Eight Practical Insights for Job Seekers

Finding a job in a new season of life - whether it is a new year, a new country, or a new stage in your career - can feel overwhelming. The job market is constantly changing, and so are we. Our interests evolve, our strengths become clearer, and our goals shift as we gain experience. Over the years, through my own journey, as well as through interviews, workshops, and conversations with professionals from different backgrounds, I have gathered a set of practical insights that can help guide this process.

These reflections are not rigid rules but tools designed to help you understand yourself better, make informed decisions, and approach your career with confidence, curiosity, and purpose. Whether you are just starting out, reinventing yourself, or simply exploring new possibilities, these eight ideas can serve as a compass as you navigate your next steps.

1. What are the three things you enjoy the most?‍

Try to remember the things you loved doing as a child; what brought you joy? Traveling, painting, building, leading, singing, and so on. These interests may not necessarily become your future profession; some might simply remain hobbies. However, the truth is that these early passions often reveal hidden talents - gifts that are still within you and they help point you toward the right professional path.  If you were to die tomorrow, could you say you did everything you truly wanted to do?

2. Life story - facing fears:

‍Many times, we think and feel that we are losing our way.  All of us have fears, anxiety and confusion, but understanding our life story, we begin to recognize these qualities. Many people lose their way because they do not face their shadow sides and wind up way off course from their career purpose.  Ask yourself: do I have fear of failing? Do I fear what other people would think about me if I did? How could the experience of failing help me achieve my goals?

 3. One important step to consider:

If you like interacting with people, your next role should include some level of customer service or opportunities to connect with others. If you are good at organization and planning, perhaps a position in logistics or admin could strengthen and display the talents you already have. Canada is a country that highly values volunteer work - this is an excellent place to invest a few hours each week, using your skills to support the community while gaining valuable experience and strengthening the abilities essential for the role you aspire to.

 4. Studying is important, but… is it everything?

You are not defined solely by what you study. Along the way, you discover new skills and interests that often complement the experience you already have. This does not mean that education is not important, but what good are degrees or certifications if you do not have experience to go with them? More often employers value experience more than education. However, whenever you have the chance to get a degree, go for it - knowledge always goes well with experience. It is a powerful combination.

 5. Flexibility: embracing feedback

You need to open your world - you need to see other cultures, other companies, other processes. Our perspective is often very limited; what we believe we are doing “the right way” may not be right at all, and sometimes it leads us away from the plan meant for us. Asking co-workers, parents, or mentors for other ideas or perspectives, things we might not be seeing, is crucial for professional growth. Canada is a diverse country, and this is a great opportunity to learn and grow.

‍ 6. How do you speak to yourself?

Words have power, both to move you forward and to hold you back. The way you speak to yourself is crucial: What do I think about myself? What are my strengths and limitations? Why do I think this way about myself?  Your mentors or coaches can help you see things from a different angle, but the solution is ultimately within you. Whether you speak from a place of victory or defeat depends entirely on you.

 7. Are you willing to step down in status?

Job searching is not easy; it takes time and effort. Many times, you have to step down from the role you once had in order to start again. What if you viewed that change as an investment rather than a loss?  Starting from scratch is not easy, but it is a great opportunity to learn, explore, and reinvent yourself. In the end, that decision could become a long-term investment.

 8. What do you want - and what do you NOT want?

You could create a simple template with a list of things you would like to do, things you would not like to do (in a workplace), your values, the kind of managers and coworkers you would like to have. You can even include the job titles you are interested in, salary expectations, schedule, benefits, languages, and then look for companies that match those criteria. This can serve as a compass that gives you clearer direction and guidance.

In Conclusion…

1.                  Be honest with yourself: dream, and tell yourself what you like and what you do not like.

2.                  Do not hesitate to ask for help; there are people out there willing to support you.

3.                  Have the courage and bravery to pursue your dreams.

‍