I wish I were a …

When I was a child I wanted to become a doctor, then a singer, then an astronaut, then a movie star, then a diving instructor, then a car mechanic, then … I became older but I'm afraid not much wiser. I still have 'dream jobs' that I would simply suck at, provided that I would manage to be hired … which I seriously doubt.

Yes, we must dream big and shoot for the moon:

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Well, maybe not literally. 

BUT before you start chasing dreams, which, if came true, would turn out to be nightmares, try to be objective and see if it's really THE job for you.

How have I managed to rule fake dream jobs out? I made a list with every job I would love to do and then I 'checked' if there is any reason why I would be horrible at it. 

Here is my top you'd-better-not jobs:

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No. 5 Pilot

It would be nice soaring like a bird, free from any earthly problems …

Only: I'm afraid of the heights.

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No. 4 Recruiting Agent

It would be so nice helping people to find jobs …

Only: I would hire everyone and anyone because I would feel sorry for those who have no jobs.

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 No. 3 Psychologist

It would be nice if I could help people solve their emotional problems …

Only: I'm too empathic and I would cry my heart out.

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No. 2 Secret Agent

It would be nice to save the world now and then and maybe kick some a**es ...

Only: I cannot keep a secret … and I'm a terrible liar … and to tell the truth, I don't like hurting people.

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No 1 Millionaire

It would be nice to have no worries ... and buy stuff ... and travel around the world...

Only: … OK. I haven't ruled this dream out just yet. I'm still working on how to accomplish it.

But until I become a millionaire, I stick to brainstorming when it comes to choosing a career. What is brainstorming? Well, it's basically the same method I've mentioned earlier. Write down every job you'd love to do – only leave out the you'd-better-not jobs – and pick one.

Here are my realistic dream jobs:

How about you? How do you plan your career?

How to Outsmart the Recruitment Agencies

So you want to work in the UK but you are scared because you've heard a lot of horror stories about the recruitment agencies? Good, because it will make you cautious. You know: it's better to be safe than sorry.

People usually turn to employment agencies because they don't know anyone in the UK. But there are some other options that will not only save you money, but will also save you from a nervous breakdown.

 

Take control of your job search 

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 Just imagine what would you do if you'd want a job in your hometown. You'd probably buy a couple of newspapers and you'd check out a few job boards, wouldn't you? But in this case you can't do that, because … Wait a minute! Why couldn't you do the same thing?!? Check out the latest job vacancies that match your skills and expectations. If you speak the language and you are from the EEA, I can't see why your situation would be different from the other UK citizens' who need to relocate. Write a smashing CV, make sure you have a few English references and apply for each job you can imagine yourself doing. Be honest about your situation and suggest a skype or phone interview at the end of your cover letter. It might take a little time, but at least you know it's unlikely you'll have to face unpleasant surprises after your arrival.

Find a job with the help of your friends

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In 2013 probably there is no one who has never heard about facebook and twitter. We use them every day to post funny videos, share what happened to us and to comment events/photos. But have you ever considered using your profile to find a job? Most probably you know someone who knows someone who might live in the UK. Why not ask around and see what you can find. Maybe you'll get only an English recommendation letter or you'll get acquainted with a UK citizen, but that's a good start. There is nothing wrong with building consciously a network of acquaintances within the industry you are interested in. (Read my previous post about how to make your facebook profile employer-friendly).

Couch surfing

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Couch surfing is a great way to travel around the world on a low budget. But why not customize it for your needs? Visit your favorite English city and while you're there look around to see if there's any job vacancy that would suite your needs. I'd suggest to have some interviews/meetings fixed via e-mail or or phone before arriving to the chosen city but you could also just walk into restaurants and shops where you see the help wanted sign. It's a bit risky and I wouldn't advise you to travel without money, but the worst case scenario is you'll have a nice holiday.

So your English could be better

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Of course, the better you speak the official language of a country, the easier is to make a career. But you don't have to be a native speaker to get a job. If you fall into this category, I'd suggest to ask your friends to help you find a job and you might want to consider the advantages of English courses. (There are FREE ways to learn a language.)

Recruitment Agencies

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I tried to show what are your alternatives. But in case you still wish to find a job through an employment or recruiting agency, here is a few pieces of advice inspired by the negative experiences I've read:

• Use an agency you've heard is reliable. Online comments are fine, but the best is if you know personally someone who find a job through that particular agency.
• Always double check the agency. Read customer reviews, surf on the net to see if there is any article about the agency (their site and the interviews made with company representatives are not the most reliable sources) AND check if the company is in liquidation. You can do that on the page of the Companies House, the UK Registar of Companies. Most of the information is for free and the rest of the documents like financial statements can be purchased for £ 1 per doc.
• Don't pay in advance. It's the company not the job seeker who should pay to the recruitment agency for finding suitable applicants. It's like on the online job sites. It is always free for you to upload your CV. They might ask money for plane tickets, accommodation, etc but I'd suggest you to be very cautious if they ask for money under any pretext.
• Read the small print. Never give in under the pressure to sign the contract before someone else does. Read carefully the job offer and make your own calculations. Just because they say you can save up to £ xx per week it doesn't mean you will.

Please feel free to share your experience with recruitment agencies.