How to Find Your Dream Career

When you were little, people probably asked, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Maybe you said a firefighter, or an astronaut. Maybe you said an actor, or a lawyer, or a doctor. With starry eyes, you dreamed of the day you would live in a rich mansion, with maids and butlers. Then, a career seemed like something that would happen a lifetime away. But now that the time has come to choose, your interests have probably changed. Finding the right career for you can be difficult, but not impossible.

Steps

1. Know who you are, and not just your name. What are your interests? What skills do you possess? Are you cheerful, bubbly, and a people-person? Maybe becoming a teacher is for you. Do you love to get out a saw and wood and create projects? Maybe an architect is the job you want. Spend an hour in a private place, or get together with a friend. Talk about the things you love. Write them down, and analyze them when you're done. See if you can put together an idea.
2. If you have an idea of what you want to do, read up on it! Head for the library, or surf the web. Read as much as you can about your career choice. If you decide you chose wrong, analyze your skills again. Talk with a parent, friend, or professor about what they think.
3. Utilize several different job search techniques and do each of them well. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
4. Keep in touch with people who can positively influence your job search and career. In your future career pursuit, simple reference letter can be of crucial importance.
5. Try to learn about why you don't get every job you apply for. Learn from your mistakes.
6. Before you start applying for jobs ensure you know what you're looking for. A good job search is a focused job search. Make sure to tailor you Resume or CV according to job position that you are applying for.
7. Don't apply for job you aren't qualified for. One of the worst things is lying on your Resume. You might ruin your chances with a company for a job you are qualified for in the future.
8. Manage your references. Don't assume there isn't such a thing as a bad reference. There is. And it can cost you jobs.
9. Plan your career with a long term focus. Short term gain can cause long term pain.
10. Take command of your career. Don't rely on other people to get the job for you. Nobody knows you better than your self, just do it.

Warnings

• Treat your resume like it has value. While you want to send your resume to people who can positively influence your job search, you don't want to plaster it on every job board and give people the impression you can't get hired.