If you are considering your next steps as a current finalist, or recent graduate, or perhaps you have found yourself in a graduate role that no longer excites you, then this post is for you. Here, I’ll share five steps to help you navigate the process of job hunting and career changing in 2024.
Step 1: Work out what’s important to you
Before embarking on the search for your next (or dare I say ‘dream’) role, take a moment to reflect. Consider some of these questions:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I passionate about?
- Who do I want to work with?
- What am I willing to compromise on?
- Do I have the skills, knowledge or experience to take steps in the direction I am considering? If not, what can I do to develop myself?
Define what success looks like and consider the elements that make a job a dream.*
Self-reflection is crucial in providing clarity in your career. It’s not just about a job; it’s about finding a role that aligns with your values and long-term aspirations.
*I don’t believe that there is a ‘dream’ job. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had jobs I’ve loved, but I don’t think anyone ever loves all of their job, all of the time. I would love to hear from you if you have found the ‘dream fit’, though if you have maybe you wouldn’t be reading this!
Step 2: Explore your ideas
With a clearer vision of success, the next step is preparation. Run your ideas past your friends and family, if you know people who work in the sector you are interested in, then why not speak to them?
Engage with professionals in your desired field through networking, job shadowing, or perhaps short-term work. This first-hand experience will allow you to test your assumptions about the areas/roles you’re interested in and allow you to refine your understanding.
If you’d like help in exploring ideas, or networks, make an appointment with a Careers Consultant who can act as a sounding board for your ideas.
Step 3: Do a personalised gap analysis
Before diving headfirst into your job search or career change, conduct a personalised gap analysis. Take stock of your current skills, knowledge, and experiences, and compare them to the requirements and expectations of your desired roles or industries.
Ask yourself:
- What specific skills, qualifications, or experiences are commonly sought after in my desired field?
- How do my current skills and experiences align with those requirements?
- Where do I have gaps that need to be addressed to be competitive in the job market?
Identifying these gaps early on allows you to proactively seek opportunities for skill development, further education, or relevant experiences that can increase your chances of success in securing your dream role.
By addressing these gaps strategically, you’ll position yourself as a stronger candidate and increase your readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in your career journey. Remember, the journey to your dream job is not just about finding the right fit but also about continuously evolving and growing along the way.
Step 4: Take steps forward
Once you are ready to apply, consider how you tell your story in your applications. Maybe you’ve not taken a traditional path into that role, but how have you learned and developed, and what do you want to do now you are here?
Take some time to update your LinkedIn, your CV or any other application materials you are working on. If you need any help with these, then book in to speak to us.
Step 5: Stay strong and ask for help if you need it
In the journey toward your dream job, success and setbacks are inevitable companions. How you handle them can make all the difference. When faced with rejection, view it as a learning opportunity. Seek feedback, reflect on the experience, and use it to refine your approach.
Those who navigate through challenges tend to savour and appreciate success even more when it arrives.
Securing your dream job in 2024 is not just a resolution but a tangible goal waiting to be achieved. By taking the time to reflect, prepare, and embrace both successes and setbacks, you are equipping yourself with the tools to navigate the job market. Remember, the first step to your dream job is within reach, and the Careers team are here to support you every step of the way. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling career journey in 2024!
If you’ve got any tips to share with this year’s finalists, or recent graduates navigating the early stages of their careers, why not join us over on the University of Reading Careers – Alumni Network on LinkedIn and share with our community.
Vicki Aldmington, Careers Consultant