Energize Your Career by Following Your Passions

By Chelsea Lamb

Do you dread going to work every day? Or do you simply feel like you’re going through the motions from 9-5? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, it could be time for a major change. Now just might be the time to find a job that lets you tap into your passions and use your skills in a way that will leave you feeling more fulfilled and satisfied.

Of course, getting started with such a big transition can be daunting. But these tips from Aberlene Resume & Career Services can remove a lot of the mystery and help you create a plan to land your dream position.

First, Set Some Clear and Attainable Goals

Okay, so you know you want to find a job that excites you. But what does that really mean? If you’re not quite sure, SMART goals can help. SMART is a powerful acronym that can help you set goals that are:

● Specific

● Measurable

● Attainable

● Relevant

● Time-Bound

You can begin by assessing your current skills and passions. Then think of which steps you need to take to earn the additional skills needed to forge a new career path.

Perhaps to make your dreams come true, you need to earn a new degree. For instance, an information technology degree can give you the skills and credentials needed to break into data analytics, cybersecurity and other IT fields. Whatever path you choose, keep in mind that you can even earn your degree online at your own pace. Which means you won’t have to quit your day job to pursue your dreams!

Then Create Benchmarks to Achieve Your Goals

If you want to achieve these goals and stay motivated, you also need to establish a few smaller benchmarks along the way. Try working backward from your major goals to get started.

One of the biggest steps that can make a huge impact on your career is to update your resume. Your resume is the first thing recruiters will see, and you only have one shot to make a good first impression. Aberlene Resume & Career Services can help recent graduates, professionals and executives craft a resume that will help you stand out for all of the right reasons.

Know Where to Look for Career Opportunities

As you rework your resume, start looking for current job openings. Now, you may think that online job boards are your best bet, but these sites aren’t the best places to look. You’re much more likely to snag an interview if you apply for jobs that come from your network.

If you have some downtime, use it as an opportunity to boost your brand and presence on networking sites. Also, sort through your connections to see if you have any acquaintances who may be willing to refer you to current or future openings.

Prepare and Plan Ahead to Ace Your Interview

Following the steps outlined above carefully will increase your changes for being contacted for an interview. Remember that practice and preparation can go a long way in helping you wow your potential employers. So, practice answering questions solo and then ask a friend to help.

During your interview, a time will come when you’re asked if you have any questions. This is one step that many job seekers get wrong, so come prepared with powerful questions that will help you stand out from the pack, like:

● What are the immediate challenges for the person hired into this position?

● How is performance in this position evaluated?

● When can I expect to hear from you as to the next step?

Another crucial step many candidates also forget is the thank you letter. While writing a thank you note may seem old-fashioned, doing so can provide a more personal touch that hiring managers will remember. If you are applying to a high-paced field, a concise email may work as well.

Your time is so precious! Don’t waste another minute of it working in a job that you hate or don’t absolutely love. Come up with a plan to help you make a switch, and then start making moves toward a position and career that leaves you feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

Give your job search a competitive edge with Aberlene Resume & Career Services.