Don’t regret accepting a job offer

Are you currently at a job that you dislike? A new report by AOL Jobs says that you’re not alone — more than 50 percent of people regret having taken their job. Most people land in the wrong job because they aren’t picky enough in their job search; they are looking for a paycheck above all else, and money can’t buy you happiness! Here are three ways to choose the right job from the start.

1. Think hard about the career you want to establish.
Each job is supposed to support your overall career path. You need to become more self-aware and figure out what your true strengths are and what makes you different from everyone else. Ask your friends, family and previous employers for feedback on career choices, as well. Do some projects on the side of your job search to get a better feeling about what you like and you don’t like about different industries and professions.

2. Research companies that can help you build your career.
Start by going on sites like Glassdoor.com and Hoovers.com or reviewing Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. This will give you a good idea of what companies are out there and what they offer employees in terms of work environment, benefits and salaries. Then, once you’ve narrowed your list to around five companies, jump on social networks and start engaging with employees who have positions that interest you. This way, you get a better feel for the type of people who work there and can start establishing your network.

3. Know the corporate environment before taking the job.
A job interview is not just for the employer! You should be critical of the type of companies you’re applying to. You need to feel like you fit into the corporate culture and that you can get along with people there — because you’ll be seeing them every day.

– Dan Schawbel is the author of “Me 2.0,” the Managing Partner of Millennial Branding, LLC and a personal branding expert.
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