Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash.
Navigating career change can be a daunting process, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the trending jobs and actively seek out the help and advice you need. If you're considering a career switch in 2023, you're in good company. With a surge in job openings, many people are preparing to make a career change this upcoming year. But, how do you discover the top careers of 2023 and find the perfect job?
The job market is constantly changing, so staying informed is a great way to start your job search. One of the best ways to keep up with the job market trends is to research job market reports or subscribe to online job boards. Your local chamber of commerce or state workforce development board may even offer job market reports, which can give you valuable insight into what employers may be looking for. Additionally, look for the different job postings from various employers and analyze their job descriptions to find the skills employers are seeking. Once you have a good understanding of the job market, you can create a list of potential careers that you may be interested in pursuing.
Additionally, keep an eye on salary trends, so you’re prepared to negotiate a fair salary when the right opportunity comes along. You can research salary trends or look for salary surveys online. Make sure to look at salary information within the industry you are considering, considering cost of living and job location.
Now that you have a comprehensive list of potential jobs, you can begin narrowing it down. It is important for you to think about the values and traits that you deem important in a career. Think about what you want to get out of a career in the long-term versus just a quick fix for the next few years. What does success mean to you? Do you seek a career where you can express creativity or be part of a larger team? Once you have articulated your values and goals it is time to create a list of the top five to eight careers that you are most interested in pursuing.
Then start doing your research. Learn as much as you can about each career such as job responsibilities, industry average salaries, education and experience requirements, and even the potential job outlook. Take your time researching. At this point you are looking for potential paths that you may choose to pursue, so don’t rush the process. Pay attention to the details and make sure that your career choice aligns with your values and goals.
The next step is to prepare for success. Once you have decided on an ideal career path, it’s time to start planning for a successful career transition. The best way to prepare is to develop a career plan and network with people in the industry. Learn from experts in your field and build relationships to help you understand what employers are looking for and create a portfolio to showcase your skills.
At the same time, consider the educational, certifications, and networks required for the job. Even if you are not immediately required to obtain additional education or certifications, it’s important to plan for the future and consider what you may need in order to leverage your skills and take your career to the next level. As you start to implement your plan and make your career transition, make sure to regularly evaluate your progress and stay open to revamping your goals and career plan.
Finding the perfect job doesn’t happen overnight and it’s okay if your journey looks different from someone else. Take the needed time to find the right career and don’t be afraid to tap into resources in order to gain insights into the job market and refine your career goals. Take the opportunity to gain additional skills and experience for the career you are transitioning to and be prepared to make shifts to your plan as you progress.