Category: Job

People tend to use the terms “job” and “career” interchangeably, assuming they are one and the same. Did you know that they do not mean the same thing? Here are two key differences between the two terms.

#1 A job and a career have different levels of engagement

Career professionals tend to have a stronger level of engagement in what they do on a daily basis. It is never just about earning a living, they love what they do and enjoy the challenges that come with the occupation. On the other hand, a job involves less engagement. Employees always show up to work but are always less enthusiastic about what they do. Often, all they care about is earning a pay check.

#2 A job and a career have different levels of passion

Career professionals tend to be passionate about their work and often feel a strong connection to their employer. Their level of organizational ownership is usually high and this boosts their morale and performance. Job holders on the other hand are less passionate about what they do. They may be physically present at work but emotionally absent. All they care about is going through the daily routine and checking out afterwards. Their performance tends to be poor due to low morale.

So, based on the above information, is yours a job or a career? The good news is that you can always transform your job into a career. All you simply need to do is engage more and execute your tasks with passion. Similarly, when your career starts feeling like a job then it’s time you started thinking about changing your employer.

Have you ever dreamt of having a job you enjoyed so much that working doesn’t really feel like working? Well, that is how you know whether you are in the right career. Everyone desires to find a job they love. That is why most of us choose to study certain courses in college. The moment you secure a job, you must realize that you will be required to show up every day at work without fail except of course during vacation. Such a commitment requires passion for what you do. Below is some employment advice to help you choose the right career.

First, you need self-awareness

How well do you know yourself? This is one of the most important questions you must ask yourself and have an answer to as you are making a decision on whether a job is right for you or not. Take the initiative and do a thorough self-assessment. If you have the finances for an expert, get one. If you don’t, there are online tools that can help you do this. All in all, this is an investment that will definitely pay off.

Second, explore career paths that are in line with your personality

Your personality plays a big role in determining whether a job is right for you or not. Your personality shapes your values, interests and sometimes skills, therefore you must find out whether the requirements stated in the job description will be a good match for your personality type. Do not be in a rush. Your career can be a life-long commitment hence you should take your time to do it right.

Finally, talk to someone who has done it before

We spend so much time and money studying in college. Therefore, if at the end of it all you discover that what you have trained for all these years is not something you enjoy doing, it will be such a waste. Extensive research before you decide on a career is strongly advised. Take your time and interact with professionals in that line of work as they may be a valuable resource for insights into the job.

Every job requires specific skills, and employers always make this known whenever they post a jobs ad. However, certain important skills are usually not out rightly mentioned but are implied as the employer lists down the tasks that the potential employee will be required to undertake should they get the job.

Below are three key skills that employers will rarely mention, but as a potential employee, you must have. These skills cut across all industries. Consider this the best employment advice you will have as you prepare for your job hunting escapades for 2018. These skills will not only increase your chances of securing a job but will also, for those who are already in employment, help you hold on to your current job and increase your chances of rising to the top.

#1 You must be excellent at communication

Most of your days at work will involve passing on some form of information either to your colleagues or organization’s clientele. You must be excellent at communication i.e. sharing your ideas, your thoughts and any other form of information at your work place. It may be through making verbal presentations or written communication through memos and emails. Bottom line is, for you to excel in any job, you must be an excellent communicator so practice practice practice how to communicate.

#2 You must hone your problem solving skills

Employers hate listening to problems. They would rather listen to solutions. The ability to prove to your potential employer that you are a problem solver will go a long way in securing you that job. Every employee is faced with challenges but your ability to overcome them will set you apart from the rest.

#3 You must have initiative

Yes, you have a job description. However, employers love staff who are creative and find new and better ways of doing things. Take your time, understand your roles and responsibilities and device better ways to execute your job. After all, you are being hired for your professional competence. Prove to your employer that you are the right choice.