Nearly everyone is feeling the economic downturn. As many people are losing their jobs often they are being forced to change careers.  For job changers, a growing trend during the recession is to look at going after your longstanding interests.

What a better time to see who you really are and find work that is meaningful. Switching to a new profession can be exhilarating and traumatic. Letting go of a former identity and stepping back to find a new direction is an opportunity to play to your strengths.

When you search for work that is aligned with your strengths and interests, you are looking for something meaningful– which will help increase your energy and passion. And passion can be very helpful during a job search and an interview. Hiring a candidate with genuine enthusiasm for the job often produces higher productivity, customer service and quality work.

How do you determine your strengths, interests and the right job fit?

It will take some time making lists. First, you need to think through what you are good at, list work you have done where you have had success and then list what you enjoy doing. Next, investigate new industries different from what you have done in the past. Doing research to explore industries and job options is enlightening and will open your eyes to new possibilities.

Last, create a match between your strengths, interests and a field that looks appealing. Once you have figured out what you like and a potential career path, you should work on locating contacts in that field and build a detailed career plan with actions, people to contact and dates to reach your each goal. Stay on target, use your support people and try to remain positive.

- Sunny K. Lurie, PhD.