The topic of this blog post comes from a regular library user: “What’s the difference between applying to a basic job versus applying for the job you want to be your career?”
This question will mean different things to different people. Anyone can change career paths or discover a new passion or line of work that changes their mind about what they would like to do for a living. One person’s gig is another person’s calling. Sometimes a job turns into a career when you least expect it. In any case, there can be a difference, and it is important. However, what jobs and careers share in common is also important.
Whether you are applying to your first job or to the vocation of your dreams, you will have the same goal: convince the hiring manager(s) that you are competent, committed, and confident. Competence means you know how to do the job or are a good enough learner that you can train up without constant supervision. Commitment means you show up on time and stay on task instead of brushing it off or getting distracted. Confidence means believing in yourself and gaining others’ trust in you. If I want to be an architect someday but am working my way through college bagging groceries, these three qualities will matter to both positions.
You will still want to make a good first impression. You will want to demonstrate your competence, commitment, and confidence. This is also the time to turn up your passion and represent it professionally. Your jobs show off what you can do, but your career represents your long-term goal that you have been building toward all this time. You walk into a job interview prepared to talk about how well you can perform the job; you walk into a career interview with ambitions and a journey. The shape of that career is up to you and may require more effort and sacrifice than simply applying or interviewing differently.
Remember a career is made up of the jobs you held along the way. No experience should go to waste. I have spoken to hiring managers who said they wished candidates would take advantage of their retail experience as proof of their customer service skills instead of brushing over it or leaving it off applications entirely. Each job on the way to your ideal career is an asset.
Have a job or career in mind?
Set up a virtual meeting with one of our certified Career Coaches through the Book a Learning Coach form or by calling 803-929-3400. After you submit, we will contact you to set an appointment. Our team provides help with interviewing skills, your résumé, interest/skills assessments, and more. Follow Richland Library on LinkedIn for career development tips and tidbits.