So the time has come, and you are ready to begin looking for a job. The first step should be deciding what you want to do, and how you want to start this new adventure.

You obviously won't be starting your first job as the manager or supervisor. Being realistic means understanding what your skills are, where your strengths are, and using them to help find the type of job that would best suit you.

Maybe you like to use tools, build things, or "tinker"... perhaps a job using those skills and that desire would best suit you, maybe as a helper, or working with a skilled technician to learn the trade. One of the best ways to learn a trade is to start as a helper for someone who is already skilled, and learn from the more skilled worker.

Do you like meeting people and helping people? Maybe a job in a retail store would suit you, or working in a nursing home or care facility. You like animals? Maybe a job as a helper with an animal shelter or vet, or even some farm work may be a good place to start. You like working with young children? Perhaps you can look for work as a helper in a daycare or in a nursery school.

A good place to start when you are thinking about work is in the things you like to do or be involved with. You won't start your first job as the company president or the "boss", but you can get a job and learn as you go. If you have had vocational education in a specific area look for jobs that allow you to use those learned skills. If you see you have personality strengths, choose a job which uses those strong characteristics.

If you just are not sure what to do, speak with someone who knows you very well who is already in the workforce. If you have a life coach or a mentor, they may be a good choice. A parent or guardian may be a good choice, or uncle or aunt who knows you and your personality. If all else fails, there are vocational counselors available in your region who may be able to help you.

Whatever your desired work choice, understand that starting out means entry level, and most often you will need to take the newest and least skilled position, and then advance as you learn, gain expertise, and develop ever better skills for your job.

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