Career Search Blog

By Tony Jacowski

 Analyze the Reasons for the Change

Deciding to change your career isn’t something that happens all of a sudden. It is something that is the culmination of long contemplation on the possible effects and after effects of the change. The crux of the issue, however, remains that whatever you wish to pursue post-change should be something that you are deeply passionate about and which can give you the happiness you find missing in doing whatever you are presently engaged in.

If the change that you are contemplating is not something that fulfills the above conditions, it is probably not worth doing at all. If you feel discontented with your present job even though it gives you a good salary, it may be a good time to consider switching jobs.

A career change should be about personal satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness.

Don’t Rush Into Things

Any decision on a career change should be unhurried and based only on a thorough research of what other opportunities exist. They should be matched against the skills and other attributes you possess, as also those that you would need to acquire.

The question of what monetary compensation you will be able to make is of lesser importance; but nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out completely. Therefore, your research should encompass all relevant aspects in detail, making everything absolutely clear about what to expect from your new endeavor.

If you find it difficult to do this on your own, you should probably try to work with a career coach before finally making the switch.

Methodically List All Available Options

A career change is something that has far reaching implications and consequences. It can completely change your life, and a wrong decision can lead to damage that may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, it is necessary that you categorize all options you have in terms of careers that interest you.

This can be helpful in letting you segregate options that interest you most and concentrate only on those options. While trying to select what you are best suited for, you need to do some introspection. Pick an option and ask yourself what reasons led you to explore it, whether you need additional education and training, and what risks and opportunities you will come across when pursuing it.

The answers you will get will be extremely important and help to clear up any doubts. A career change is something that is going to affect your whole life - and that of those who are dependent on you. You really cannot afford to make this decision until you are very clear in your mind as to why you need to make the change and what the exact ways in which you are going to act.

The gamut of a career change can involve a great amount of time and expense, and it would be fatal to jump into it without being armed with all necessary information.

Having all available information allows you to focus on the career that suits your skills and abilities like best - and to work towards it to achieve greater satisfaction and happiness in life.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Bloggers Sharing Their Thoughts On Career Opportunities

How To Get the Best Use out of Recruitment Agencies
By DDunkerly

 Here are some tips on how to get the best out of using recruitment agencies to find your ideal job:-

* Talk to a few recruitment agencies before deciding which to register with. If they are an online recruitment agency, have a good look through their website. See if they offer the services that you require and if they deal with your type of skills or the type of job that you are looking for.

* If you have to go for an interview to register with the recruitment agency, treat it like a real job interview.

* Ask the agency to let you know which companies they have sent your CV out to so that you can gauge the response rate.

* Consider whether you need to use a specialist recruitment agency for your needs. For example, if you are a software programmer then you may want to use a recruitment agency who specialise in IT jobs.

* Keep in touch with the recruitment agency so you know what is going on and how many employers they have contacted.

* Be proactive. Ask recruitment agencies for advice on your CV and applications, take advantage of the services they offer e.g. help in preparing a CV or with interview techniques.

* Be clear as to what kind of position you are looking for, locations you will consider, salary requirements etc.

* Act quickly on any emails or telephone calls you receive from recruitment agencies. You don’t want to miss out on the perfect job.

* Let your recruitment agencies know of any changes in your circumstances or requirements.

* Keep your CV up to date and make sure that you mention all your skills, training and qualifications. Remember to update it with any change of address, telephone or mobile number and to let the recruitment agency know of these changes.

* Don’t use too many recruitment agencies - you don’t want employers to be inundated with multiple copies of your CV!

* Ask your recruitment agency about the current job market and what salary you can expect to achieve.

* Give recruitment agencies feedback on the positions that they are matching you with. Recruitment agencies are not psychic and need to know if these positions are not what you are looking for.

* A recruitment agency will not charge a job seeker for finding him/her a job but may charge for extra services like polishing your CV. Always ask what their charges are before using a service.

* Evaluate regularly whether a particular recruitment agency is finding any suitable agencies. If you are not hearing anything from them, shop around and register with other recruitment agencies.

David Dunkerly works with Agency Central (http://www.agencycentral.co.uk), which is one of the most authoritative directories of recruitment agencies on the internet. On this employment directory job hunters and those seeking to employ can find the perfect match for their needs.

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