For career seekers

We all want to enjoy our work. The ultimate accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play. Is there a job that you would do for free?

Maybe you haven't discovered your passion yet, or you can't decide on just one thing? Think about your personality and focus on the skills that you already have.

Maybe you don't know what youÍre good at, or even what you're really interested in? Then, try taking a test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which shows how you see the world and make decisions. It also suggests suitable careers.

Unpaid work experience is a great way to try out an industry or career. You can get personal references, advice from professionals and maybe even a job offer.

Now that you've chosen a career, how are you going to get there? Map out the steps you need to take to get to your dream job. A careers adviser should be able to help.

An employer wants to know that they can rely on you. They're employing you to do a specific job and need to know that they can count on you to do that job to the best of your ability. Being reliable makes you an asset. Being unreliable makes you a liability.

An employer wants to know that you'll arrive at work on time. If they hire you to work specific hours and you're not there, they need to find someone to cover for you. And, this puts strain on your boss and co-workers.

What you lack in skills and experience, you can make up for in ambition. Young people are often perceived as lazy or just doing enough to get by. Employers really appreciate people on the payroll who are ambitious and driven to succeed.

Employers see this as a major asset. They are always happy to train people who are eager to learn and ready to tackle any task with enthusiasm.

An employer wants to know that you're able and willing to learn new things. They're also impressed by people who go the extra mile without being asked.

Nobody wants an employee who constantly has to be told what to do and when to do it. Being able to work independently and get things done without prodding or instruction is golden.

An employer can train a person to do a job. But, they can't instil a passion for the job. Show your enthusiasm by learning everything you can about the industry, the company and what they do best.

Employers hire people who are well groomed and dress appropriately for the job. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. And, an employer starts forming an opinion of you based on what they see.

This is important to employers, because employees represent their business. They want someone who will be courteous to customers and co-workers alike, because it's also important that you can work well as part of a team.

Brush up on your writing skills and general speech. If you want a paying job, you need to demonstrate that you have the basic education to do it. Try to drop the 'ums' and 'like'.

Just keep practicing.