Finding the Best Job to Move Along Your Career Path


As you get into your professional career, it is important to make a plan to help you progress and see some changes. No one wants to stay in the same career for the rest of their life. They want to make changes, try something new, and even go up to more responsibilities.

This is possible in almost every career path, but you need to find the right job to help you get this done.

Some of the tips that you can use to find the best jobOpens in a new tab. to move along in your career path include:

1. Know What You Want in a Career

Before you go through and find a new job to move you along your career path, you need to have some good plans in place for the future. To do this, you need to know what you want in a career.

Do you like your current job or would you like to make a big change and do something new? Are you looking to go to a new location to help with some of your growth and change as well? Do you want a new title, more leadership role, or get into management?

These are all important things to consider when you are looking for a new job to move you forward. Knowing what you want out of a career will be the guide you need to make the career change if necessary or to move up if you are staying in the same career. Without it, you may just wander around and not make the improvements you need.

2. Research the Salary Options

It is always a good idea to look at some of the salary options that are available for any job that you may want to pursue. You may be surprised that there are differences between two jobs that are very similar. By changing your title or taking a few courses to enhance your skills, you could easily make a change in your career for more money.

Before jumping to a new career, you need to look at the salary options. This helps you know if your decision is a good option and will progress and can give you more negotiating power when you are trying to get a new job.

Whether you are looking to use this information to help you pick the right types of jobs you want to enter in your career path or you would like to use this to help you to negotiate for the right salaryOpens in a new tab., it is always important to know the average salary for any career you work in.

3. Be Flexible

You may find that the perfect jobOpens in a new tab. for you is not exactly what you think it will be. Many people get stuck without any job or doing something completely different while still job searching because they put themselves into a box.

This may mean you need to give up your dream of doing one specific career, at least for a little bit. There are so many options in each field though. Adding in some flexibility to try out a few things and to expand the types of jobs that you will look at can help you advance and find a career you love.

For example, you may have a business degreeOpens in a new tab. and dream of working as a loan officer in a bank. This may be a great career choice, but the field is limited more to professionals who have done this job for years. You may need to expand out a little more.

Perhaps you look at credit unions. Or you can help in mortgage assistance groups that are through other companies and organizations. Provide mortgage advice through different programs to help more people get homes. Or look to write grants to help low-income families get assistance on their down payment.

Limiting yourself to just doing loans in a bank means you can only go for one specific job. And it may be hard to get a job in that field where you live. When you expand your horizons to other jobs that relate to getting mortgages, you have so many more opportunities and can really move your career along.

4. Apply Even if You Don’t Match 100%

Too many times we refuse to apply for a job because we do not match up to it 100%. We may take a look at the job postingOpens in a new tab. and all of the requirements and get a sinking feeling in our stomachs because we do not match up to all of the items on the list.

If it is a job you really like, or one that got you excited (before you looked at that scary list), then it may be time to apply anyway. Who cares if you do not match up with the job listing 100%.

Honestly, the person who gets the job will likely not match up to the job listing all the way either. You shouldn’t miss out on this great job just because you miss out on a few things. You can learn on the job, as long as you can wow them with the great skills you can bring to the table already.

If you look at the job listing and you are not able to match up with most of the requirements, then do not apply for that job. When this is the case, you may want to consider updating your skills and preparing in the future for better jobs. There are likely to be many other great jobs that will lead you to success if you are able to step out of your comfort zone.

5. Taking the Next Steps Toward Your Goals

Moving along your career path should be looked at with a cyclical approach. Once you find an awesome position, ask yourself how you can use it to launch you along your intended path. However, it’s important to find a balance between getting the most out of your current position and looking towards the future. 

Take a mindful approach to using your current role to its fullest potential. Even if you feel overly qualified, there are often new skills and knowledge that you can pick up. Look for new ways to perform even the most mundane responsibilities at peak performance. Not only will this challenge you mentally and help you grow, but your efforts are likely to be noticed by peers and superiors. 

Use your current role to network as well. Every connection you make is a potential access point to a future stop on your career path. When you create meaningful relationships with those both in your business and your industry, you give yourself better odds to get your foot in the hiring door in the future. 

Your direct manager can be one of your best assets. Be clear and honest about your career intentions. Many leaders take the approach of doing all that they can to help their employees succeed. When you let them know where you would like your career path to take you, they will be more likely to coach you into getting there.

Finding the Best Jobs

Job searching is always a challenge. Finding a job that you will enjoy, that helps you to enhance your career, and pays well is not always easy. When you are ready to find the best job to move along your career path, then check out some of the simple tips available above!


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Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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