Still looking for your perfect match? That might be where

When you think about it, job hunting and dating have a fair bit in common.

Writing an engaging profile/CV, securing that interview/first date, trying to make the best first impression, all with the intention of finding your perfect match.

When it comes to dating, there are some people who take a more methodological approach rather than a romantic one. Armed with a long list of ‘must-haves’, they wait for that person who will meet every single criteria they have set. If the person they meet doesn’t tick every box, there won’t be a second date.

Yet all too often, matches that seemed perfect on paper don’t work out and some people who weren’t immediately compatible, go on to develop long, happy relationships. It just goes to show, holding out for the one that ticks every box might not necessarily lead to long-term happiness and you may be dismissing someone you think isn’t right but is actually everything you are looking for.

The same thinking can be applied to your career.

Take your current job - does it tick every single box? Probably not. Do you enjoy it? Hopefully you do. Do you need it to tick every box to enjoy it and be successful? Absolutely not.

It is well worth baring this in mind when you embark on your job hunt.

Think about what you really want from your next role. Do you want to work for a global company? Do you want to learn a new system? Do you want the opportunity to become a manager further down the line? Think about what’s most important to you and take a risk.

Sometimes taking on a temporary or contract role could help you get to where you want to be. Sometimes taking a sideways step might help you gain the skills and experience needed to take a step up in a year or so. The path towards your dream career might not be as clearly defined as you once thought, so be open to different options as you never know what exciting opportunities are around the corner.

Ultimately, when it comes to your career, you get out what you put in.

Drive, passion and determination are key ingredients that can help you love your job. Your next role could offer something you never considered before, so be open to attending an interview for a position that isn’t perfect on paper - you could find that it’s exactly the challenge you were looking for.

Similarly, when employers are looking for their next hire, it’s very rare that they will find a candidate that meets every single requirement on the job spec. It’s sometimes worth taking a chance on a candidate who isn’t perfect on paper, they might have something special when you meet them in person.

In today’s fast-changing job market it is essential that you are able to consider new ideas and adapt - in doing so, you and your career will undoubtedly benefit. Your dream career path may not be clearly defined, but you will have every chance in reaching your goals if you are more flexible, embrace change and stay open to new opportunities.