While workers are leaving their jobs in record numbers, you may find yourself wondering if it is time for a change. Everyone wants an interesting job that also fulfills them. A fair salary and growth opportunities make a job even more attractive. The answer to the question of how to get a better job doesn’t always have to be a daunting experience. Follow these tips, and you may find you have more opportunities than you initially realized!
Is it time to find a better job?
How do you know if it is time to find a better job? If you are feeling bored or have lost passion it might be time to consider new career opportunities. The same is true if you want a challenge or are looking for a better salary. Even better paying jobs in the same field can increase job satisfaction.
Carefully consider what you’re looking for in your next career move. Keep in mind that an unknown will usually look better on paper than in day-to-day reality. But if you feel you’re being underpaid or your skills aren’t being developed, it may be time to make a move. Here are our best tips for how to find a job you love.
12 tips for getting the job you want
Ready for a move? These tips can help you plan, and you may find many higher paying jobs open to you. Here are 12 tips to get started:
Reflect on what you want
If you’re making a career shift, you should take time to reflect on what you want to help you make the best move possible. Consider not only job title or target salary, but also work environment, company size, and company culture. High paying jobs are important, but shouldn’t be the only goal.
Think about the pros and cons of your current position. Consider priorities in your new role.
Ask yourself questions like these:
- Do I want to stay in the same career/industry or switch tracks?
- What am I passionate about?
- What would I love to do?
- What is my ideal title or role?
- What type of work environment do I prefer?
- What is my target salary?
- What do I like about my current position that I’d like to have in the new job?
- What is essential to change from my current job to the new position?
Work on your networking skills
Networking is a life skill that can open many doors. Networking is not just about making business connections, but about cultivating connections. Being a good networker can make a big impact.
A connection to someone in the company, or a recommendation from an employee, can open the door for consideration. Likewise, someone in your network may suggest a job or position to you that you wouldn’t have considered applying for. There are high paying jobs in many fields. Someone in your network may be able to show you where to look.
In other cases, networking can help because sometimes someone likes you and your attitude. This can be more important than your skills or job experience to land the job. Networking can open many doors if you keep your network connections open.
Evaluate your expertise
Part of looking for a new job is taking inventory of the skills you bring to the table. This includes more than just degrees and certificates. Look at soft skills, on the job training, teamwork and leadership roles, and other experience.
Once you know the skills and expertise you have and will need, you can determine your next steps for getting the position you want.
Consider your ideal company
Once you know what you are passionate about, you’ll want to research potential companies to work somewhere you enjoy being a part of.
These days, you can read and write reviews about companies online. That means that current and former employees of many companies can share their experience on websites like glassdoor.com. Consider what is important to you in a company culture, and see what others who have been there have to say about it.
Look for opportunities
One way to find jobs you love is to spend time daily or weekly looking for opportunities. Be patient to find the role you are best suited for. You can expand your search to multiple job boards. Here are some of the best:
- LinkedIn: The professional networking site allows you to search for current job listings. Be sure to update your Linkedin profile to be connected to others in your industry.
- Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest job listing sites on the internet and an excellent place to search regularly. You can sort by keyword, job title, location, and more. Setup alerts to see the latest listings in your target search.
- Jobs.com: Jobs.com is yet another large job listing site that allows search by job, keyword, or location.
- Monster: Monster offers a searchable job opportunity database, career advice, salary tools, and resume help.
- CareerBuilder: CareerBuilder allows you to upload your resume to find the best fits as well as search the database.
- Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers anonymous reviews of companies by employees, provides salary estimates and personalized job suggestions.
- ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter claims to be the #1 job site in the U.S.. They offer a searchable database and opportunities for businesses to post job listings.
Build or update your resume
After you know what you want to do and where you want to do it, plan to build or update your resume catered to each of them. To build a great resume, mention all relevant experience, but try to focus on quantifiable achievements in your target field.
How can you put a number to what you’ve brought to previous jobs? How much did your department or area grow? How much time did you save the company? How many new sales, clients, leads, or other quantifiable values did you bring in? Highlight it!
Once you’ve set career targets, it’s time to showcase your skills to land your dream job. It’s a good idea to write the resume or cover letter with the unique needs of each potential employer in mind.
Use your experience to your advantage
When showcasing your strengths, don’t forget about overall life experience. Do you volunteer? Did you lead a team, even though it isn’t on your resume? Consider overall your experience, even if it seems irrelevant, and see if you can give it value.
Prepare yourself for possible interview questions
It is a good idea to come to an interview prepared. If asked to interview, it means the company is seriously considering you. Just as you wouldn’t come to an important presentation without preparation, do your research before the interview.
It may help to research common interview questions to practice and prepare. Spend some time preparing for possible questions you may be asked and practice how you will answer them. You can even do this in front of a mirror.
It’s also a good idea to practice answers tailored to the specific company. For example, if they ask for your strengths and weaknesses, don’t give a standard list. Pick three skills the job listing mentioned looking for and highlight those. The ability to adapt your answers to the company’s needs can help you stand out.
Determine your desired salary
It’s a good idea to research average salaries for the position you’re interested in. In many cases, companies have a salary range they’re willing to spend. If you mention the lowest salary in that range and you’re a good fit – that’s the salary you will get.
For that reason, it’s important to set realistic targets and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Know your value and what you bring to the company. If you were significantly underpaid at your previous job, it can be a good idea to mention your target salary, rather than your previous salary, if asked by potential employers.
Create a LinkedIn profile
Now is the time to create or update your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn can be a way to create new relationships, demonstrate your skills, and network online. Many employers search LinkedIn as a talent database. Consider it your online resume and a powerful networking tool together.
Check your social media
It’s not uncommon for potential employers to check you out online. For that reason, you’ll want to scan any social media for posts that could potentially paint you in a negative light. This includes any posts that are politically sensitive, discriminatory, too personal, NSFW, or that you wouldn’t want to share with a potential employer.
Leave your company on good terms
Regardless of your feelings around your current workplace, it’s always beneficial to leave your company on good terms. Creating a good feeling with your current coworkers and employer is an act of kindness and integrity that could assist you in the future. You never know when those relationships could open doors for you.
Take steps to get your dream job
Learning how to find a job you love is a great skill to increase well-being. With planning, finding a job you love is not only achievable but realistic. Find a good job, a better paying job, or a job that is more meaningful can enhance your quality of life and well-being. With the steps here, you can be well on your way to a great new opportunity – perhaps one you didn’t even think you could achieve.
FAQ
How can I get a better job?
To get a better job, you’ll want to assess your skills and experience, consider your ideal workplace, and consistently research job openings. With a clear vision, networking, and consistent search, you can find a job that you love.
Should you always look for a better job?
If you are happy in your current workplace and feel there are opportunities for advancement, there is no reason to look for a better job. On the other hand, if you’re dissatisfied, underpaid, or interested in moving fields, it can be worth considering whether you want to look for a better job.
Why should you get a better job?
If you want to continue to advance in your career, learn new skills, or earn a higher income, it can be useful to get a better job. But it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Take time to follow the tips here, build your resume, network, and Linkedin. Then apply for jobs that meet your personal criteria and new career goals.
