Top career advice for adults

How are you feeling about your current employment? What is your role like right now? Maybe you are between jobs and the thought of looking for similar positions you have been doing is filling you with dread? According to a survey conducted by employment firm Investors in People (II), 60% of all workers in the United Kingdom are unhappy with their current positions. In this article, we’re going to look at some practical career advice for adults to help you land that dream career.

Speak to a career advisor

When was the last time you spoke to a career advisor? For most of us, it will have been at school. You know, those years where you are expected to know what you want to do with the next five decades of your life. Connecting with a career advisor now will help you to see if you are on the right track with the work you have been doing or if another job would be best for your future.
The thought of changing career in your thirties or forties can be intimidating, however with this guidance search and knowledge from a professional, you can apply the experience you have and explore new options. No one wants to be unhappy in their employment. We spend 40 hours a week working. That is a lot of time to be miserable!
Gaining career advice for adults will lay new foundations to build upon. The National Careers Service have both phone lines & web chat for you to utilise. Whether you are at the bottom of a career ladder you want to climb or halfway up one you don’t want to be on, there is help available for you. This Government service will allow you to find career information, advice and guidance.

Hire career coach services

If you want a more personal approach, you might consider hiring career coach services. There are professional career coaches who do this for a living, offering career advice for adults. Obviously, there will be a fee involved but that investment will more than pay off in the long run. Utilising the unique insight and experience of a career coach will help you to explore your current situation as well as the possibility of changing career.
You might be able to ask a favour from someone you work with or have worked with in the past. Previously bosses and colleagues can make great carer coaches as they have experience, know your skills first hand and have a history with you. You could meet them during lunch hours in a coffee shop or connect via video chat if you are both no longer working in the same area. A coach will help keep you accountable, whilst setting you tasks and building your confidence. They will be able to look over your CV, help with interview advice and explore what to include on job applications.
Having an external perspective on your situation can be hugely beneficial. A coach can help you to focus your search and give you a clear understanding of your next career step. They can help you move quickly into a new vocation too. There are so many benefits of investing in career coach services.

Update your CV for 2022

Keeping your CV up to date is important if you are searching for new jobs. You don’t want to send in a CV that was clearly put together a decade ago. Selling yourself as the best possible person for that position is key, without taking up too much of the employer’s time with reams of paper. What is the perfect length for a CV? Employment agency Reed surveyed a selection of recruiters, of which 91% said that two pages are the perfect CV length. This is a good average but might be slightly longer or shorter depending on the experience you need to highlight.
It’s worth noting that employers often skim-read CVs. So sticking to those key points is imperative. If you submit paragraphs, key information will often be missed. Keep it simple, use bullet points and don’t be scared of white space. Getting straight to the point helps save the employer time when reading hundreds of applications whilst also showing how you operate as an individual.

Study vocational courses & gain qualifications

A great way to give yourself a better chance of progressing in your current career is by taking courses and gaining qualifications. This career advice for adults is also true if you are looking to explore a new career. By doing this you will gain experience and practical skills. These will look brilliant on your CV too, especially if there are any gaps in your employment or you have been in the same role for a long time. It shows you are committed to progression or craving something new.
Courses can last different lengths of time and have various levels of commitment. One example would be intensive fast-track training for 8 weeks to become a plumber. If you want a trade and can get the skills needed within a few months you could have your new career before you know it.
Other courses could be weekly classes for a couple of years. Perhaps this is ideal if you are still needing an income from your current job. Degrees usually last three years where you are studying full time in a very specific area. Having a bachelor’s degree could potentially earn you much more income, compared to those with a less furthered education.
There is often an essential criteria section on job descriptions. If you are wanting to step into one of these roles, you should definitely ensure you equip yourself with those qualifications and courses detailed.

Secure volunteer roles for vital experience

Gaining experience is vital if you are looking for a new career. So often, people get turned down when applying for roles because they don’t have the experience required. There comes the age-old question of how to gain that experience. One of the best ways is by volunteering your time. Some roles even give you time off to volunteer. Check with your current employer and see if they allow time off for volunteering.
You can usually find volunteering opportunities online. Some charities also advertise volunteer roles that will give you experience whilst helping out a good cause. As well as gaining experience, you will meet new people to network with, develop new skills and polish the skills you currently have. On top of that, you’ll be making a difference.

Significance of soft skills in career success

Something that is often overlooked in the world of business is soft skills. Hard skills are great, but the addition of soft skills can really help make an office an enjoyable place to work. These are a combination of skills including social prowess, personality traits and emotional intelligence. Soft skills are in demand in business, as they help teams perform better and work thrive in an efficient environment. Show that you have teamwork, empathy, time management and leadership qualities and you are more likely to be successful in your job hunt.
If you are looking for a new career or progression in the role you are currently in, be sure to do what you can to give you a step up. According to Zippia, on average 118 people apply for any given job, with just 24 of those being selected for an interview. Standing yourself out from the crowd as the best possible candidate is imperative. Secure that dream job and you’ll no longer be one of those unhappy workers.