It is usually much easier to be successful on the job if that job is a good fit for our interests and abilities. Determining what types of jobs we might enjoy and be good at, and also what kinds of jobs would definitely not work well for us, is an important first step in the job search process. Encourage students to think about their interests, skills, and preferences as they begin to explore job opportunities. What do they enjoy doing in their free time? Do they prefer a fast-paced environment with a lot of social interaction, or does quiet, solitary work suit them better? Do they enjoy being outdoors, working with computers, or building and fixing things? These kinds of questions can help students narrow down the vast number of possible jobs and careers and to focus their search on fields where they will enjoy showing up for work each day. The resources in this section provide information on working conditions and skills needed for common job categories, and self assessments for students to help them direct their job search.
