Not sure what job to apply for? Here's how to find the right fit

Not sure where to begin with your job search? You’re not alone. Many jobseekers feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to apply for. Here’s how to find direction.

If you're looking for a job but don’t know exactly what kind of job you want, or should go for, you’re not alone. Whether you're just starting your career, thinking about a change, or returning to work after a break, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.The good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a strategy to help narrow things down.

Step 1: Start with self-reflection
Before you search job boards or update your resume, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What am I good at? (Strengths, skills, talents)
• What do I enjoy doing? (Tasks, topics, work environments)
• What do I want to avoid? (Stressful environments, routine work, long commutes, etc.)
• What matters to me? (Work-life balance, salary, flexibility, growth opportunities, purpose)

You can write down your answers, make a list, or even talk it through with someone you trust. The more honest you are, the clearer your direction will become.

Step 2: Identify your transferable skills
Even if you’re not sure about the exact job title, you already have skills that are valuable. These could come from:

• Past jobs
• Volunteer work
• Education or training
• Hobbies or side projects
• Personal experiences

Make a list of your transferable skills, skills that can be used in a variety of roles, like communication, organization, problem-solving, or technical know-how. This can help you spot opportunities you might not have considered before.

Step 3: Research job titles and roles
Once you know what you’re good at and what you enjoy, it’s time to explore. Look up job titles related to your interests and skills using:

• Job boards
• Career quizzes
• LinkedIn profiles of people with similar backgrounds
• Company websites in industries that interest you

Create a shortlist of roles that appeal to you, even if you’re not 100% qualified yet. You can always train up.

Step 4: Test your direction with a few job ads
Take 5–10 job ads from your shortlist and ask yourself:

• Do I understand what the role involves?
• Do I have most of the listed requirements?
• Could I learn what’s missing with time or training?
• Does this job seem like something I’d enjoy doing every day?

You don’t need to meet every qualification. Focus on jobs where you match around 70% of the requirements and are excited about the work.

Step 5: Talk to people in the field
A great way to understand a role or industry is to speak with people who already work in it. Try:

• Informational interviews
• Networking events (online or local)
• Alumni connections or LinkedIn outreach
• Career counselors or mentors

Ask questions like:

• What’s a typical day like?
• What do you love (or dislike) about your job?
• What kind of background or personality fits well in this role?

Step 6: Experiment and stay open-minded
You may not land your dream job right away, and that’s okay. Your goal is to get into a role where you can learn, grow, and gain experience. Try:

• Internships
• Freelance or temp work
• Part-time roles
• Entry-level positions in your target field

Each step forward helps you better understand what suits you, and what doesn’t.

‍Final Thought: It’s OK not to have all the answers

‍Choosing the right job isn’t about finding the “perfect” fit on your first try. It’s about learning more about yourself, exploring what’s out there, and making informed choices along the way.So if you're not sure which job to apply for, don’t panic. Start small, stay curious, and keep moving forward. The path becomes clearer the further you go.

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