Do You Know What You Want?

Figuring out what someone wants from a new job can sometimes be challenging, especially when you're not getting clear answers to questions.

Before anyone applies for a job, knowing what you want, what you really really want helps to answer questions when you get to the interview stage.

As you can imagine, interviewing someone for a job where the interviewee doesn’t know what they want apart from a new job, can sometimes make for a confusing process and a lack of results for everyone.

Alternatively, knowing what you want halfway through an application process but forgetting to let the people involved know doesn’t help either.

If you are working with me, I can ask questions to help unlock where you are at, where you want to be and how to get there but having a basic understanding helps you to achieve better results.

So, how do you understand who you are, to understand what you want?

Strengths - what are you naturally good at?

Everyone has strengths, although some are not always apparent. Often, people perform their strengths so effortlessly that they don't realise what they are. If you find yourself struggling to identify your strengths, it's helpful to seek the opinion of a friend or colleague. They may have a better perspective on what you excel at.

Gaps (weaknesses) - where you may need or want to improve

"I’m not a fan of the term 'weaknesses' as it can carry a negative meaning that suggests that there is something wrong with you if you lack a certain skill. In reality, everyone has areas where they can improve, but it is not always necessary to address these unless you wish to or it is required for your personal growth or role.

Skills - both hard and soft

Review your career and go through the skills you have gained. Create a list of hard (technical/practical) and soft (emotional intelligence/people related) skills. What have you gained and learned over the years. Knowing this helps you understand what you have to offer.

Tip: it’s important not to overlook ‘soft skills’ as they are fast becoming recognised and attractive in the employment market.

Values - what is most important to you in an employer?

What is most important to you in your employer/workplace? Take into consideration the type of work environments you have been in and would thrive in. Your values can cover both personal and professional needs and it is a good idea to not just think in the now and look at your long term future.

Interests - what do you enjoy doing?

What are you most passionate about both personally and professionally? This helps to gain an understanding of the type of person you are and how you could fit into different environments.

Career Goals - where do you aspire to be in the future?

Think about where you see yourself evolving in your chosen career.

Take into consideration what motivates you most, your strengths and what aspects you enjoy doing as this is critical for any goal to succeed.