Finding a job that truly fits can feel like a challenge. If you’re in the middle of exploring your options, it’s likely you’re looking for something more than just a pay cheque. You might be after work that feels rewarding, a role where you can develop useful skills, or even a chance to be part of a team that makes a positive difference.

At Lanes Group, we’ve seen many people grow and thrive in fulfilling roles across our drainage and wastewater utilities services. Although everyone’s path is different, understanding what matters to you can help guide your choices and bring you closer to work that suits who you are.

In this post, we’ll look at ways to reflect on your abilities, interests and values, as well as how to research industries and test out roles before committing. You’ll find practical tips on seeking advice from career professionals and insights into how to adapt and learn along the way. We’ll also highlight how to consider your workplace environment, long-term goals, and how to approach the decision-making process with care. Whether you’re just beginning to think about a career move or have already started looking at job listings, these steps can help you focus your efforts and discover work that feels right for you.

1. Understanding Your Strengths and Skills

Before you dive into your career search, it’s worthwhile to take a step back and think about what you do well. Your innate talents might be easier to recognise if you consider past achievements, times when you solved problems effectively, or moments when colleagues relied on you for support. A realistic understanding of your skills can act as a starting point, helping you to consider roles that draw on what you do best.

How to identify your strengths:

• Review previous roles and ask: Which tasks did I handle with confidence?
• Speak to former managers, co-workers, or mentors about what they valued in your work.
• Consider using online skills assessment tools. The National Careers Service in the UK, for example, offers career assessment and other resources that can help you gain insights into your abilities.

Linking skills to potential roles:

• If you’re good at problem-solving, you might find value in operational roles, perhaps troubleshooting issues in drainage systems or coordinating logistics.
• Those who enjoy working with people might be suited to customer-focused positions, such as customer service in the utilities sector.
• Strong organisational skills can open doors to project planning, administration, or roles supporting field teams.

Remember that recognising your strengths isn’t about limiting yourself. It’s about understanding where you naturally excel, then exploring the right career where these abilities can help you stand out.

2. Exploring Your Interests and Passions

While abilities are part of the picture, thinking about what genuinely interests you can move you closer to satisfying work. Self-awareness is key, consider your hobbies, the topics you read about in your spare time, or the tasks that make you lose track of time. These interests can hint at what type of work might hold your attention over the long term and what job would be a good match for you.

Questions to spark reflection:

• Which subjects do you research just for fun?
• Do you prefer working outdoors, using your hands, or dealing with technical challenges?
• Are you drawn towards a role that involves contributing to local communities?

For instance, if you like hands-on tasks and enjoy practical solutions, you might find utilities maintenance or drainage engineering appealing. Many roles at Lanes Group involve working on the ground, making sure communities are well-served. If you’re passionate about environmental matters, improving wastewater systems or helping maintain infrastructure could feel rewarding, as it directly supports cleaner, healthier surroundings.

Your interests can guide you towards areas that feel more meaningful. By blending what you enjoy with what you’re good at, you create a solid foundation for choosing a role that doesn’t just pay the bills but provides career satisfaction.

3. Researching Industries and Roles

Once you have a clearer sense of your strengths and interests, it’s time to explore the broader landscape. Understanding which industries are growing, what types of roles exist, and where your talents might be in demand can help shape your career path. Many people look to steady sectors like drainage and wastewater utilities because they provide services that communities rely on year-round.

Ways to research effectively:

• Browse official government reports and industry publications to see which sectors are developing.
• Visit reputable job boards or career websites to learn about different job types and requirements.
• Look at company websites (like the Lanes Group Careers page) to understand the roles they offer, the skills they value, and the training opportunities available.

Consider the drainage and utilities sector if you:

• Enjoy practical problem-solving and working in varied environments.
• Appreciate the importance of maintaining infrastructure that supports everyday life.
• Like the idea of stable, long-term prospects in a field that serves communities nationwide.

Don’t forget that transferable skills can take you a long way when searching for your ideal career. Even if you’re looking at a career change, and have worked in a completely different industry, many abilities - such as communication, time management and teamwork - are valued across a range of roles. Exploring industries in this way can help you uncover different careers you might not have considered before.

5. Evaluating Workplace Culture and Values

A job isn’t just about the tasks you perform; it’s also about the place and people around you. The culture of an organisation can influence how engaged you feel, how well you get along with your colleagues, and whether the overall environment supports personal growth.

What to look for in a workplace culture:

• Are employees encouraged to learn new skills and progress in their roles?
• Does the company value teamwork and open communication?
• Are there clear health and safety practices that show care for staff wellbeing?

Before applying for a role—whether with us or anywhere else—look at company websites, read employee reviews, and pay attention to what matters to the organisation. If possible, speak to current or former staff members. Understanding the values that underpin a company can help you decide whether you’d feel comfortable building a career path there.

For examples of how Lanes’ working culture operates in practice, take a look at our Staff Stories.

6. Considering Practical Factors

While personal interests and company culture matter, practical aspects also play a part in deciding what job might suit you when career planning. Salary, location, work-life balance, and progression opportunities all influence long-term satisfaction.

Practical questions to ask:

• Will this job provide a salary and benefits that support my lifestyle?
• Is the commute reasonable, or does the employer offer remote or flexible working arrangements where possible?
• Are there clear paths to advance, upskill, or take on responsibilities that match my growth plans?

In drainage and wastewater utilities, roles often offer varied paths for development, from hands-on technician work through to managerial positions. At Lanes Group, for example, we’re interested in helping people evolve in their careers, offering training programmes that equip staff with new competencies. Taking time to consider practical factors ensures that any role you choose won’t just feel right today, but will continue to meet your needs as you move forward.

7. Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Finding a role that suits you doesn’t mean you have to stay in that same position forever. It can be helpful to plan where you’d like to be in a few years’ time. Setting short-term goals - such as developing a particular skill or stepping into a new responsibility - can give you direction, while long-term goals keep you focused on the bigger picture.

Goal-setting tips:

• Start small: Identify one or two skills you’d like to build in the next six months.
• Think ahead: Where do you see yourself in three to five years?
• Be flexible: Goals can change as you learn more about yourself and the industry.

When considering a role, you might set a short-term goal of gaining qualifications in a technical area, like CCTV drainage surveying or high-pressure water jetting. In the long term, you might aim to progress to a supervisory role or even move into training new team members. Knowing your goals makes it easier to see whether a particular job offers the career path you’re looking for.

8. Seeking Professional Advice

It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about which direction to take. Speaking to people who understand the job market, recruitment processes, and industry trends can provide valuable guidance. Career advisers, mentors and professional networks can help you think more clearly about your next steps.

Ways to seek advice:

• Book a session with a careers adviser at your local job centre or through online services.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and seminars where you can chat with professionals already working in areas you’re considering.
• Talk to recruitment teams at companies you admire. At Lanes Group, our recruitment team can offer insights into the roles available and the traits we look for in candidates.

Professional advice can help you confirm whether you’re on the right track, highlight opportunities you hadn’t considered, and provide encouragement when you’re feeling stuck. Sometimes, a short conversation can give you the confidence to move forward and apply for a role that aligns with your personality traits and interests.

9. Learning from Rejection and Adaptation

The journey to finding the right job isn’t always smooth. You might apply for positions and not receive the outcome you hoped for. While rejection can feel discouraging, it also offers a chance to learn. Reflecting on what went wrong, seeking feedback, and adjusting your approach can help you do better next time.

How to handle setbacks:

• Review your CV and cover letters: Are you highlighting the most relevant skills and achievements?
• Practise interview skills: Consider mock interviews or sessions with a careers adviser.
• Stay positive: One rejection doesn’t define your career prospects. Every application is an opportunity to refine your approach.

At Lanes Group, we understand that applying for roles can be daunting, and we aim to provide a fair, transparent recruitment process. When possible, ask for feedback. Even short pointers can guide you towards improving your applications, building your confidence, and gradually sharpening your focus on roles where you’d truly thrive.

10. Taking the First Step

Once you’ve reflected, researched, and sought advice, the next move is to take action. Whether that means applying for an apprenticeship, sending off your CV, or attending a careers fair, that first step can feel both exciting and a bit unsettling. Remember that no career decision has to be permanent. You have the freedom to explore, test the waters, and change course if you find something that suits you better along the way.

Finding the Right Job with Lanes Group Careers

Knowing what job is right for you involves more than just scanning job adverts. It’s about reflecting on your strengths, thinking carefully about what makes you tick, and understanding the various industries and roles that might match your abilities. Along the way, exploring options through short-term experiences, researching company values and cultures, and considering practical factors like salary, location, and progression opportunities can all shape your choices.

There’s also real value in stepping back and considering your long-term goals. Are you hoping to progress to a supervisory role, specialise in a particular area, or eventually become someone who mentors others in their careers? These plans can guide your search, helping you focus on roles and companies that encourage ongoing development.

Ready to explore opportunities in a field that supports local communities every day? Take a look at the Lanes Group Careers page to discover roles that might match your strengths and ambitions. Our friendly recruitment team is here to help answer questions and guide you through the process. Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or simply curious, we invite you to learn more about what we do - and perhaps find a job that truly fits you.

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