Looking for a job. Want to find a role that actually suits your style, personality and skillset, instead of a job that makes you want to hide under the covers every morning because it’s just so dull and…hard? You’re definitely not alone, but here are some things that can help.
Know What Makes You Tick
Before you hunt for vacancies, pause and reflect on what you enjoy. List tasks that make you lose track of time, and skills you secretly brag about. Are you the office go-to for spreadsheets, or the person everyone asks to calm a disgruntled client? Clarity here will steer you towards roles that feel less like work, and more like fun.
Think Beyond the Usual Suspects
Sure, job boards are great, but they often recycle the same adverts. Broaden your search by exploring niche roles. For example, associate trainer jobs can be perfect if you love teaching and teamwork, without the pressure of full management. Alternatively, look at community outreach, green energy start-ups or digital nomad opportunities. You never know which unconventional path might excite you.
Give It a Trial Run
Many companies offer short internships or trial days. Treat these like blind dates. You will learn whether the culture actually suits you, without committing long term. If your trial day feels more awkward than charming, it is fine to walk away. Conversely, if you find yourself laughing over coffee and brainstorming ideas by lunchtime, you may have met your match.
Use Your Network (Even That One Person)
Networking sounds cringey, but it does not have to involve stuffy events. Start with people you know: former colleagues, university friends, or that plumber who mentioned a friend hiring. A casual message asking about opportunities can open doors. Remember to reciprocate when you can, because relationships are a two-way street.
Trust Your Guts
At some point, you will face choices that do not quite add up on paper. Maybe the salary is slightly below your target, yet the team atmosphere seems brilliant. Or the commute is longer, but the role offers better work-life balance. Listen to your instincts. Logic and spreadsheets have their place, but gut feelings often save us from dreadful decisions.
Finding a job that fits is rarely a linear journey. It is more like a patchwork quilt, pieced together with experiments and introductions, trials and errors. Give yourself permission to explore odd options, and change direction if needed.
Remember, life is too short for “just any job.” Seek roles that spark curiosity and joy, whether that is associate trainer jobs, environmental consultancy, or a remote creative position. Your perfect fit is out there, waiting to rescue you from the Monday morning blues. Start your exploration today.
Pro tip: refine your elevator pitch, update your LinkedIn profile regularly, and track applications in a dedicated spreadsheet or notebook. Before long, you will not only find a job, but a role that offers a backstage pass to your own success.
Here’s to a job you’ll truly love!
