself.

6.??? Know your ‘why’

The ‘why’ is a huge and sometimes overlooked angle to consider when exploring new roles. Ask yourself; ‘why am I starting on this new journey?’ and make notes to refer to when you’re on your job hunt. Finding your ‘why’ can help you to make informed decisions when exploring new roles.

"What motivates you as an individual? You may already know your benchmark before the job title! It’s anything that resonates with your internal compass, and it helps you to head in the direction that your gut knows is right." - Rob Friday, Employment and Training Advisor

7.??? What are your influences?

Think about what makes up your character. Do you let other people’s opinions affect the way you search for work? Sometimes you’ve got to trust your gut and go with your instincts. ?If a job aligns with your values, goals, and passions, you'll likely feel a sense of excitement.

8.??? Visualise your dreams

If you can imagine what you’d like to achieve, this can help to make the new move feel a little less stressful and instead help you to feel more excited. To do this, clarify your aims, create a quiet space to relax and visualise yourself achieving these goals.

If you feel that there will be setbacks, look at how you could overcome these challenges; picture yourself achieving success with confidence and determination and practice this regularly for the dream to become more vivid and focused. Why not write the visuals into a mood board and hang it somewhere you’ll be able to take inspiration from it every day?

9.??? Practice interview skills

Perfecting your interview skills will help to prepare you for when the time comes to meet with potential employers.

“It’s a privilege to be given the chance to make a difference to a young person’s life. With your career, sometimes things just fall into place. Try not to worry if you don’t know what your calling is because all experience can be useful in ways you never realise at the time!” - N.H, Community Support Worker

10.??? Enjoy it!

Find joy in searching for your new role - life happens by necessity so don’t let your previous experience hold you back from something new.

Final note: remember that everything is new before it’s the norm; think about seeking a new role as an opportunity, not a crisis, and approach your job hunt with optimism, embracing new knowledge and experiences. You’ve got this!