Are you a fresher on the threshold of entering the corporate world? Or a professional under constant pressure to perform? Whoever you are, an ideal career will never fail to allure you although the catch 22 situation will always arise whenever you are asked to plan a career.

If it is so much in your control to plan and build a perfect career, will you not be the next Bill Gates? But in spite of all constraints, you can still do a little bit of effective planning, a little bit of strategic preparation - to deal with a lot of happening days.

Building a perfect career is like building your home, when designing a dream home, we do adjust with the requirements of our family.

Here are four must-follow tips to propel you towards a perfect career!

Know your mind

The very basic is to know what you actually want. The kind of company you want to join; the kind of work culture that enables you to perform; the kind of people you want to work with; the kind of work profile, roles and responsibilities you are eager to handle and the kind of compensation and benefits that will make you happy.

Do you want formal colleagues or a fun place to walk? Do you wish to be a leader or a follower? How strong is your emotional quotient, essential for tackling not-so-desirable work situations?

Answers to all these questions will bring out a perfect picture of the career you want!

Know your workplace

Research companies and choose the right one that matches your priorities. For example, are you willing to relocate or drive far for the sake of a suitable job? Is the 9 am-6 pm job with health insurance, one day working from home and 10 days of paid leave attractive enough for you?

Or will you opt for larger salary, endless work hours, six-day week and work from home on Sundays?

Do you like a fun work place or looking for a formal one - the all work, no party kind? Be sure to find out all these before joining or it may lead to monotony and depression.

Seek must-haves

Also draft a list of must-haves you cannot do without! Because this exercise will have a big impact on your career and work life. It is obvious that positive factors will help you perform better than what you do in a routine environment.

For example, a good system is a necessity but it will simply rock if your company gives you a latest-technology laptop!

To ensure best performance, one should list a few areas and categorise them under four heads - Must Have, Don't Want, Delightful and Entertaining. Make sure, though, that your must-have list is not crammed with things that delight you. Must-haves are very important.

In fact, they are absolute requirements. While you may give up some of your "wants," must-haves are essentials and cannot be compromised.

You must try and find the kind of work you want to do, as well as your preferred position and job profile. Hone your professional skills and be innovative in you approach, so that you may gain ample recognition of your capabilities.

Emotional analyses of one's own self is also a must if you want to do well in your profession! It will give you an insight into your shortfalls and help you improve.

Information courtesy: Timesjobs