3 tips for making an informed career decision
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 03/11/2022
During your resettlement, you’ll likely have taken or be set to take assessments that provide insight into your personality, interests, and values. It's important to remember the result of these assessments, and to bear them in mind as you pursue employment opportunities in the future. After all, understanding how a prospective employer or role aligns with your own values and preferences is essential to making an informed career decision.
1. The environment Looking back on any interactions you’ve had with an employer throughout the recruitment process, did you like the individuals you met/spoke with? Did you feel at ease when they interviewed you? And did their work environment seem welcoming and collaborative? A healthy environment goes a long way to helping you settle in and feel happy at work, and so you should always consider whether an employer's culture aligns with your wants and needs before you accept a job offer.
2. Work-life balance Do the requirements of the job seem compatible with your lifestyle? Will you be required to travel a lot, and if so, does that work for you? Or are there flexible working options should you need them? It's crucial that you have a clear understanding of whether a prospective role is going to allow you to enjoy the life outside of work that you want for yourself. Remember, retaining a good work-life balance will play a huge role in ensuring you avoid burnout at work.
3. Career development Does the business model support your broader career plan? Are there professional development opportunities available to you? And will you learn new skills, meet new people, and have the opportunity to expand your professional network? If one of your key drivers is to continue learning and growing as a professional, you'll want to avoid an employer that might stagnate your career. We suggest you take the time to clarify whether there is scope for ongoing development during the recruitment process, to avoid any disappointment further down the line.
Further Resources
If you’re unsure about what it is you want and need from your next role, there are a wealth of assessments available to you within myCareerPath; from Personality Insight and Motivation at Work to Workplace Culture and Stress Management – all of which will help equip you with an understanding and self-awareness needed to make an informed career decision, as you transition out of the military.
Plus, if you’re ever in doubt about anything, or just want to talk through an offer you’ve received with someone, your CTP Career Consultant or adviser will be on-hand to support.