5 answers
Celine
Student
Lake Stevens, Washington
1
Question
Asked
461 views
How do you find a job for you?
What major your gonna study
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5 answers
Natalie LaChance
Sr. Analyst Instructional Designer
6
Answers
Gardendale, Alabama
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Great question! I wish I had thought to ask this when I was younger. :) Embarking on a journey to find the right job for you can be a rewarding experience, especially when approached with careful consideration and a well-planned strategy. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this journey:
1. Self-Exploration:
- **Interests**: Pinpoint what activities you find enjoyable and engaging in both your personal and work life.
- **Skills**: Evaluate your abilities, including technical expertise and interpersonal, problem-solving skills.
- **Values**: Recognize what you value in a job, such as a balanced lifestyle, a positive company culture, or social responsibility.
- **Personality**: Reflect on your personality and identify the type of work environment in which you flourish.
- **Long-Term Goals**: Think about where you envision yourself in 5 or 10 years and what job or career path will help you achieve this.
2. Investigation:
- **Industry Trends**: Research industries that resonate with your interests and goals, considering their potential for growth and stability.
- **Companies**: Identify organizations within these industries that uphold values similar to yours.
- **Roles**: Within these organizations, seek out roles that align with your skills and offer room for advancement.
- **Networking**: Build relationships with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and advice.
3. Skill Gap Analysis:
- **Compare Required vs. Current Skills**: Review job descriptions for your preferred roles and identify any skills you might need to develop.
- **Plan for Development**: Consider enrolling in courses, earning certifications, or volunteering to bridge these gaps.
4. Personal Branding:
- **Resume/CV**: Customize your resume to emphasize the experience and skills most relevant to the job you're applying for.
- **Online Presence**: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and any professional portfolios or websites are current and effectively showcase your abilities.
- **Personal Pitch**: Be prepared to concisely and persuasively communicate what you can bring to a potential employer.
5. Job Search Strategies:
- **Online Job Boards**: Utilize websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to discover and apply for jobs.
- **Recruitment Agencies**: Consider signing up with agencies that specialize in your field.
- **Company Websites**: Apply directly through the career sections of company websites for a more targeted approach.
- **Networking Events**: Participate in industry meetups, conferences, and seminars to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings.
6. Strategic Applications:
- **Quality Over Quantity**: Personalize your application for each job instead of sending out generic applications en masse.
- **Cover Letters**: Craft a compelling cover letter that narrates your story and explains why you're the ideal candidate for the job.
7. Interview Preparation:
- **Research the Company**: Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, culture, and recent developments.
- **Practice**: Practice responses to common interview questions and prepare some questions of your own to ask.
- **Mock Interviews**: Conduct practice interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
8. Follow-Up:
- **Thank-You Notes**: Send a thank-you email post-interview to express your continued interest and to reiterate why you're the perfect fit.
- **Status Checks**: If you haven't received a response within the given timeline, it's acceptable to politely inquire about the status of your application.
9. Offer Evaluation:
- **Whole Picture**: Look beyond the salary; take into account benefits, work-life balance, company culture, and opportunities for growth.
- **Negotiation**: Be ready to negotiate your offer to ensure it meets your needs and accurately reflects your worth.
10. Continuous Improvement:
- **Feedback**: If you don't succeed initially, request feedback to enhance your chances in the future.
- **Resilience**: Job searching can be tough, so keep a positive attitude and learn from each experience.
Remember, finding the right job is a process that may take time. Patience, persistence, and optimism are crucial to success. Stay flexible and open to opportunities that may lead you down unexpected yet rewarding career paths.
1. Self-Exploration:
- **Interests**: Pinpoint what activities you find enjoyable and engaging in both your personal and work life.
- **Skills**: Evaluate your abilities, including technical expertise and interpersonal, problem-solving skills.
- **Values**: Recognize what you value in a job, such as a balanced lifestyle, a positive company culture, or social responsibility.
- **Personality**: Reflect on your personality and identify the type of work environment in which you flourish.
- **Long-Term Goals**: Think about where you envision yourself in 5 or 10 years and what job or career path will help you achieve this.
2. Investigation:
- **Industry Trends**: Research industries that resonate with your interests and goals, considering their potential for growth and stability.
- **Companies**: Identify organizations within these industries that uphold values similar to yours.
- **Roles**: Within these organizations, seek out roles that align with your skills and offer room for advancement.
- **Networking**: Build relationships with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and advice.
3. Skill Gap Analysis:
- **Compare Required vs. Current Skills**: Review job descriptions for your preferred roles and identify any skills you might need to develop.
- **Plan for Development**: Consider enrolling in courses, earning certifications, or volunteering to bridge these gaps.
4. Personal Branding:
- **Resume/CV**: Customize your resume to emphasize the experience and skills most relevant to the job you're applying for.
- **Online Presence**: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and any professional portfolios or websites are current and effectively showcase your abilities.
- **Personal Pitch**: Be prepared to concisely and persuasively communicate what you can bring to a potential employer.
5. Job Search Strategies:
- **Online Job Boards**: Utilize websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to discover and apply for jobs.
- **Recruitment Agencies**: Consider signing up with agencies that specialize in your field.
- **Company Websites**: Apply directly through the career sections of company websites for a more targeted approach.
- **Networking Events**: Participate in industry meetups, conferences, and seminars to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings.
6. Strategic Applications:
- **Quality Over Quantity**: Personalize your application for each job instead of sending out generic applications en masse.
- **Cover Letters**: Craft a compelling cover letter that narrates your story and explains why you're the ideal candidate for the job.
7. Interview Preparation:
- **Research the Company**: Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, culture, and recent developments.
- **Practice**: Practice responses to common interview questions and prepare some questions of your own to ask.
- **Mock Interviews**: Conduct practice interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
8. Follow-Up:
- **Thank-You Notes**: Send a thank-you email post-interview to express your continued interest and to reiterate why you're the perfect fit.
- **Status Checks**: If you haven't received a response within the given timeline, it's acceptable to politely inquire about the status of your application.
9. Offer Evaluation:
- **Whole Picture**: Look beyond the salary; take into account benefits, work-life balance, company culture, and opportunities for growth.
- **Negotiation**: Be ready to negotiate your offer to ensure it meets your needs and accurately reflects your worth.
10. Continuous Improvement:
- **Feedback**: If you don't succeed initially, request feedback to enhance your chances in the future.
- **Resilience**: Job searching can be tough, so keep a positive attitude and learn from each experience.
Remember, finding the right job is a process that may take time. Patience, persistence, and optimism are crucial to success. Stay flexible and open to opportunities that may lead you down unexpected yet rewarding career paths.
Enise Agel
144
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Celine,
I would say you pay attention to your major at the university first; due to the fact that, you should have a few experiences which you have experienced and not, and found your talent once you had found your hobbies and passion. Your major should guide you in a way that you can apply for a job/jobs if you are not sure and that/those jobs guarantee for you to be accepted. You can do whatever you can; yet you should have your career plan, your discipline, your passion with your talent. You you do you.
You should have a career plan first if you are not graduated from the university yet; because you will take for granted, and there will more prod than cons. What I meant by the prior sentence was something that everyone should know about either academic year and career journey; yet I must say you can be volunteer and/or intern in your extracurricular activities during academic year, and a beginner for your career journey. You should balance your academic status and upgrade your profile though. As a student, you have to have your timetable, your calendar, and your to do list. Once you have organized, and things that are done, you can track your approaches that you had done so far. You can track week by week, or day to day. And you should have your profile, which ought to be strong due to job application process. You should have experienced soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence skills after your volunteering and/or your internship experience(s). You can upgrade your CV/Resume, and prepare your Cover Letter for job application.
I hope this helps.
I would say you pay attention to your major at the university first; due to the fact that, you should have a few experiences which you have experienced and not, and found your talent once you had found your hobbies and passion. Your major should guide you in a way that you can apply for a job/jobs if you are not sure and that/those jobs guarantee for you to be accepted. You can do whatever you can; yet you should have your career plan, your discipline, your passion with your talent. You you do you.
You should have a career plan first if you are not graduated from the university yet; because you will take for granted, and there will more prod than cons. What I meant by the prior sentence was something that everyone should know about either academic year and career journey; yet I must say you can be volunteer and/or intern in your extracurricular activities during academic year, and a beginner for your career journey. You should balance your academic status and upgrade your profile though. As a student, you have to have your timetable, your calendar, and your to do list. Once you have organized, and things that are done, you can track your approaches that you had done so far. You can track week by week, or day to day. And you should have your profile, which ought to be strong due to job application process. You should have experienced soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence skills after your volunteering and/or your internship experience(s). You can upgrade your CV/Resume, and prepare your Cover Letter for job application.
I hope this helps.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Great inquiries, Celine! Let me build on and emphasize Rebecca's suggestions:
- Usually, colleges/universities don't require you to choose a major until your second year. This allows you to explore various majors and sample different courses. It's not uncommon for students to have a double major or a major and minor. There are also certificate programs like Women's Studies or American Studies. These options are typically found on the school's website. If you're already in college, your academic advisor can provide guidance. If you can't find a major that fits your interests, consider designing your own.
- Securing a job is a separate, substantial topic. Your college/university will likely have career advisors who can guide you through the process, including resume writing, opportunity identification, interview preparation, on-campus recruitment, and more. A representative from your department (another term for major) can help you pinpoint job titles that align with your major.
Best of luck!
- Usually, colleges/universities don't require you to choose a major until your second year. This allows you to explore various majors and sample different courses. It's not uncommon for students to have a double major or a major and minor. There are also certificate programs like Women's Studies or American Studies. These options are typically found on the school's website. If you're already in college, your academic advisor can provide guidance. If you can't find a major that fits your interests, consider designing your own.
- Securing a job is a separate, substantial topic. Your college/university will likely have career advisors who can guide you through the process, including resume writing, opportunity identification, interview preparation, on-campus recruitment, and more. A representative from your department (another term for major) can help you pinpoint job titles that align with your major.
Best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you may need to identify the careers you have interest. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor in the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor you can target
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be your major and minor you can target
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Celine,
Job hunting can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with the right mindset and tools, it can turn into a rewarding journey. As a friendly, considerate, and trustworthy AI, I'm here to guide you through some thorough steps to help you find a job that perfectly matches your skills, interests, and ambitions.
Step 1: Contemplate Your Skills, Interests, and Goals
Kick-start your job search by taking a moment to think about your skills, interests, and goals. This will help you pinpoint jobs that align with your abilities and dreams. Reflect on these questions:
What academic achievements are you proud of?
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of school?
What inspires you to do your best?
What kind of work setting do you thrive in?
What are your immediate and future career goals?
By answering these questions, you'll better understand what you can bring to the table as a candidate and what you're seeking in a job. This self-reflection will be the cornerstone of your job hunt and help you filter your choices.
Step 2: Explore Job Opportunities
With a solid understanding of your skills, interests, and goals, it's time to dive into job hunting. Start by browsing job boards, company websites, and professional networks to get a feel for what's out there in your chosen field. Some well-known job boards include LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. You can also look at industry-specific job boards like AngelList for tech jobs or Dice for engineering jobs.
While exploring job opportunities, focus on the job descriptions, necessary qualifications, and company cultures. This will give you a sense of what employers want and what to anticipate from a specific role. Compile a list of job openings that resonate with your skills, interests, and goals.
Step 3: Refresh Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are essential elements of your job application. They present your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers. Make sure your resume and cover letter are current and tailored to the jobs you're applying for. Here are some tips for crafting effective resumes and cover letters:
Opt for a clear and succinct format, using bullet points to spotlight your accomplishments.
Include pertinent coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities.
Customize your resume and cover letter to each job opening, emphasizing the skills and qualifications that match the job requirements.
Proofread your documents multiple times to eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
Step 4: Network and Forge Connections
Networking is a potent tool in your job search. It can help you discover job opportunities, receive recommendations, and establish connections within your chosen industry. Attend career fairs, networking events, and connect with professionals in your field through LinkedIn or email.
Here are some tips for forging connections:
Be ready to introduce yourself and discuss your skills and experiences.
Ask insightful questions to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Follow up with new contacts to sustain relationships and continue the conversation.
Step 5: Hone Your Interview Skills
Once you've applied to job openings and secured interviews, it's time to polish your interview skills. Prepare answers to common interview questions, like “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Practice your responses with a friend or family member, or use online resources to simulate interviews.
Here are some tips for nailing interviews:
Research the company and the position you're applying for.
Show enthusiasm and interest in the company and the role.
Be honest and genuine in your responses.
Step 6: Keep Your Spirits High and Stay Determined
Job hunting can be a lengthy and demanding process, but it's crucial to stay upbeat and determined. Rejection is a normal part of the job search process, so don't let it get you down if you don't secure your dream job immediately. Keep applying, networking, and practicing your interview skills until you find the right opportunity.
Here are some tips for staying positive and persistent:
Celebrate your progress and achievements along the way.
Don't take rejection personally, and use it as a chance to learn and grow.
Keep an open mind and be open to considering different job opportunities.
In conclusion, finding a job requires careful planning, research, and preparation. By contemplating your skills, interests, and goals, exploring job opportunities, refreshing your resume and cover letter, networking, honing your interview skills, and keeping your spirits high and staying determined, you'll enhance your chances of landing your dream job.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
“The Career Development Guide” by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
“The Job Search Handbook” by the University of California, Berkeley Career Center
“Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell and Jackie Bavaro
Note: These references provide thorough guidance on job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. However, they may not include the most recent information on specific job markets or industries.
May you be blessed abundantly,
James Constantine.
Job hunting can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with the right mindset and tools, it can turn into a rewarding journey. As a friendly, considerate, and trustworthy AI, I'm here to guide you through some thorough steps to help you find a job that perfectly matches your skills, interests, and ambitions.
Step 1: Contemplate Your Skills, Interests, and Goals
Kick-start your job search by taking a moment to think about your skills, interests, and goals. This will help you pinpoint jobs that align with your abilities and dreams. Reflect on these questions:
What academic achievements are you proud of?
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of school?
What inspires you to do your best?
What kind of work setting do you thrive in?
What are your immediate and future career goals?
By answering these questions, you'll better understand what you can bring to the table as a candidate and what you're seeking in a job. This self-reflection will be the cornerstone of your job hunt and help you filter your choices.
Step 2: Explore Job Opportunities
With a solid understanding of your skills, interests, and goals, it's time to dive into job hunting. Start by browsing job boards, company websites, and professional networks to get a feel for what's out there in your chosen field. Some well-known job boards include LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. You can also look at industry-specific job boards like AngelList for tech jobs or Dice for engineering jobs.
While exploring job opportunities, focus on the job descriptions, necessary qualifications, and company cultures. This will give you a sense of what employers want and what to anticipate from a specific role. Compile a list of job openings that resonate with your skills, interests, and goals.
Step 3: Refresh Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are essential elements of your job application. They present your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers. Make sure your resume and cover letter are current and tailored to the jobs you're applying for. Here are some tips for crafting effective resumes and cover letters:
Opt for a clear and succinct format, using bullet points to spotlight your accomplishments.
Include pertinent coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities.
Customize your resume and cover letter to each job opening, emphasizing the skills and qualifications that match the job requirements.
Proofread your documents multiple times to eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
Step 4: Network and Forge Connections
Networking is a potent tool in your job search. It can help you discover job opportunities, receive recommendations, and establish connections within your chosen industry. Attend career fairs, networking events, and connect with professionals in your field through LinkedIn or email.
Here are some tips for forging connections:
Be ready to introduce yourself and discuss your skills and experiences.
Ask insightful questions to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Follow up with new contacts to sustain relationships and continue the conversation.
Step 5: Hone Your Interview Skills
Once you've applied to job openings and secured interviews, it's time to polish your interview skills. Prepare answers to common interview questions, like “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Practice your responses with a friend or family member, or use online resources to simulate interviews.
Here are some tips for nailing interviews:
Research the company and the position you're applying for.
Show enthusiasm and interest in the company and the role.
Be honest and genuine in your responses.
Step 6: Keep Your Spirits High and Stay Determined
Job hunting can be a lengthy and demanding process, but it's crucial to stay upbeat and determined. Rejection is a normal part of the job search process, so don't let it get you down if you don't secure your dream job immediately. Keep applying, networking, and practicing your interview skills until you find the right opportunity.
Here are some tips for staying positive and persistent:
Celebrate your progress and achievements along the way.
Don't take rejection personally, and use it as a chance to learn and grow.
Keep an open mind and be open to considering different job opportunities.
In conclusion, finding a job requires careful planning, research, and preparation. By contemplating your skills, interests, and goals, exploring job opportunities, refreshing your resume and cover letter, networking, honing your interview skills, and keeping your spirits high and staying determined, you'll enhance your chances of landing your dream job.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
“The Career Development Guide” by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
“The Job Search Handbook” by the University of California, Berkeley Career Center
“Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell and Jackie Bavaro
Note: These references provide thorough guidance on job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. However, they may not include the most recent information on specific job markets or industries.
May you be blessed abundantly,
James Constantine.