Know What You are Looking for in Your Next Job

Know What You are Looking for in Your Next Job

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Before you begin your job search take some time to think about your needs and goals for your next job position to narrow down the job search. Over the past 10 years of helping people find gainful employment I consistently see that the reason most people don't succeed at their positions isn't because of their capabilities but the lack of taking the time to make sure that the employment position they accept is the right job for them. Consider your employment options according to the following criteria:

What employment positions relate to your interests? Examine what type of work you find enjoyable. What type of tasks and responsibilities from past employment excited you about the job at the time? What makes you feel successful at your previous positions? What skills and work experience do you have?

Where do you want to work? Do you want to stay where you are now or do you have plans to work or move to a different part of the world?

What type of commute do you want to work everyday? How much time do you want to spend each morning and evening to your place of employment? What is the absolute limit? Be realistic when asking yourself this question when narrowing down your job search because remember you will have to take that drive every single day.

What type of corporate culture do you like to work in? What kind of atmosphere do you prefer when going into the office. If you are planning to stay with your new job for the long term, it needs to be a place of employment where you feel like you are part of it. Do you want a comfortable, laid back environment or a hard driving work place atmosphere?

What is your devotion to your career? Do you mind working in a place that requires you to put in a lot of work hours to get ahead? Are you willing to travel or work weekends as needed? Think about your needs in terms of personal and family time versus work time.

What will be your career future with your next company? Will the company be a good place to be long term and advance your career? Are there opportunities for advancement in your chosen career field within the company? Will you be learning new things and advancing your employable skills?

What size of a company do you want to work for? What kind of company appeals to you? A corporate monolith, a tiny start up or somewhere in between? What are the pros and cons to you of working for different size companies?

Of course this is just a small example of the types of questions you should be asking yourself when deciding on a career or judging your next employment position. Ultimately success is not dependent solely if the employer feels that you are right for the position but also that you feel the position is a good fit for you. If a position has a commute you don't mind, a work atmosphere you enjoy and is helping you obtain your career objectives you will be much more happier and productive at work. If the same type of position has a commute you hate, any atmosphere that you don't like and feels like a dead end position you are not going to be productive but most importantly you will be miserable everyday of the week.