You've decided to look for a new career! Your résumé has been updated and your references have been contacted. But what else needs to be done so you are fully prepared for your career search? There are several things that you need to take into consideration before you begin to send out your résumé.

The first step is to decide what field is the best for you to pursue. Assessing all of your likes and dislikes about the previous positions you've held will help you discover the different industries that may be a good fit for your career. Also evaluating such things as personality types, skills, values and interests will help you explore career paths that may introduce you to new industries that you have overlooked before.

For more information on Assessment Measures - Finding Your Niche - click here.


Once you have pinpointed a potential career field, you need to develop a plan with your goals and aspirations for where you want your career to go. What steps need to be taken to get you to your ideal position? Do you want to remain in the same position over the years or do you ultimately want to move on to a higher position? Having your goals set for the next few years will help you identify the skills and knowledge you need to develop to keep you on the right path.

For more information on How to Set Career Goals and Achieve Them - click here.


Now that you have your goals set within your career field, it's time to look at the "other" deciding factors on if a position is right for you. Does this position fit with your personal life? Did you calculate the minimum salary you could make to be financially secure? What about medical benefits or schedule flexibility for your family? A career search is not just about finding the best job duties that fit your interests, but also the commitment that you are making to the employer and if it fits with your outside factors.

For more information on determining your Deal Breakers - click here.


If you would like more information about entering the workforce and you are an AIU Online student or alumnus, please contact the Career Services Department at 1-877-701-3800 ext. 15060 or careerservices@aiuonline.edu.

If you would like more information on how to become a student at AIU Online, please call 1-877-701-3800 or visit http://www.aiuonline.edu.