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Jennifer Pagliocca
Bringing expertise in permanent recruitment, specialising in mid to senior-level roles within the Manufacturing, Engineering, Office Services, and Professional Services.
Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and it starts with understanding yourself. Taking time to reflect on your interests, skills, values, and personality can help you align your next step with a career that not only suits you but also brings long-term satisfaction.
At Allstaff, we believe that no two journeys are the same. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about a career change, or returning to work after a break, self-awareness is the key to making confident, informed decisions.
What are the things you naturally enjoy doing? Whether it’s working with people, solving problems, being creative, or organising tasks, your interests often point toward career areas that could bring you both success and satisfaction. Take note of hobbies, subjects, and everyday activities that energise you — they can provide clues to your ideal job environment.
Think about the things you’re good at. These could be technical skills, like using specific software, or soft skills, like communication or teamwork. Some skills are transferable across industries — such as time management, customer service, or leadership — which means they can open doors in a range of roles.
Your values play a huge role in career satisfaction. Do you value stability, creativity, helping others, or financial reward? Are work-life balance and flexibility important to you? Clarifying what matters most to you will help narrow down careers that support your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Your personality influences how you work best — whether you’re introverted or extroverted, detail-oriented or big-picture focused, structured or flexible. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or DISC assessments can help you explore your traits and find career paths that align with your natural preferences.
Once you’ve built a picture of your personal strengths and preferences, the next step is to explore the world of work. The more you know about your options, the easier it becomes to make informed choices.
Understanding the current job market can help you choose a career with strong demand and future growth. Look into which industries are hiring, what roles are expanding, and where your skills could be most valuable. Resources like job boards, government reports, and local recruitment agencies (like Allstaff) are great places to start.
Take time to read through a variety of job descriptions — even those you’re not sure about at first. Look at responsibilities, required qualifications, salary expectations, and day-to-day tasks. This will help you understand what’s involved in different roles and what you might enjoy (or want to avoid).
Speaking to people in roles you’re interested in can provide valuable real-world insights. Attend career fairs, reach out on LinkedIn, or ask friends and family for introductions. Many people are happy to share their experiences and advice — and these conversations can open doors you hadn’t considered.
Understanding what’s required to pursue a particular path is essential. Some careers may require degrees or professional certifications, while others may offer on-the-job training or apprenticeship routes.
Research what qualifications are necessary for your target roles. Consider the time, cost, and accessibility of gaining these credentials. It’s also worth looking into free or low-cost online learning platforms if you’re looking to build specific skills quickly.
These offer hands-on experience and can be a great way to test out a career before fully committing. Apprenticeships are especially valuable if you want to earn while you learn, and internships can help build your CV while you gain insight into the industry.
Once you have a direction in mind, planning your next steps is key. A good career plan keeps you focused and helps you track progress as your goals evolve.
Ask yourself: Where do I want to be in five years? Setting long-term career goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Break these down into smaller steps and look for opportunities that move you closer to your ideal role or lifestyle.
Map out a structured plan to grow your skills, gain experience, and reach your goals. Include training, job shadowing, networking, and any other opportunities that could help build your profile and confidence along the way.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Career services, advisors, and recruitment specialists like our team at Allstaff can help you explore options, review your CV, and prepare for interviews. We’re here to support you at every stage of your journey.
Choosing a career isn’t always a one-time decision — it’s often a series of small, thoughtful choices that evolve over time. Stay open-minded and allow yourself to reassess and pivot when needed.
These tools can provide an extra layer of clarity by highlighting roles that match your preferences and strengths. They won’t give you all the answers, but they can help you narrow things down and uncover new ideas.
As you gain experience, check in with yourself regularly. Are you enjoying your work? Do you feel fulfilled? If not, it might be time to explore a new opportunity or shift your direction slightly. Remember — your career path is yours to shape, and it’s okay to change course.
Choosing a career path isn’t always easy, but with the right mix of self-reflection, research, and planning, you can find a direction that suits your strengths, aligns with your values, and sets you up for long-term success.
At Allstaff, we support candidates every step of the way — whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to take the next leap. If you’re looking for guidance, new opportunities, or just someone to talk things through with, we’re here to help you make the move that’s right for you.