Choosing the ‘correct’ job or vocation can be a high investment, emotionally taxing journey for those seek a new opportunity or change from the regular. Work/life balance, job satisfaction, company and industries/goals need to be factored in. Personality traits, current skill sets, past accomplishments, passions, and potential need full assessment.
I will make an attempt here to take you through what could give you an idea of job alignment that caters to your professional and personal strengths. Of course, certain personality types align with specific positions.
Ask yourself, ‘What I am really good at?”
“Do new skills come easily to me?’
Take A Serious Look at Yourself First
This is an opportune time to be totally honest with yourself. Take a bit of time to reflect on your strengths and ask yourself what you do did well on your last/current professional role. Which personality traits led you to past recognition or certain metrics/accomplishments in the past?
Are you a creative person or more analytical?
Introverted or extroverted?
Self assessment and reflection are important of course to identify strengths and weaknesses which can easily clarify goals and plan of action for said improvements. Weaknesses and can be easily remedied often through further education and special training.
It’s important to reflect on the positive. Think back to your quarterly review and consider areas of undisputable praise.
Think back and what you are especially proud of and positive outcomes. Keep track of any outstanding metrics attained and include these descriptions on your resume.
Evaluate Your Passions and Professional Interests
It’s important to consider areas where you excel in comparison to your professional team and to think about what makes you ‘stand out’ from the pack. Working on professional and personal weaknesses can lead to being instantly competitive in the market. Think about additional training and educational opportunities in the field.
Do you need to integrate your hobbies and interests into the workplace?
Careers are currently in more of a transient state in comparison to the years before. New companies are springing up every week.
What Do You Value and Find Important In A Job?
Is a certain company mission or affection for a product?
Are you a ‘mission driven’ employee? Consider work culture as well, workplace misalignment will usually lead to a very short and uncomfortable experience.
Company purpose might not be that important to you. Work/life balance, benefits, PTO and commute and schedule could rule the ultimate decision.
What are the Correct Steps to In Order to Find The Correct Role?
Do your research, ask friends and read sites like Glassdoor.
Networking is key, ask yourself…….If job boards didn’t exist, how would I find a job?
Use the internet and research a few appealing industries. Take a look at large, small and medium sized companies. Take a look at employee reviews, take them with a grain of salt……
Get out there and attend industry events, make introductions, take a look at slack channels and virtual events also.
Seek Help From An Experienced Pro
Ask for help, here I am. Book a session with me….:)
Consider an Internship, Volunteer or Job Simulation
Approach a company/non profit of choice and volunteer. Offer your time and perhaps offer advice on how to improve the company. Great resume and relationship builder that can lead to a full time role of choice.