Need a career plan?

Candidates will walk in off the street, sit down and have an hour long interview with me. What is truly surprising is irrelevant of age; many people simply have no career direction whatsoever.

Now I am not one for mapping out the next forty years of life. However, I am also not one for living my life hating every waking day of my job! Striking up a balance between what you enjoy and what pays you money is, in my opinion, the healthy compromise.

When figuring out your career plan, take a good hard look at the jobs you have previously worked … certainly when you are going to an interview you will be asked “Why do you want to work with blah blah blah? Think about it! You are not only lying to your potential employer, but more importantly you are lying to yourself if you settle for a job that does not inspire you.  

Understanding what you like and dislike will truly help you decide better. If this is your first job, consider your schooling or college life; what inspires you? Do not be afraid to aim high: this is your life and no-one can live it for you!

No-one can tell you what you will be good at! It is your responsibility and privilege to figure that out for yourself. Take advice, but only use the information that feels right for you. If you are stuck for ideas, spend some time looking over the online job boards such as Monster, Reed, and ukjobsinrecruitment. Have a chat with a careers advisor and of course speak with a couple of recruitment consultants. We offer free advice. You don’t have to listen, but it is there for you!

Remember, with freedom comes choice and you are free to choose whatever you like. No one shoe fits all. Aim high!