Sometimes the hardest part of growing your career isn’t doing the work—it’s deciding what to do next.

Should you take the job offer or stay put? Go back to school or stick with experience? Pivot to a new industry or deepen your current skill set?

In 2025, with more choices and uncertainty than ever, knowing how to make a decision that feels right for you—not just impressive on paper—is a skill worth building.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Forget the Idea of the “Perfect” Choice

There’s rarely a single “right” decision when it comes to your career. Most paths offer a mix of trade-offs—growth, risk, stability, flexibility, status, or alignment with your values.

Rather than chasing the perfect option, ask:

• Which path aligns most with where I want to grow next?

• What matters most to me right now—freedom, learning, income, purpose?

• What will I be proud I chose a year from now?

Clarity beats perfection every time.

2. Use the Gut + Data Method

Smart decisions happen when you balance facts with feelings.
Start with the data: salary, role expectations, commute, learning opportunities, flexibility, etc. Then check your gut:

• How does this role feel in your body when you think about it?

• Are you drawn to it—or just trying to prove something?

If the numbers make sense but your energy tanks every time you think about saying yes—that’s worth listening to.

3. Try a “Test Run” Conversation

Before making the leap, talk to someone already in that role, industry, or company. Ask them:

• What do they love?

• What do they wish they’d known?

• What surprised them after they started?

You’d be surprised how much clarity one real conversation can bring.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Pivot Later

No career move has to be forever. You’re not locked in—you’re choosing what’s best for your next chapter, not your final one.

The truth is, most successful professionals didn’t take one clear path. They made thoughtful decisions, learned along the way, and shifted when it made sense.

Final Thought

Making confident career decisions isn’t about having every answer—it’s about knowing yourself well enough to choose what aligns, trust your direction, and stay open to what comes next.

So the next time you feel stuck between two options, ask yourself this:
Which choice helps me grow—and still feels like me?
Start there. That’s where the best decisions usually begin.

Let’s be honest—job searching can be emotionally draining. You update your resume, submit dozens of applications, tailor every cover letter, and still… no response. When the process stretches on for weeks or even months, it’s easy to feel discouraged, stuck, or tempted to give up altogether.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and your effort isn’t going to waste.

In 2025, the hiring process is more competitive and complex than ever. Between automated systems, longer timelines, and shifting employer needs, even highly qualified professionals can face long stretches of uncertainty. The key is to stay motivated, focused, and mentally strong while you’re navigating it all.

Here’s how to do just that.

1. Set Weekly, Not Just Long-Term, Goals

Big goals like “get hired” are important—but they can also feel overwhelming when you don’t control the timing. Instead, break it down:

• Apply to 5 roles this week

• Connect with 2 new people on LinkedIn

• Attend 1 networking event or virtual workshop

These smaller wins build confidence—and momentum.

2. Create a “Job Search Schedule”

If you’re applying all day, every day, burnout is almost guaranteed. Treat job searching like a part-time job: block off 2–4 hours a day, then give yourself permission to disconnect. Use the rest of your day for learning, hobbies, exercise, or even rest. Your mindset matters just as much as your résumé.

3. Track What’s Working (and What Isn’t)

If you’ve applied to 50 roles with no traction, it’s time to pause and reflect. Are you tailoring your resume? Are you applying to roles that truly match your skills? Are you following up or networking around those applications?

Data can help you make smarter decisions—and avoid spinning your wheels.

4. Celebrate Non-Job Wins

Land an informational interview? Got a recruiter to respond? Published a post on LinkedIn? Those all count. Every connection, every learning opportunity, every ounce of visibility is part of your momentum. Celebrate it.

5. Remind Yourself: Rejection Isn’t Personal

Most rejections aren’t about you. They’re about timing, budget, internal hires, or priorities you’ll never see. Don’t let a “no” make you question your worth. One yes is all it takes.

Final Thought

This season won’t last forever—but the skills, resilience, and clarity you build during it will. Keep going, keep growing, and keep showing up. The right opportunity might be closer than you think.

In a job market where competition is fierce and online applications often feel like they’re going into a black hole, informational interviews have become one of the most powerful tools for career growth in 2025.

They’re not just about gathering information—they’re about building real connections, expanding your network, and gaining inside insights you won’t find on company websites or job boards. For career changers, recent grads, and even seasoned professionals, informational interviews can open doors that no résumé ever could.

But what exactly are they—and how do you get one without feeling awkward?

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a casual, one-on-one conversation where you ask someone questions about their career path, industry, or organization. It’s not a job interview. You’re not asking for a job—you’re asking for perspective.

You might learn:

• What a day in their role actually looks like

• What skills are most valuable in their industry

• How they broke into the field (and what they’d do differently today)

• Whether a company’s culture aligns with what you’re looking for

These conversations can help you make smarter career moves, avoid bad fits, and sometimes—yes—lead to future opportunities.

Why They Matter More in 2025

In an era of digital hiring and AI screening, people still hire people—especially those they know or trust. Informational interviews allow you to:

• Bypass the algorithm by getting on someone’s radar before a job is even posted

• Make better decisions by learning what a role really requires

• Strengthen your network with professionals who are already doing what you want to do

And the best part? Most people are happy to talk about themselves and share advice—especially if you’re respectful of their time.

How to Ask for an Informational Interview (Without Feeling Awkward)

Here’s a simple 4-step formula that works:

1. Be clear and polite.
Let them know you’re not asking for a job—just 15–20 minutes of their insight.

Example message:

Hi [Name], I’m exploring a transition into [industry/role], and I’ve been really inspired by your journey. If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask a few quick questions about your career path and any advice you have. I know you’re busy, so even 15 minutes would mean a lot!

2. Keep it short and personal.
Mention something specific about their work—like a LinkedIn post, recent project, or role they hold—to show you’re genuinely interested.

3. Suggest a flexible format.
Phone call, Zoom, coffee—let them choose what works best for them.

4. Say thank you—twice.
Before and after the chat, always follow up with a sincere thank-you note. If they made a recommendation or shared a resource, let them know how it helped you.

What to Ask During the Conversation

Don’t just wing it. Come prepared with thoughtful, open-ended questions like:

• “What’s one thing you wish you had known before entering this field?”

• “What skills do you use most often in your role?”

• “What advice would you give someone looking to follow a similar path?”

• “Are there any trends in the industry that new professionals should be aware of?”

If the conversation goes well, you can close with:

“Is there anyone else you’d recommend I speak with to learn more?”

That one sentence could double or triple your network.

Final Thoughts

Informational interviews are less about getting hired now and more about getting ready, positioned, and known. In a world full of noise and automation, they offer something rare: human connection.

So stop waiting for the perfect job listing to drop. Start reaching out. A simple conversation could be the turning point in your career story.