At the most recent Cleared Job Fair, Patra Frame reviewed job seekers’ resumes. Patra shared one issue that challenged many of the job seekers she spoke with:
How do you write a resume when you don’t really know what you want to do?
You may have great skills. But do you know what you want to do with those skills?
“What do I want to be when I grow up?” Some of us may never be able to answer that question. So it may become, “What do I want to do in my next job?”
Finding the answer to one of the above questions is critical to your job search success.
By various estimates networking is the source of 60-80% of all jobs, so it’s a key component of any job search. If you’re unable to articulate what you want to do, how do you:
• Introduce yourself and communicate in a networking setting, or at a job fair, the type of work you’re looking for?
• Ask for assistance from colleagues, friends and others who can aid in your job search?
• Write a resume to communicate effectively your talents and abilities?
While it might sound crazy, Google “finding your passion.” You’ll find some interesting resources and articles. Review this post on Making Career Choices and this one on Career Transitions Made Simple for more guidance.
And don’t make the worst mistake in a job search!
Great advice. I’ve done the research and I’m still not 100% sure what I want to do, but I think I’m close to knowing! And because of this I can definitely weed out the jobs that I don’t want.
Good points Corey.
It is also important to remember that just because you said when you were 5 that you wanted to be a fireman and by the time you are over 18 you are not a fireman, this doesn’t mean failure.
It is healthy to move from one career to the next – at least I hope so or I am out of luck! – but not to flip flop every two years or so. Looking at your skills and your passions can help you move throughout your career from one type of job to the next.
I love the strategic approach that Patra emphasizes in her video. I’ve always based my job searches on my skills and not a title, industry, or specific role. This has helped to provide me with a well-rounded set of skills while allowing me to hone my strengths, too.