How to Get a Good Job

If you've had nothing but bad jobs in the past, you know there's a difference between getting "any" job and getting a "good" job. When you’re searching for employment, there are a few ways you can narrow down your search to filter out the bad jobs and apply to the quality ones. Read through these tips to see how you can find a good job and nail the application process in no time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]How do I find a job that’s right for me?

1. Figure out your skill set. Sit down and make a list so you can narrow down your search. You can include your degree (if you have one), your job experience, and any vocational training you have. You can also include “soft skills,” like professionalism, responsiveness, and friendliness.^[1] Once you figure out the skills you already have, you can decide on a career path that’s right for you.^[2]
   
2. Jot down your likes and dislikes. What did you like about your past jobs? What did you really dislike? Make a list of things both good and bad so you can keep them in mind as you search through opportunities.^[3]
   
3. Identify your ideal work style. Do you like working from home, or would you rather go into the office? Are you a social butterfly who’s good at talking to a variety of people, or do you prefer backend work with less customer interaction? Answer these questions to narrow down your search when you find open positions.^[4]
   

[Edit]Where should I look for a good job?

1. Reach out to other professionals. Networking is your best way to find a job opportunity. If you know people in the field, shoot them an email and tell them you’re looking for a new job. If you went to school with anyone working right now, ask them if they know of any openings. Word-of-mouth is the number one way people find a job in today’s market.^[5]
   
2. Search for opportunities online. You’ll find tons of jobs posted online that you can apply for quickly. Look at sites like Glassdoor, Monter, Indeed, LinkedIn, Google Jobs, and Ladders to start your search. You can enter in a keyword or a location to find the perfect job for you.^[6]
   

[Edit]How can I tell if a job is good?

1. Look for company reviews. A good job is more than just the pay—you’ll want to ensure that you’re going to be happy there, too. Check out the company on Glassdoor or LinkedIn to see what employees are saying about the job duties, benefits, and company culture.^[7]
   
2. Consider the pay and the benefits. What would you be getting paid? How many hours would you work? Does the job provide benefits? Is there paid time off or vacation time? Is there any room for growth within the company? It’s up to you to decide if you’d like to accept, reject, or negotiate the offer that you’re presented with.^[8]
   

[Edit]How do I increase my chances of getting a job?

1. Perfect your resumé. It’s your first impression for your potential employer. Make sure the format is clean and easy to read, list your skills in bullet points, and have your work and school experience front and center.^[9] Consider having a friend or family member look it over before sending it out.^[10]
   
2. Clean up your social media accounts. Many employers will search you up online before hiring you. If they find something they don’t like (pictures of you smoking, drinking, or partying), it could affect their decision. Make sure your social media accounts are set to private or clean them up before you start applying for jobs.^[11]
   
3. Make a good impression at the interview. It’s your time to prove yourself to the company. Wear an appropriate outfit for the job (usually slightly more dressed up than you would be on a typical work day). Show up on time and shake your interviewer’s hand, then answer the questions as best you can. When the interview is over, shake their hand again and thank them for their time.^[12]
   

[Edit]Which jobs pay the most?

1. Healthcare jobs often pay the most. In fact, a 2020 report states that anesthesiologists and surgeons get paid the most out of any job out there. However, you do need a doctorate degree before getting these jobs, and that much school can take a lot of time.^[13]
   
2. Financial and IT managers get paid very well. This field is often called “middle management.” If you’re a middle manager, you’ll take direction from your boss and give direction to your employees. You can work your way up to being a manager in most companies, so it’s a great goal to keep in mind as you enter the workforce.^[14]
   

[Edit]Tips

• You don’t have to be making millions to be happy with your job. A good job looks different for everyone, so don’t compare your situation to others.

[Edit]References

__QAM__

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161456_b01]. 2 April 2020.
2. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3046146/how-can-i-get-a-good-job-with-no-experience
3. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/1100/p30.html
4. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/1100/p30.html
5. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-find-a-great-job-during-a-downturn
6. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-to-search-for-jobs-finding-your-next-opportunity-11605109352
7. ↑ https://vcea.wsu.edu/student-success/2020/11/06/things-you-should-know-about-a-company-before-applying/
8. ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-to-evaluate-accept-reject-or-negotiate-a-job-offer
9. ↑ [v161456_b01]. 2 April 2020.
10. ↑ https://www.roguecc.edu/emp/Resources/resume.asp
11. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/05/02/how-new-college-grads-can-land-a-shockingly-good-job/?sh=60e621f910d1
12. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-find-a-great-job-during-a-downturn
13. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/06/the-best-paying-jobs-of-2020-from-us-news-and-world-report.html
14. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/06/the-best-paying-jobs-of-2020-from-us-news-and-world-report.html