– by Ainsley Lawrence

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer with an interest in the way business, technology, and education intersect with the personal. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book.

While many people search for jobs that will make them the most money, others are all about making the world a better place. For these special folks, it is helping people and accomplishing something bigger than themselves that fills them with pride each day. Whether that is jumping into a dangerous situation to help someone in need, like a firefighter, or assisting those who have lost their way as a therapist, there are many great jobs that you can find that will allow you to care for people during your daily routine.

If this type of job interests you, then we have some great advice on how to find great positions, gain experience, and ace the interview.

Caring Careers

If you know that you want a fulfilling job where you can help people in need, but you are not sure what specific career you really want, don’t fret. There are many different types of positions to consider. For instance, there are several areas of therapy that you could practice on a professional level. From occupational to speech to family therapists, the sky’s the limit to the number of positions available. Keep in mind that you would likely need to attend additional schooling to acquire the necessary skills and become licensed before you could begin to provide these services.

If you want to help people in the most literal sense of the word, then consider the career of a medical professional like a nurse, doctor, or dentist. If the schooling required for those positions is a bit daunting, you could also train to be an emergency medical technician (EMT) or a nursing assistant. Both of these professions are equally as admirable and you would still be helping people every day even if it isn’t always directly.

The more you think about it, the more careers you will discover that revolve around helping people in one way or another. You could become a social worker and help families in your local area. You could also get an education degree, become a teacher and help the youth of America grow into successful adults. If you like children but teaching isn’t your thing, you could also work at a daycare or become a private caregiver. Even working customer service at a retailer allows you to help customers with their needs on every call.

There are many options to choose from. It all comes down to your passions and what you enjoy doing. Once you have an idea, do your research and learn the next steps for obtaining your dream position.

Required Skills

It is important to remember that in addition to a general passion and enthusiasm for helping people, you will also need a certain set of skills that will enable you to help the folks in your field. For example, there are many different types of social workers, from those who focus on the welfare of children to those who help patients who are dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Regardless of which type you become, you will need to have a sense of empathy along with sharp critical thinking and active listening skills.

Understanding and great communication skills are also integral to all of these jobs. You will often be helping people who are working through trauma or have any number of issues with anxiety, from social anxiety to panic disorders. You will need to be kind even during stressful moments and be a comforting presence who can really listen to and understand their needs. The job won’t always be easy, but the act of helping someone in need can be incredibly rewarding.

Once you land an interview for one of these caring positions, you need to showcase your empathy and these skills to the hiring manager. When the interviewer asks about past experiences, explain specific situations where you helped people and describe the passion you felt in the process. Explain how you used problem-solving skills to truly understand the needs of your customer or client and how you made your way to a final solution. Explain how these skills will carry over to the new position if you are hired.

How to Prepare for and Find Jobs

Now that you know the type of job you want and the qualities you need to succeed, you will want to set yourself up for success. Most of these positions will require additional education, so begin by looking into degree programs either in person or online where you can acquire the technical skills that you need. Once you have a shortlist of schools you like, take the time to call or visit them and ask more about their programs so you know exactly what to expect.

Networking is exceptionally important during this stage in your job search. Use the connections you have on websites like LinkedIn and ask them about schools they recommend and job openings at their companies when you are ready to interview. If finding jobs is still an issue, you could also acquire the services of a recruiting company like American Recruiters, because we can assess your skills and find jobs that will be a perfect match.

You can show potential employers your caring demeanor and potentially meet new connections by doing volunteer work in your community. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donation center will give you great hands-on experience and allow you to meet others who could help to advance your career. Plus, you never know when an entry-level position like this could become its own rewarding full-time gig.

Kudos to you for your interest in a career that will truly make a difference in the world. You are setting a great example for your peers. Consider the tips and job positions discussed here and you’re sure to find success in your future career.