Job satisfaction is becoming one of the top priorities for most individuals today. As information lets us connect more easily, we are also able to find better career opportunities. What’s more, as technology develops and changes the way we work, there are new positions that pop up each day. Thus, changing jobs is becoming far more common than ever before. As individuals, it is our personal duty to take control of our careers and achieve the professional job satisfaction that we require. In fact, the days of cubicle office jobs are long overdue for a change as today we are able to have the career of our dreams, if we so much, but desire.

Where to start?

Whether you’ve been working at your current position for a long time or you have been out of a job for a few years, the question on your mind probably is where to start. Well, there are a couple of options you have. Nevertheless, we’ve tried to summarize the exact steps you need to take in order to take control of your career and professional life.

Step #1 – Update your CV

The place to start is with your CV. The first thing to do is to go through your relevant education and work experience and put it there. Think about the most suitable current position that both satisfies your goals in terms of remuneration and work environment and your skillset. Of course, you should always aim a bit higher, but know that you might be required to start at a lower-tier position, depending on your current employability.

Step #2 – Better Understand your Employability

Do some research on the available jobs in your area and your particular field. See what type of candidates other firms have employed at the position you are after. What made them stand out? If you are more of an extrovert, connect with certain people within the industry on social networks, such as LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to ask what skills you are lacking. Ask about what they are searching for in an expert and what they think about your CV and current employability. You might only get a few responses, but you’d be surprised at how helpful people can be.

Step #3 – Keep your Skills Up to Date

Are your skills up to date? Make sure that you haven’t missed out on any development in your particular field. Especially if you have been out of a job for a couple of years, you must make sure that you are aware of the newest developments in your particular industry. To do so, you can always take a refreshment accreditation course in a field of your choice.

Step #4 – Learn New Skills

In fact, accredited courses are great for learning new skills and moving jobs as well. Despite your current education, having a certificate that shows you’re dedicated to keeping your skills up to date and learning new skills goes a long way towards employability. When attending such a course, you will also be able to build a better professional network of peers. Plus, if you are looking to move jobs or searching for new jobs when attending such a course, you will be able to do so that much quicker.