Looking for a job and finding the best career fit can prove to be a daunting process. To discover what type of occupation suits your skills, ambitions and lifestyle, familiarize yourself with the responsibilities that typically come with common job titles...but also be sure to research the specific duties that may go along with those titles at individual companies.

Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers (CEOs) oversee the entire operation of organizations and develop strategies to help them meet their goals. They collaborate with other executives, and may need to adhere to guidance from a board of directors with regard to major decisions affecting the future of the company. Their daily work may involve appointing and dismissing important personnel, negotiating major deals and contracts, and meeting with other executives to monitor the business of the organization.

Human Resources Director

The human resources department looks after personnel, supervising the hiring and firing of employees, and promoting their welfare and role within the company. HR directors may supervise several smaller departments in a large company, such as recruitment, benefits and training. Within human resources, other job titles include employment interviewers and job analysts who prepare job descriptions and define employee roles.

Consultant

Consultants typically work on a freelance basis, giving advice to other individuals and companies about their areas of expertise. They must have at least several years successful experience in a field, such as management, education or design, but must also keep up-to-date with the latest developments. Companies that pay to collaborate with consultants expect proven strategies that will bring them business and financial success. Consultants typically meet regularly with clients to analyze the company's performance, discuss needs and formulate plans for future development.

Administrative Assistant

Administration covers the day-to-day running of a business. While CEOs, other executives and a board of directors make decisions, administrative assistants typically do the legwork to carry out their vision. Their duties often include filing paperwork, making phone calls, organizing meetings, preparing documents, and other jobs essential to getting tasks done and implementing decisions.

Sales Agent

Sales agents represent an organization, selling products and services on its behalf. Travel agents sell vacation packages on behalf of large companies; insurance agents work from an office or go door-to-door; and real estate agents deal with property, from advertising through sale. These professionals don't own the products or services they represent, but sell them in return for a flat fee or commission. Sales agents need a winsome personality, as they must often convince potential buyers to part with large sums of money. They also must have incredible self-motivation and ambition, as their pay usually depends on performance.