How to pick the right job

Take a look at most LinkedIn profiles, and it’s clear that the traditional three-step career plan (graduate college, get a job, work your way up the ladder for the next 40 years at the same company) is outdated. Mapping the number of job opportunities in a given field vs. potential salaries vs. the stability of the market for the next few years can ensure you’re investing in a career that won’t dead-end. As the labor market continues to shift due to changes in technology and the economy, choosing the right path from the beginning can help you avoid emotional and financial stress down the road.

Here are a few tips on how to ensure you select the right job for yourself that is a good fit with your life's expectations:

Determine if you're really in the wrong career

If you're considering a career change, chances are you already know you may be on the wrong track. You first need to determine if you're in the wrong field or just the wrong environment. If you frequently find yourself feeling anxious, bored or stressed at your current job and struggle with or dislike your daily tasks, a career transition may be necessary. Dreading going to work, constantly watching the clock and daydreaming about leaving your job are other telltale signs that you're not where you should be. People end up on the wrong career path for many reasons. They may choose a job to please a friend or family member, to achieve a certain status or salary, or simply because it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Figure out what you want — and don't want

Once you arrive at the decision to change careers, your next step is to ask yourself what you really want from your next job. It's best to be specific about your end goals when deciding on a new career direction. You can discover those goals by asking yourself questions such as: 

* what do you enjoy doing?
* what skills do you use?
* when doing the things you enjoy?
* what means a lot to you?
* what are you good at?
* what do others admire about you and why?
* what things do you do that you're better at than others?

Once you've answered these questions, where you want to be and what you need to do to get there will become clearer.

​You also need to consider what type of role you want. There are three generic roles in any given career:
* individual contributor
* manager of people 
* executive

Based on your individual preferences and capabilities, you should determine which of these roles best suits you before settling on a specific career discipline. 

Assess your background and personality

When you know what you want out of your career, evaluate your qualifications for jobs in that field. Two of the most important factors in choosing your ideal path are your background (education, previous experience, practical skills) and your personality (character traits, interests, values). Both should be taken into consideration, but depending on your desired career, your personality may be more important than what's on your résumé. 

Holding a degree in your chosen field can certainly help, but not having one won't necessarily bar you from getting a job. A person with the right aptitudes and a willingness to learn can be a good fit for a position, without having formal education in that field. Ideally, your career should be a place where your personality and background intersect. 

Before you search for potential workplaces, it is advised defining your own personal values, so you can find an employer whose values align with yours. 

Ask for advice, but don't always take it

The people closest to you often take an interest in your success and want to offer their advice when you're taking your life in a new direction. These individuals may know you fairly well and have nothing but good intentions, but ultimately, the decision about your career needs to be based on your own self-assessment. 

Similarly, it is noted that outside advice can be very helpful, but only if you take control and ask specific questions that will assist in your self-discovery and career research.   

Be open to all possibilities

No matter what stage of your life or career you are in, the most important thing to remember when choosing a job is to keep your options open. If you're just entering the job market, take the time to explore your interests and learn about different career paths.

The same can be said for individuals making a career change. It's never too late to achieve your professional goals. Even if you've been on the wrong path, you can still switch to a job that you may not have considered but that will make you far happier than the one you have now. 

Ever wondered what the right questions are to ask to make sure you are selecting the right job for you? Read this article that provides you with further tips - 5 Questions That Will Help You Choose The Right Career. 

If you are one of the lucky ones who can choose from a set of offers - make sure you select the right job and the right career. Good luck!