There may not be such a thing as a perfect job, but you can take these four steps to help you identify a job that will be a good fit.
The reality of today’s world of work is that your job could end tomorrow, no matter how valuable you are or how secure you think your job is.
It just goes to show, no one’s job is safe any longer. The faster you realize this, the easier it will be to start taking steps today to proactively manage your career.
So what do you do if you think you will be next on the chopping block or you want to start being proactive?
You assess and evaluate what you like to do and what you want to do more of in the future!
1. Determine What Excites You
If you’ve been in a job awhile, you may have forgotten why you started doing it in the first place.
- What do you love doing within your role?
- What motivates you to go to work?
- What types of people do you enjoy working with?
- What kinds of problems do you like to solve?
- What has been one of your most memorable accomplishments?
These are not easy questions. However, they are absolutely the most important ones to answer first!
2. What Would Your Dream Job Look Like (literally)?
Before you start searching the job boards, identify your dream job.
- Would you go to an office?
- What would the office look like?
- What kinds of people would work there?
- How would your day be structured/how would you spend your time?
- What kinds of things would you be doing?
- Who would you report to?
- How would you like to be compensated?
- What recognition would you need to feel good about the work you do?
Answer these questions without filtering out answers that seem crazy or unrealistic. Just dump the answers on the page for now.
3. Inventory Your Skills
Create a list of skills you love to use and think you’re good at. While you are at it, create a list of skills that you don’t like. Then create a list of skills you want to develop or get better at using. Here’s a list of skills to get started.
For a listing of occupational skills, visit ONet or LinkedIn’s Career Explorer.
4. Talk It Out
Now you are ready to run this information by people you know and trust. But don’t stop there. Ask people who hold roles you are interested in. Ask them for their advice on where your skills and background might fit. This will allow you to create yet another list of ideas to pursue.
Sometimes these conversations are called informational interviews or networking.
There’s No Easy Button or Magic Wand
There is no magic wand to help you find the perfect job.
But there are assessments out there, some are free, some are not. But, even an assessment will not be able to tell you exactly what you should do next. It will provide options and it’s up to you to research and determine what those careers are.Â
Why Do You Need To Do This?
Job titles vary from company to company making it difficult to find what you are looking for. And over the years, the functions within jobs changed. This can be based on technology or other changes in the industry.
In order for you to find a good match for your background and values, you will need to first be very clear about what you enjoy doing and are good at. This then allows you to pursue jobs that align with your vision of what’s next.
The Bottom Line
Finding a fulfilling job is as unique as you are and there is always more than one “correct” answer.
The good thing is, no one says you have to do this job for the rest of your life. If you don’t like it, guess what, you can leave!
Taking these steps to assess your next dream job won’t be easy, but imagine what you’ll discover and who you’ll meet along the way!
Sometimes it isn’t the destination, but the journey, that enlightens!
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