A good career opportunity doesn’t come along very often. Or at least that’s what it feels like. For a lot of people it feels like you can get stuck in the grind for 10 or more years and get bored of a job, but if you want to change career paths there’s no options out there for you. But the more you know about spotting a good career opportunity, the easier it’s going to be to change your working situation and style. Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you’re in the midst of a job search.
It’s Not Too Good to Be True
Not all career opportunities are created equally. Indeed, some are simply posted to scam those willing to work hard. Do your best to avoid falling into a trap like this. If you feel suspicious about a job opening, or an offer you’ve received, do some digging into it. Who are the company involved? Who else works there? Can you get in contact to ask about their experience? You can also search up the company website and see how old it is—an established company is going to have a web record you can investigate.
Consider Unusual Industries
Unusual doesn’t have to mean niche, or something ‘out there’. It can just mean something you’ve never considered before, such as trucking jobs if you’ve been a desk worker all this time. If you’ve got a license and you’ve happily road-tripped for hours before, such a career could be a good fit for you! If you widen the net and extend the search beyond your usual parameters, you might find a position that feels like you, and allows you to be yourself on the clock.
Don’t Keep a Good Idea to Yourself
If you’ve noticed something about your business field, whether this be a gap in the market or a way to run a certain service better, talk about it. But not just to anyone. Talk about it to people who can help you do something about it. Investors and crowd funders, for example, or potential business partners who have the other half of the jigsaw puzzle.
Put your feelers out, lean on your network, and flesh out your idea. It could lead to a very successful business with yourself at the helm. After all your hard work, this is an opportunity too good to miss.
This is really what it all comes down to. What do you need from a job? How can a job support your current lifestyle, and even make it better? The more you understand your needs outside of work, the more you can narrow down your search. You can create a list of pros and cons surrounding your current career opportunities and branch out with direction.
A good career opportunity is something you can picture, sink your teeth into, and proves to be worth its weight. Do your research and take your time.
Do you need plenty of time on your own to recharge? Then you might be an introvert. The good news is that while extroverts often seem to be most sought after by employees, there are actually plenty of jobs that are best suited to those of us who are more introverted. Read on to discover 4 of the best of them.
Librarian
Being a librarian can be a varied and interesting career. The main tasks of a librarian include helping library users find the books and texts they are specifically looking for. However, in today’s high-tech world, this often requires using technology and online services to find documents and information as well. Librarians are also in charge of running the libraries they work in, which means planning services, deciding what resources to buy and restocking bookshelves.
A role as a librarian can make a good choice for an introvert because libraries tend to be quiet environments, where most interaction is done one-on-one. Additionally, there is a significant research element to the role which is a task that can be mostly done in isolation.
Truck driver
Another wonderful career choice for introverts is truck driving. Truck driving consists of piloting a vehicle from point A to B usually to deliver goods. There are various types of truck driving to consider including long-distance, and heavy rigs. The pay for truck driving jobs tends to be good, especially if you work in a specific niche such as driving a heavy rig. This is because additional training needs to be done for this type of role as there is more risk involved.
Truck driving can work very well for introverts because it requires a great deal of time alone, either driving or sleeping in the cab. There are some opportunities to speak and connect with others along your route mostly in truck stops which can help break up specifically long journeys.
Research scientist
If you are an introvert and science is your passion then becoming a research scientist can be a very rewarding career. Research scientists conduct research such as clinical trials to come up with new information about a topic including cures and treatments for diseases.
Check out the following YouTube video by Duha Vang about “A Week in the Life of a Research Scientist.”
One of the best things about a career as a search scientist is that you can be doing very meaningful and cutting-edge work, and put your degree to good use. Research scientist posts suit introverts because they usually consist of small teams working in a quiet laboratory environment.
Last of all, if you are an introvert who has a love of the written word, and likes to tell stories, then becoming a writer can be a wonderful way to make your living. This is because you mostly get to work on your own, researching and writing. Many people writers also like to work for themselves in freelance roles.
There is a wide variety of writing jobs that can keep you gainfully employed too. For example, many people write scripts for TV, Movies, and YouTube, while others make their living crafting white papers or technical documents.
There comes a time for all of us when you just have to bite the bullet and change your career path drastically. When that happens, you need to make sure that you are aware of what you are doing, and that you know that you are moving in the right direction. This is scary and difficult, and there are no guarantees that everything will work out as you hope they will. This is why so many people get stuck in jobs they don’t like all that much, and it is a very common problem that is hard to overcome. However, there is a good way to approach that much-needed career change, so let’s take a look at what that might involve.
Don’t Be Rash
First of all, you should make sure that you are not jumping into anything or being too risky. Your job is important, at the end of the day: it is what you use to pay your bills and to eat, and you don’t want to throw it all away for nothing. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take any risks; however, it just means those risks should be well calculated, and that you should spend a long time planning your career change beforehand to ensure that you get it right. Don’t be rash, don’t jump into anything, but do spend some time working out the details of what you hope to do before you do it. You’ll be glad you did.
Research Job Opportunities
Before you do anything else, you should spend some time researching the job opportunities that are out there. There are two parts to this. One is to make sure that you are aware of what jobs there actually are, as in which job titles exist. There might be many that you have never heard of, after all, but which could suit you down to the ground. So check out somewhere like Top Craft Market and see whether there are any intriguing job titles which you might want to look into. The other aspect of all this is to make sure there are actually open positions for the job you want – if not, then you know that this is probably not a good time to make the switch, and that you should hold it off for a while instead.
Give Notice
If you want to speed-track things a little, you could consider giving your notice in and then using the time in between to finish up finding a job. Depending on what your notice period is, this can be a good way of approaching things if you are already aware of what type of work you want to get into. Of course, it is a higher risk option compared to some others, but people do sometimes have success this way and it is something to consider at any rate.
As long as you are bold and you make the right decision, you should find your life improves greatly with a career change of this kind.
When it comes to thinking about a career change, it might help to think of your passions and what you are good at. The key to lasting in your chosen career is job satisfaction, you won’t get this if you don’t enjoy what you do. One of the best ways to do this is to write down what your strengths are and go from there. You might want to take a job quiz or speak with a career advisor, they will be able to give you ideas and suggestions to look into. If you are good at talking to people and selling a product then how about looking into insurance. Research how to become an insurance agent and consider applying to various companies or agencies.
Are you looking to get employed in jobs in the public sector, like government offices, state facilities, or school districts?
Are you looking for some tips and advice on how to go about applying to increase your chances of landing a position?
If you answered yes to these questions, keep reading!
Public Sector Jobs
Public sector jobs are otherwise known as “government” jobs. These include:
School positions (teaching and non-teaching)
Emergency services
Park maintenance
Armed forces
Post office operations
Safety – police and fire
Regulatory agencies
City operations
Civil Service
Tax-related services
And more
If you have ever dealt with the IRS, Department of Motor Vehicles, the court system, Social Security Administration, the Sherriff’s Department, you have received services from someone who is working for the public sector.
Generally speaking, public sector jobs do not pay as well as private sector jobs. In other words, the salaries are lower. However, the benefits packages that they offer make it worthwhile to look for employment opportunities. Public sector jobs are also more stable. While profit-based companies are prone to closures and layoffs due to reduced revenues, public sector jobs are more stable because they are backed by the government.
To get into a position within local, city, state, or federal government facilities, there are certain things you must consider before applying. For example, it takes time to land a position. You might have to wait up to 3 months to hear back about a position you applied. Your application must meet the minimum qualifications for the job posted on the job description. If not, your application will be screened out. There are tests to take for almost every position to see if you meet minimum requirements. Also, background checks will be required for these positions.
Applying for Jobs in the Public Sector: 8 Tips and Ideas
Ask yourself questions.
Here are some examples:
Am I getting enough satisfaction from my current job?
Am I upset with myself for not having obtained more education?
Would I be happier if I moved out of where I am currently living?
Is there someone I admire and wish to emulate?
For those whom I look up to, what do they have that I want to have?
Take time to truly understand what aspects of your life you want to change to be happier, and more content. This process might take a few months. However, do not keep questioning and questioning yourself without your questions leading to any solutions. Be decisive and take charge of your life to make improvements!
An Organized Approach to Getting a Job in the Public Sector
To increase your chances of success with landing a job in the public sector, keep these ideas and tips in mind. Remember, you will increase your chances of finding employment if you are organized, thorough, consistent, and efficient with the process!
Look for jobs in 1 to 3 search engines consistently.
Mark your calendar to visit these sites every 3 days to search for new opportunities that get posted. This is how you will build consistency. Write down your usernames and passwords for easy access.
State jobs (depending on the state): jobs.mo.gov for Missouri, calcareers.ca.gov for California, twc.texas.gov for Texas, and more. Type “public sector jobs in ___________” whichever state you are in to see what search engines come up.
Apply for jobs for which you meet minimum requirements.
Many institutions, both in the public and private sector, use software programs that scan applications and resumes automatically to screen out those who do not meet minimum requirements. If a position asks for 5 years of driving experience, for example, you must actually write that in your application or resume. If you do not, you’ll be screened out. Be as organized as possible when it comes to meeting the minimum job requirements to increase your chances of being selected for the next step in the process.
While you are applying, start preparing for the next steps.
Once you submit an application, you are waiting to receive a call or an email telling you that you need to take a test or have an interview. Be as proactive as possible. Start preparing for interviews. This is especially important if you have not interviewed for a while. Search for types of interview questions they might ask and get ready with possible answers. The more you practice, the better you will become!
Work on self-development to increase your chances of landing a position.
Self-development means increasing your skillset or education. For example, if the job you want asks for a bachelor’s degree, go back to finish your degree. If it asks you to know graphic design, take classes at the community college where you can earn a certificate. Remember, the more you have compared to everyone else who is trying to apply for the same job, the higher your chances will be of getting employment.
Monitor your progress with each application.
Have a tracking system to know how many jobs you have applied for each week, how many interviews, and how many tests you have been invited to take.
Have someone look at your resume and printed application for possible mistakes and errors.
If you are one of 50 people who has applied for a job and only 10 are being called for an interview, your application and resume will be looked at in detail. If you have spelling and punctuation errors that you overlooked or did not realize you made, your chances of being screened out will be higher. For example, if you wrote, “I insure that reports are correct before submitting them,” is wrong. The proper phrase should be, “I ensure that reports are correct before submitting them.” Many people make these types of mistakes unknowingly. Have someone who has strong language skills look at your resume and application for possible errors.
Get your references and letters of recommendation in place.
Depending on the job for which you are applying, you might be asked to provide references and letters of recommendation. Collect up to 3 letters of recommendation from people you have worked with, even on a volunteer basis. Also, contact 3 people with whom you have worked to make sure they know you are putting them down on your applications as references.
Research three to five sites each week to improve your job-seeking skills and knowledge.
Searching for a job in the public sector could be time-consuming and cumbersome. Use an organized approach when applying to become more efficient and consistent with the process. Here is a checklist you can use:
Remember, it takes time and do not give up. Just get better and better at the process. Work on your areas of where you need to improve. Also, keep in mind that if you do not get positions after you interview, it may be that someone from within the organization got promoted. This can be disheartening to you as an outside applicant but again, do not give up. There will be an opportunity presenting itself to you when the time comes!
Author’s Bio
Ruzanna Hernandez, Ed.D. is a public-school administrator, author, and small business owner. She is the creator of efficiencyandorganization.com, a website that provides steps, strategies, tips, and techniques for living every aspect of life in an organized and efficient manner to achieve more.
Hernandez has achieved many challenging goals in her life, thanks to her systems and processes. She shares her strategies on her Youtube channel and her website to help everyone live life fully and without regrets! To learn more about her story, please visit ruzannahernandez.com. Her book, Efficiency and Organization, is available for purchase on Amazon and other book retailers.
While employed and self-employed, people both have their own pluses and minuses. One of the things to take into consideration when thinking about this topic is whether or not it would be more advantageous to work for another company versus being an entrepreneur.
Pros for being employed:
The advantage of having a steady paycheck that puts food on the table
Steady hours that ensure an employee is paid for all of the time they put into their job
A company will most likely provide benefits such as health care, life insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. This is one of the hardest parts of being self-employed.
The ability to work in a team environment and the support of having co-workers to collaborate
Having a smaller chance of being replaced by another employee due to the fact that you have been there for some time and your superiors believe that it would be too much of a hassle or cost more money to train a new worker for the job that you do
Steady pay and work allow an employed person to save more money than they would if they were self-employed.
Cons for being employed:
One of the hardest parts about having a steady paycheck is not getting fired from your job. This could happen due to the fact that an employer might decide to cut costs if they are losing money.
Companies can change management, be bought out, or go under, which could result in layoffs.
Pros for being self-employed:
Freedom is one of the biggest pros for starting your own company. Having your own business allows you to make all of the decisions and do things as you feel they should be done.
Having a new idea and turning it into an actual product is one thing that many entrepreneurs dream of. They would love the chance to create something from scratch and see it become successful.
You will not have a cap on how much money you make, which can result in extremely high profits.
With this freedom and flexibility, you can choose the hours that you want to work and take time off when needed.
Cons for being self-employed:
One of the biggest cons would be the lack of security that someone has when they are employed at a company. This can be from not being able to rely on steady pay to have no one else who will watch your back if something goes wrong.
Another negative aspect is that you have to contribute a larger portion of your income toward taxes and self-employment insurance. When you work for someone else, your company will most likely take away a percentage of your money to cover these contributions for you.
The biggest con would be the risk factor involved with starting up a business. There is no guarantee that an idea will work, and there is always the chance of failure, which could result in losing all of the money and time invested into the idea.
You can choose to be self-employed if you have always wanted the freedom to do things your way. Yes, there are always risks involved with being an entrepreneur, but some people would rather take the chance of success over security any day!
You’re probably reading this because you’re not happy with your current job, and you want to have a role where you feel like a valued member of the team and where you’ll often have a fresh set of challenges to keep you motivated and productive.
The trouble is, you’re unsure of the best way to achieve that goal. What you don’t want to do is end up with another job that’s just as unfulfilling as your current one. With that in mind, what should you do? Take a look at the following hints and tips for some inspiration:
What’s Your Definition Of A Dream Job?
Before you start looking for a new job, you first need to think about your definition of a dream job. For example, is it one that’s local to you, or is it a remote job? Is it a job that has a specific work culture at the workplace? Is it a job that pays a particular salary?
Those are just some of the many things that can define a dream job for somebody. As you can appreciate, each person’s definition is different, so you need to consider which factors would complete your definition of a dream job.
Once you’ve worked that out, you can then start looking for jobs that fit within those parameters. Of course, you’d need to be realistic about your expectations. For instance, it’s unrealistic to assume you’d get a $1 million salary working as a dog walker!
Think About Your Ideal Niche Or Industry
The next thing you need to do is consider which niche, industry, or sector appeals to you the most. You may have decided that your current industry doesn’t appeal to you anymore or that you’d have better career progression opportunities in other sectors or markets.
If you have specific niches or industries in mind, it makes sense to speak with someone that works in them as they can give you a real-life account of what it’s like to work in them. After all: you don’t want to move to a new niche and then find it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Build Your Skills And Qualifications
You will undoubtedly have an array of skills and even qualifications under your belt already. But, you may find that you need to build on them to achieve the goal of working in your dream job.
For example, if you’re a software developer, it makes sense to have some further training to learn about different software development methodologies or programming languages. You can usually get certifications or qualifications that will get recognized by future employers.
One final thing you can do to boost your chances of landing your dream job is update your LinkedIn profile. The thing about LinkedIn is that many employers and headhunters actively seek out potential new candidates to fill new positions. What might surprise you is the jobs they want to fill don’t actively get advertised. Instead, they’d rather look for potential candidates themselves through LinkedIn or other pools of professional networks.
Many people talk about being their own boss and how great it can be. There are definitely some clear advantages to this way of life: being able to choose your own hours, deciding when you want holiday and just taking it, and not having to answer to anyone else, just to name a few. There are also downsides of course (holiday pay, anyone?) but overall it’s a good way to work. So how can you get a slice of this lifestyle for yourself? Here are some of the best ways in which you can become your own boss this coming year.
Consulting
This one is a great option for anyone who has a huge amount of experience in a particular field, and wants to be able to make use of that in helping other people and businesses to succeed. Consulting often gives you the chance to charge a fairly high price per hour rate, so it can be quite a lucrative way to earn a living. What’s more, you are going to enjoy the feeling of having people come to you for help, and there is something very satisfying about this job most would enjoy.
Creative Work
There are so many jobs you can do in the creative arts, and this is actually an industry that is looking to strengthen right now. Whatever it is that you might have as an ability, being able to make the most of it is something you can do to really provide a great job for yourself – and in a way where you are always going to be your own boss in every sense of the word. Creative work can be hard to get up and running, however, so be ready for a long, hard process to be able to make a living from it.
Crafts & Skills
Perhaps you have a particular craft or skill that you are keen to make a living out of? This is another great way to develop this kind of self-led lifestyle. It is perfectly possible to do this as long as you know how best to approach it. Let’s say that you have a particular knack for baking bread. You could offer short-term bakery courses to people, set up your own bakery, or simply sell your bread at the local market. It’s up to you how you do it, but making money from your skills is always doable.
Franchises are a great in-between and best of both worlds scenario where you can run your own business, but you don’t have to put the work in of starting the business in the first place. If you open your own franchise, you are going to find that this can really be a very rewarding way to work, so that is something that you might want to bear in mind if you have not thought about it already. It could be that this is the single best way to become your own boss in the coming year.
Becoming the best version of yourself will help you in so many aspects of your life. It can help you in personal relationships. It can help you land your ideal job, it can help you become less stressed and more focused on what matters in your life. All it starts with the will and the want to become better, and from there, things will fall into place. Here are a few ideas to help you become a better version of you:
Focus on Yourself
A lot of the time, the reason why people never achieve what they wish they had is because they do not devote any time to focusing on themselves. They do not know who they are or what their strengths and weaknesses are. They do not know what really drives them, what their passions are, or have a clue how to achieve them. Not knowing these things can lead a person to drift through life. It can cause them to become frustrated and develop a more negative attitude. If you want to change, you have to do some deep introspection first. Learn about your strengths and weakness, think about what you would like to do for a career, be honest and realistic in your approach, think about the type of person you want to be. The more you can discover about yourself, the more focused you will be, and this will serve you well as you can move forward with intent.
Begin a Program of Study
One of the best ways to become a better version of yourself is to focus on getting your dream job. Once you have devoted time to discovering your personal attributes, you can begin a program of study. Perhaps online DNP programs are exactly what you need to become a nurse, for example. If you know what to want to be, there is no stopping you if you are determined enough. Having a career in a field you will enjoy and harnessing your personal attributes can make you a happier person, and this will help you evolve into a better person who can maintain and develop more meaningful relationships.
Get Out in the World
There are various other ways you can harness your strengths, such as starting a hobby or working as a volunteer. You can also attend networking events. All of which will bring you into contact with people who share your interests, and some will be in the career you see yourself in. Your passion for the subject matter will be clear to anyone you interact with. Once you have the right qualifications and have gained some experience, you will find it a lot easier to land the job you want.
If you want to become happier, then becoming healthier is a must. A diet and exercise regime will boost your confidence and self-esteem and will help you get the right job and the right partner. How you look can indicate a lot about your personality and will show a certain level of motivation.
