When I start the coaching process with a new client, I am often asked, “when can I start applying for new jobs and looking for new opportunities?” I typically ask them to wait a few weeks until we’ve gotten into the meat of our ideal career program, but tell them they don’t have to wait very long.

Looking for job openings in your possible new field of interest will help you learn about the industry and what is out there. This will give you momentum and get you back in the job search mode. Even going on interviews will help you discover what you like and dislike about the fields you’re looking into.

Getting started with you job search can give you clarity about your direction. It can also make you feel better because you’re taking action, and not just thinking about it.

When you find positions that look appealing to you, it can give you hope that something better is out there for you. I’ve had this happen to many of my clients. They come back to a coaching session with job openings they’re excited about and it makes a dramatic difference in their job search. They can see that there are jobs out there they would enjoy.

I’m not suggesting that you go on interviews for jobs that you’re not interested in, wasting everybody’s time. I’m suggesting going on interviews for jobs you think you are interested in, even if you’re not 100% sure. The important thing to know is, you don’t have to wait until you’re 100% clear on your career direction before going on job interviews. Job interviewing is a way to help clarify if a job is a fit for you, and it gives you job interviewing practice if nothing else. It is better to have several job interviews under your belt before you’re interviewing for your dream job. You’ll be better prepared and more confident.