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List your interests and skills -

A good place to start in the search for your dream job is to list your interests, skills, and qualifications. If you have no direction at all, this exercise will help.

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List your interests and skills -

For example, if you have a degree in communication and enjoy public speaking, you may consider a career as a PR specialist.

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Reflect on your current job -

If you are already working and are looking for a career change, it is a good idea to make a list of what you enjoy and what you don’t enjoy about your current job.

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Reflect on your current job -

This will help you identify what you need from your new job. For example, if you do not appreciate the long hours at your current job, you should go for something with a better work-life balance.

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Identify industries of interest -

It may be the case that your interests extend far beyond the industry that you currently work in, or had imagined you would work in.

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Identify industries of interest -

Why not make a list of all the industries that inspire and interest you? You will likely surprise yourself, and you'll definitely broaden your horizons.

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Identify companies of interest -

On a similar note, it can be a good idea to make a list of the top 10 companies you would like to work for. Once you have the list, make a note of the reasons you are attracted to each.

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Identify companies of interest -

This exercise will help you both to clarify your goals and to work out what is important to you in terms of corporate vision and values, salary, etc.

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Develop mentorships -

You might find it helpful to seek the help of a mentor (or two) in your preferred field. Mentors can provide advice and guidance that can be invaluable.

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Develop mentorships -

If you would like a mentor but don’t know where to find one, try reaching out to professionals on a social networking site, such as LinkedIn.

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Work as a temp -

If you don’t have anything particular in mind in terms of position, company, or field, you might find it helpful to sign up with a temp agency.

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Work as a temp -

Working as a temp in a number of different positions can help you discover what it is you like and dislike, and what you should be looking for in your career.

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Make a search list -

If you are clear on the position that you want, make a list of similar job titles that you can use when searching for vacant positions.

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Make a search list -

Bear in mind that the same job may come with a number of different titles. Once you have your list, you can set an alert on job pages and get a notification when a vacancy pops up.

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Take a test -

Some people find it helpful to take a personality test such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. These types of tests can provide you with a list of possible careers based on your personality type.

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Take a test -

If you take the Myers-Briggs test and it determines you are an INFP, for example, you might be suited for a career as a teacher or a writer.

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Be proactive -

If you know which job you want and the company you want to work for, don’t feel you have to wait for a job opening to appear. Be proactive and make an unsolicited application.

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Be proactive -

You never know what may come of sending your resume with a cover letter to the HR department of your dream company. It can never hurt!

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Take a course -

Take a course. If you decide that you want to turn your hobby into a career, it can be a good idea to take a course or join a club to find out exactly what that career would entail.

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Take a course -

For example, if you know that you like fitness and think you might like to qualify as a personal trainer, you could sign up to some classes first to see what personal trainers actually do.

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Take part in an internship -

No matter your age or experience, internships are a great way to get work experience in a field of interest. They allow you to gain insight before making a commitment.

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Take part in an internship -

For example, if you are interested in training as a software developer but don’t know whether to invest in the course, why not try an internship first?

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Make a lateral move -

An option that people often forget is the lateral move, i.e. transferring from one department to another within the same company.

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Make a lateral move -

Some companies welcome this more than others, but if you like the company you work for and just want a different role, you could talk to your HR department and see what positions are open.

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Stand strong -

If you are really looking for your dream job, you shouldn’t be afraid to turn down things that aren’t quite right. Not all job offers are the perfect fit.

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Stand strong -

For example, you might receive an offer for great pay and zero commute, but if the work doesn’t interest you, you may well decide to turn that offer down.

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Talk with an advisor -

If you are not sure at all where to start, a careers advisor can give you a helping hand. It is the job of a careers advisor to help people determine the direction of their career.

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Talk with an advisor -

A careers advisor or counselor will be able to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and help you develop a plan to get you where you want to be.

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Stick with it -

Last, but not least, don’t lose heart! Getting on the right career path is not easy and it takes time. For some people, the process takes years.

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Stick with it -

It is important not to lose faith and to stick with it. Once you have a job in mind, apply for positions on a rolling basis to increase your chances.

Sources: (Indeed)

See also: Questions to ask yourself to discover your ideal career

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