This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info
So, you’ve decided to embark on a quest for a new job! Regardless of whether you’re just starting out, or looking to make a complete career change, or even if you simply need a new challenge, there are a few critical questions you must first ask yourself. When you’re in pursuit of a new job, there’s so much to do: investigating job ads, updating your resume, and preparing for interviews. But, in order to find and land that perfect job, you must first know yourself.
Being able to ask and answer the correct questions will not only make your search more efficient, but will also increase your chances of success. How can you expect an employer to truly understand what value you bring to the organization until you can articulate and define it for yourself? Whether you decide to work with a career coach, resume consultant, or go it alone, you’ll want to make sure you’ve taken the following questions into consideration first. The last thing you want to do is waste time in an aimless search which fails to lead you to the dream job you desire.
Question No. 1: What makes you special?
Yes! What makes you special? This is the all-important question. I find this to be the most important question of all. In fact, this is always the first question that I ask my clients when I rewrite their resumes. I find that many people are somewhat taken aback by this question. However, this shouldn’t be a difficult question. Hopefully, you figured out quite some time ago what your unique talents are and how they have helped you to go above and beyond the basic job requirements. Maybe, you are the most productive person in your office, or perhaps you’re a whiz at social media marketing, or it could be that you’re Microsoft Office skills are beyond reproach. Whatever it is, it’s important that you take ownership of your truly distinctive gifts and make sure that you capitalize on them throughout the job–hunting process.
There are many ways that you can be special on your job, and if you’re not sure what that is, then now is the time to find out!
Question No. 2: What motivates you?
The foundation for an outstanding and fulfilling career resides in motivation and purpose. So, before choosing to pursue a new job and/or career path, you need to be absolutely clear on this point. You should never feel satisfied until you can answer this question. Every experience you have had in the past and that you currently have on the job should prepare you for answering this question.
All your experiences are valuable because they teach you what you’re good at and what inspires you. At the same time, you need to know what disheartens you and quells your creative spirit. Knowing what you do NOT want to do is just as important as knowing what you want to do. Once you’re clear on this point, it will save you from wasting time in researching or even (gasp!) accepting a position that runs contrary to your true nature. In today’s market, there is no better time to search out and find that job that truly motivates you. Knowing the answer to this question is the key to finding your niche and uncovering your true potential for growth.
Question No. 3 What are you most proud of?
Finally, if you are venturing into the job market, you need to be able to clearly express the accomplishments you’re proud of on your resume and during an interview with a potential employer. This question, of course, is closely related to the first two. However, this question focuses on your ability to deliver results. What makes you proud says a lot about what you value as well as where you can make an impact. When you look back on your career, be prepared to identify the most defining moment of your work. Even if you are just starting out, you have hopefully taken advantage of every opportunity during your college studies to define yourself and make an impact.
Now, that you’ve contemplated and gathered the answers to these questions, you have the tools to start on rewarding and effective journey to locate the dream job that’s awaiting you. So, get to work, answer the questions, and unleash your full career potential!