The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love

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03 October 2024

Job & Career

How to Choose a Career

If you’re still in the phase of life where you’re figuring out the best job for you, there’s probably a lot on your mind. It takes a lot of “soul searching” and research to decide on a career that you’ll love.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, loving your career can be important. So here are some tips on how to choose a career.

Explore Your Interests

Explore Your Interests

As you’re thinking about what to do for a career, think about the kinds of things that pique your interest. For example, you might be really into dentistry and want to find out what a career would be like.

Explore what kind of jobs are available in that field. Whether you decide to become a dentist or study a dental assistant program. Knowing that you’re interested in a specific industry can help you narrow down your options. 

Ponder On Your Passions

When it comes to your passions, there could be clues in there.

You could find that there are career choices that align with your passions and that could actually be ideal for your future.

Perhaps you love a good debate, and you’re always found debating some topic or another. 

In this type of scenario, you could always consider getting into law or something similar. The kind that puts you in touch with the kind of experiences that you already enjoy having. It doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you do to make money

Think About Your Skills

Your passions and interests are clues to the type of career that could interest you. If you’re looking to narrow it down even more, you may want to think about your talents. 

If you know you have a knack for words, something that aligns with that skill could be an ideal fit. Maybe you’re a musical person? Getting into a career where your skills allow you to be naturally good. It is also something that makes your future career a lot easier. 

It helps to use your talent in your work because even if you have to study for a degree to succeed at it. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time at it than someone who may not have the natural skills that you do. 

Talk To Experienced Mentors

As you try to decide what work would be best for you, talk to experienced mentors. They can help you know which way to go by providing a road map of what has worked best for them. 

This could be someone you know who has had a long career in the field you like. Or it could be a mentor from your school’s mentorship program. 

Either way, speaking to a person who has experience in a career you’re considering can be beneficial to you and your decision-making. 

Try Interning

Before understanding how to choose a career, you can always dip your toes into different career options.

Internships are one of them!

While most people will do an internship as they are close to graduating from school, you could always try for an internship just to try out certain jobs. As long as you already have some natural skill or know-how in it. 

You may not receive a lot of pay, but at least you gain the insight to know whether or not it’s the job that you want in your future. It doesn’t hurt to explore options before deciding on the ultimate career path for you. It’s a big decision, don’t be afraid of not taking it lightly. 

From internships to mentors, exploring your passions, skills, and interests, and making a decision on your career.  However, it can be simplified by pondering the concepts mentioned above. 

Life is long, and so is a career, so take your time making a decision like this one.

How Professional Career Counseling Can Help

Professional Career Counseling

Deciding what you want to do with your life can be tough, even in the best of circumstances. 

Fortunately, there are experts who are ready to help you make sense of it all. If you’re wondering how to figure out what career is right for you, a career counselor can steer you in the right direction. Here’s why.

Understanding Your Aptitude

Career counselors know how to help people tap into their own wants and needs when it comes to understanding what kind of work will spark joy.

They’ll ask questions designed to uncover the activities that energize and excite you most in life. Then, show you how those things connect with potential careers that could be incredibly fulfilling.

It Will Be Personal To Your Needs

Another good thing about career counseling is that it’s individualized. Career counselors won’t give you a general answer to a generalized problem. 

They’ll focus on your specific character, strengths and weaknesses, desires, and problems. From there, they can assist you in figuring out what careers would work best for someone with your qualities and abilities. 

Regardless of whether you need to pick a vocation interestingly or are pondering about an alternate one. This is when customized guidance can represent the critical moment in your prosperity.

Direct Assistance (Whenever You Are Lost)

Career advisors are additionally incredible for offering direct assistance. 

They also help you improve your resume, act in interviews, and even fruitful organizing aptitudes, all of which can be significant when hoping to get a new position or to find employment elsewhere.

Plus, if you’re not even sure what kind of qualifications you need, or education, for that matter, career counseling can help with that, too.

They will basically map out exactly what you need to do, from checking out different degree options to see what is best for you at the time to figuring out where the market is headed.

It’s all in their master plan for you!

Ultimately, career counseling exists because people need help making educated decisions about their careers. 

If this looks like it’s impossible to navigate your way without some sort of guidance (let’s face it, some of us really don’t have a clue), then a career counselor could be your key.

Why try to figure it out on your own and get overwhelmed when there are professionals who can make that twisted path straight?

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questions to ask someone about their career path

Top Questions To Ask Someone About Their Career Path

Do you know the top questions to ask someone about their career path? If your answer is Yes, then get ready because we are going to help you to achieve your goals in life. Networking with peers is an excellent way to improve your visibility in your industry. At the same time, identifying and admiring the leaders you respect in your field can help you to learn how to approach your career. I believe that if you want to get ahead, you need to approach people who are already in your field and ask them how they got there and did it! There is a reason behind many successful people, and only they can share their real-life struggles and inspire others to achieve their dreams too.  Top Questions To Ask Someone About Their Career Path If you feel that your road to success is not clear and are willing to ask career questions to someone who has already achieved their objectives, then we are there to help you to get there!  1. What Career Mistakes Taught You The Greatest Lesson? Some career mistakes can motivate you to become the best version of yourself. This can teach you the greatest lesson in life and also help you to achieve your career path. 2. Did You Use A Mentor At Any Step Of Your Journey? A great mentor can help someone along their career path. You can ask the person how that particular mentor helped to change your life and are there any tips that can be useful for someone else.  3. What Books Have You Read That Have Helped You Along Your Career Path? Reading is transformational because many experts believe that reading inspirational books can change someone’s life in a better way. You can ask the person for a list of all the motivational books that can help you achieve your career path and maintain consistency and patience in the long run.  4. What Strategies Do You Maintain To Make Sure That You Are Relevant In Your Industry? If the person is on the same career path where you are willing to be, then keep in mind that there might be some strategies that he/she has implemented to be in this industry. For example, there might be seminars and workshops that the individual has attended recently, and you can implement the same for yourself.  5. How Do You Deal With Disappointments In Your Career? Failures lead to disappointments, and one’s journey is filled with highs and lows. This makes the person strong mentally and emotionally. So, hearing about the person’s difficult situations can help you to focus more on your goals rather than failures.  6. Is There Someone You Professionally Admire? If the person belongs to the same industry where you are, you can ask whether there is someone you can professionally admire and follow in their footsteps. 7. What Soft Skills/Traits Do You Have That Have Helped You The Most In Your Career? Apart from qualifications, there are skills or qualities that a person should have in order to achieve the most in their career. These skills can include excellent communication skills, leadership skills, problem-solving, the ability to work in any atmosphere, etc.  8. What Are The Most Challenging Areas Of This Career? Every career path has some challenging areas that you need to be aware of. Understanding those challenging areas at the initial phase of your career and dealing with the same can make you more strong mentally.  9. What Qualifications Do You Have For Your Field? Qualifications for each sector differ, and you need to prepare for that sector in which you have an interest. So, this can be the best question that you can ask from your inspiration and acquire all those skills beforehand. 10. What Is The Best Bit Of Advice You Have For Someone Looking To Move Into This Area? This question will be very helpful to you to achieve your dreams. An experienced individual can give better advice to someone who is willing to consider the same career path as him/her. So, this is one of the most important questions to ask someone about their career path. The Final Thoughts Words can inspire a person to a great extent. It can change someone’s life if he/she takes it too seriously. This is the reason why you should never give up and try till the end. Hence, the above listed are the top questions to ask someone about their career path or job, and these are surely going to change your life in a positive manner. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path? - A Detailed Guide Is Investment Managers A Good Career Path Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path Is Major Pharmaceuticals A Good Career Path

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how much do police officers make

THIS is How Much Police Officers Make!!!

When it comes to being a police officer, there is one thing that people think about apart from the danger. And that is: how much do police officers make? You see, the job of a police officer is full of risks. And it is obvious that people who are in this service are financially secure— not only for themselves but also for their families. So, if you are planning to become a police officer, you might be eager to know about the sum, right? Do not worry— I have you covered! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn everything about how much money police officers make… How Much do Police Officers Make in 2024? Among society's frontline workers are police officers. They must come forward and take charge even in times of emergency to guarantee that everyone is secure and that law and order are upheld. Additionally, their pay would justify their employment because they prioritize the safety of others above their own.  If I tell you that a police officer's beginning pay in the United States of America will be more than $50,000 in 2024, you won't be shocked. You did really read correctly! As of right now, the average base pay for a police officer in the United States is $65,308 annually. But this might be anything from $55,000 to $80,000, depending on the city. Besides, when it comes to the police officer's pay, the year of experience also matters. For example, you may need to sell for an average yearly pay of $55,000 if you have less than a year of experience. However, more than ten years of expertise will almost certainly secure you a salary of above ninety thousand dollars each year. As per the 2023 report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, USA, the hourly wage of the police officers is as follows: Percentile10%25%50%(Median)75%90%Hourly Wage$ 21.73$ 26.33$ 34.75$ 44.43$ 53.70Annual Wage$ 45,200$ 54,770$ 72,280$ 92,410$ 111,700 Highest Paying Cities Near the US for Police Officers As per Talent.com, Washington is the place where police officers earn the most. To be exact, they earn about $87,176 annually. Here are the top ten places on that list: StateSalariesWashington$87,176California$81,023Minnesota$79,957Connecticut$75,366Oregon$73,530Alaska$70,221Colorado$70,202Wisconsin$67,065Utah$63,829Idaho$63,648 What Does a Police Officer Do? Firstly, what really is the task of a police officer? Well, let me brief you on that! A police officer's responsibilities include both active and administrative work. At the station, a police officer writes reports, confers with witnesses and suspects, obtains warrants, and responds to public queries. Furthermore, a police officer's responsibilities go much beyond the police station. They investigate accidents and crime sites, respond to emergency aid requests, and detain criminals. While on the job, a police officer employs a range of abilities, such as listening, critical thinking, and collaborating with other law enforcement personnel, including peace officers. To diffuse situations, a police officer uses sound judgment and prompt response. In addition, they can be in charge of maintaining order in particular areas to protect locals and property. Is Being a Police Officer a Good Career? You have read about the salary of a police officer, right? There is one last thing you should remember.  The national average wage for a police officer in 2020 was $67,600, which was marginally more than the average compensation of $51,960 for all jobs. In 2022, patrol officers made an average salary of $65,790. The highest 25% of earners received $84,520 in that year, while the bottom 25% received $50,210. This merely demonstrates how quickly salaries in this industry have been rising.  Thus, this can be a fantastic moment if you want to be a police officer! In addition to the pay, there are a number of other factors that make becoming a police officer a desirable career option. Benefits of Being a Police Officer Here are some of the major benefits of a police officer in the USA: 27 paid time off following six years of employment  Unrestricted sick leave with full compensation  Choosing health care benefit plans Dental, prescription, and vision coverage  Fund for annuities 401K, I.R.A., and Deferred Compensation Plan.  22-year service requirement with optional retirement at half salary $12,000  Variable Supplement Fund each year (after retirement)  Outstanding chances for promotion Promotional Opportunities Firstly, promotion exams for the levels of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain are frequently offered by the Department. All positions above Captain and promotion to detective (note: you do not have to be a police officer to be a detective!) are determined by merit. Members have the ability to make much more money at each of these rankings. Military Veterans Secondly, the police department, especially the NYPD, actively recruits veterans because they have a special place in their hearts for those who have served. Additionally, they respect their training and talents, and believe that veterans will bring with them their own managerial experience. Additional benefits available to military veterans include: During the first two years, veterans are eligible to receive benefits under the GI Bill in addition to their pay.  Scores from the Police Officer Exam are retained on file indefinitely.  Veterans have six months from the time they leave the U.S. Armed Forces to begin the hiring process.  Veterans may increase their maximum hiring age by four years or by six years if they served in a time of war or other national disaster. This is only applicable to veterans under 40.  Three years of their military service may be redeemed by veterans and utilized toward their retirement from the NYPD.  Furthermore, in addition to their vacation time, active reservist officers are entitled to 30 paid military days annually. Work Hours Police officers rarely work regular 9–5 shifts. Their work schedule may be more erratic.  For instance, a police officer might work late into the night or early in the morning so they can spend the day with their family.  Besides, some firms provide their police officers with a weekly three-day weekend in exchange for four 10-hour workdays. Job Security This is probably one of the most important things that you need to know about. Indeed states that “this career has a 7% projected growth rate, which is about as fast as the average for other careers. If you become a police officer, you're likely to find employment in both rural and urban areas.” Community Additionally, a police officer's actions might affect the community they serve. They seek to lower crime rates while defending the area or the community as a whole. Furthermore, a police officer can prevent criminal activity in the community by apprehending individuals and overseeing investigations. How to Become a Police Officer in 2024? So, if you are happy with what you have learned about the salary of police officers, it is time to learn how to become one. It is 2024 and, obviously, the steps have changed a little. Here are the things that you will have to go through to become a police officer in 2024: 1. Complete Education Firstly, you must have completed at least your high school education or earned a GED in order to apply to the police academy and seek a career as a police officer. Besides, it is occasionally necessary for police officers to have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as criminal justice. This criterion might be waived for those having a military background. 2. Other Requirements Secondly, to work as a police officer, you might need to fulfill additional prerequisites. Among them are:  It's possible that you must be at least 18 or 21 years old.  You must possess a current driver's license and a spotless driving record because your position may require you to operate a police car.  Passing a criminal background check and a medical and physical examination are also required.  To make sure you can act and react appropriately under pressure, you must pass a psychological test. 3. Pass Law Enforcement Exam Thirdly, becoming a police officer may also mean passing a law enforcement test. These tests frequently consist of the following:  A written exam that includes multiple-choice, short essay, and true/false questions will assess your understanding of the position.  These could assess your knowledge of math, grammar, reading comprehension, reasoning, and decision-making in real-world situations.  Your general presentation and communication skills will be tested in an oral exam, which could include an interview.  You can also be asked to compose an essay to assess your logical reasoning, clear thought expression, and ability to cite relevant information to back up your assertions. 4. Police Academy Training Fourthy, the police academy is a prerequisite for becoming a police officer. The following will be covered in your training: Instruction in the classroom: This will give a comprehensive overview of law enforcement, covering techniques for conducting criminal investigations, laws and regulations, methods for making arrests and holding people, and strategies for public safety and police in general. Developing your abilities: You will hone abilities including communication, negotiation, and stress management during your course.  Field training: This will cover administrative responsibilities, firearm safety, defence strategies, vehicle operation, appropriate use of force, and handling hazardous materials. 5. Apply for Jobs. Lastly, you can start applying for positions as a police officer once you've finished your schooling, passed your law enforcement exam, and undergone police academy training.  Other job options are available to you, such as investigator, K-9 representative, sheriff and her deputy, officer of the state police, and officer of the highway patrol. Wrapping It Up! In case you wanted to know how much police officers make, I hope that this blog has been helpful to you. If there are any other questions that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments in the box below. I will be there to answer them all for you! Additional Reading: Tips for Hiring a Private Investigator to Prove Infidelity Want To Become A Detective? Here’s What You Should Do! 51 Blue Collar Jobs/Career Options to Pursue If You Get Laid Off From Big Tech In 2024

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Retail Interview Questions

Guarantee To Ace EVERY Retail Interview: Top Retail Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Do you know where strategic sales are the most underrated? It is a retail store! Yet, we as consumers are also looking for a retail worker to help us out. As someone with an aptitude for sales, and np “fancy degree” retail is the first job which you should look into. In fact, to prepare you better, let’s look at the different retail interview questions that you could ask. ...and the most loved answer! Top Retail Interview Questions When I asked a few retail managers, what are the few core characteristics they are looking for in terms of retail workers, they often have these keywords: They need to be extroverted, and ready to help. Their demeanor should be relatable & approachable to every customer. Meticulous about which are in the store. Cluelessness is a big no-no! Managers should be able to rely on them because retail workers work even when most of the country is celebrating. Although it can be one of the most profitable times of the year,  only some are accustomed to the hectic and can deny coming and working. Lastly, staying calm under pressure. No one deals with more customers than the folks in the service industry. Plus, you can always dress the part with the help of these interview attire for men. Now, add subtle sales tactics to the picture, and the work could be challenging. Therefore, managers are looking for retail workers who in general do not react to will be the preferred choice. Therefore, when you go you answer your retail interview questions! 1. Have You Used Our Product Before? Ans. This is a common question for retail interviews, which you can expect. It is better to go for a retail store of which you have been a fan rather than one of one you have never heard of. Begin answering with specifics. What is best about the retail store, and what products do you think are the best? If your interviewer is friendly, you could also state ways to improve the retail experience in the store. As a customer yourself, you can always give them feedback from a customer’s point of view. If you are not a regular shopper, there is a way to answer the question too. Give them a genuine reason why you didn’t buy from the store as often as you would want. Plus, also give them ideas on how they can attract customers like yourself and turn them loyal. 2. What About Working During The Rush Of The Holiday? Ans. Now this is a tricky question. Not all of us are working during the holidays, but being a part of the retail industry, you will have to. A good way to begin is to tell how your personal strength can help you during the rush hours. Plus, also nudge a little towards how you will have to stop working when it gets too overwhelming, and hope the other retailers work as a team and ensure someone can take up when you are too tired. "I love feeling the energy of the people around me and thrive in fast-paced environments. Yes, I realize how crazy busy it gets during the holidays, and I remember being a shopper myself! But I don’t get overwhelmed easily, and I can still perform duties while multitasking. And let’s be honest, holiday shopping is just fun! It is understandable why helping families would be fun." 3. How Would You Deal With A Difficult Customer? We all know not every customer will be easy to please. Employers want to know if you can maintain professionalism, even when a situation gets tense. You know, if you ever deal with a "Karen" with whom you simply cannot reason. Dealing with difficult customers is a normal part of the job. Therefore, preparing this answer is crucial. Here is how you can answer and show them how you are also understanding towards the customers from a humanitarian Ans. "I would just listen to what they have to say without interrupting. Sometimes, people just need to vent and feel like someone is listening to their concerns. Once I understood their issue, I would do my best to fix the problem, or if I couldn't, I would get them a manager who could help. The main thing is not to get all upset yourself; be calm and let them know you are there for them." 4. What Do You Think About Good Customer Service? This is one of the classic retail interview questions. Therefore, rather than taking a trendy route, it is better to take a traditional route. Especially if your interviewee has a few years of experience in the retail industry, show that you understand the importance of putting the customer first. Ans. “Good customer service is about making customers feel welcomed, heard, and completely satisfied with their transaction. It’s about being friendly and open to questions, as well as willing to put in the time and effort to make sure that when a customer walks out of your store, they’re walking out happy! Return customers are happy customers!” 5. What About A Busy Day? How Can You Manage The Busy Days? Again, these are very plausible questions that they will ask. The trick is not to feel overwhelmed by the question itself. The chances of the retail store being busier than ever are rare. These are only a few days of the year, so, you wouldn't have to deal with it daily. Here is a good answer to this question: Ans. "In my last job, I worked at a big sales event for the day; as you can imagine, it was all hands on deck. We had to work out our shifts over time, deal with stock, and make sure every customer was seen. My co-workers and I performed brilliantly that day – we exceeded our target because we all supported each other so well. During busier times, it is all about teamwork." 6. How Would You Promote A Product To A Customer? Sales are a big part of this job, so expect these kinds of interview questions for retail! Ans. “I would first ask the customer some questions to help me get an idea of what they are looking for. Then, I would go on to tell them about the features that the product has and how it can benefit them. It is important to know what the customer wants before you can show them products which they apparently do not need." 7. Longer Working Hours will Require More Time On Your Feet The nature of retail work can be physically demanding; employers do not want to take a risk with anyone who may struggle. Ans. “Yes, I know that in retail, you must be on your feet a lot, and I am okay with that. I have done things like this before, and it doesn’t bother me. I will still be able to work hard and get my job done.” 8. Why Do You Want To Work For Us? This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have done your research into the company & prepared yourself with the right interview skills. Plus, you shouldn't talk about superficial things like their products or beautiful department stores. Ans. "I like your company's commitment to customer satisfaction and quality products. Your positive work culture draws my interest as well. With my communication and sales skills, I think I would be a great fit to help you achieve your goal and push the business." 9. How Do You Prioritize Tasks When The Store Is Busy? Multi-tasking is key in retail. Therefore, when you are asked this kind of retail interview question, you must take this chance to demonstrate how you stay organized. Ans. "When it is really busy, I make sure to do the most time-sensitive things first. Like helping a line of customers waiting. This gives me a good idea of what I need to do as far as cleaning/stocking goes, and I adjust it day by day to the pace of the store." 10. What If Someone Asks you A Question You Have No Answer To? No one expects you to know everything, but they want to see how you can think on your feet and remain positive. Ans. "If I don’t know the answer to a customer’s question, I would tell them the truth and let them know I’m going to find out. I would ask someone who has been there longer or look it up so I can give the customer the right information." 11. Tell Me About A Time You Worked Under Pressure This is a question that will help the interviewer understand how well you handle the stress that can come with retail. Ans. "During a previous job, we had a last-minute sale announcement, and the store was so busy. I had to use the cash register and to answer customers' questions. Plus, watching the stock at the same time. I stayed calm and just did what I had to do & helped each customer as quickly as possible." 12. What Motivates You To Work In Retail? Managers want to know what makes you tick, let alone in retail. Please, do not give them the idea that this is a last-minute job. Ans. “I enjoy helping people and finding exactly what they need. I think retail is all about the customer experience, and that’s why I like it so much. It’s also fast-paced, which keeps me going!” Plus, if you plan to pursue a marketing degree afterward, this is a good way to begin. So, do not forget to mention that. 13. What If Someone Gives A Negative Feedback About You? Negative feedback is inevitable. The issue is whether you let it control you. Therefore, when it comes to them, your approach should always be neutral, with an enthusiasm for solving the problem, even if you cannot solve the problem sometimes. Ans. "I see negative feedback as a chance to make something good! I read and re-read the customers' comments and responded to them as soon as possible. If an apology is in order, I apologize immediately (no pride here) and begin working on changing their thought of us. Stay positive & don't take it personally." 14. Ever Used A Cash Register? If you’ve ever worked in retail before, you’ll be familiar with this. If not, don’t worry – just let them know. Ans. “Yes, I’ve used cash registers in my last job, and I’m happy to be dealing with cash and card transactions. I pick up new systems quickly, and I’m sure I can get the hang of the register system you have here.” "No, I have never worked on a cash register. However, I have worked in retail before, and I know how it works. Therefore, you should always get some of the 15. How Would You Deal With A Coworker With Whom You Do Not Get Along Whenever you are asked retail interview questions like this, it is your chance to show how professional you are. Begin your answer with this: “I'm okay with that. I pick my battles, and one person in a company isn't going to ruffle my feathers enough for me to worry.” Teamwork is important. Your ability to work as part of a team is just as important as standing out and getting things done on your own. Ans. "I believe in keeping direct confidence with people. If, however, there is a misunderstanding, I will clear that thing up one-on-one and professionally with my colleague. I would find a way to work together as the team's success is more important than a personal one." Read Also: What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know 55+ Unique Interview Questions to Ask Your Future Employer 7 Proven Tips To Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Interviewer

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