Before You Start Job Hunting, Make A List

By Ray Palmer & Linda Pearson

School of Business

University of Connecticut

 

Before you get into intensive career exploration, company research, or going on interviews, do some self-assessment, get a good idea of what you want, what's important to you, your values, goals, skills, etc.

What are your skills and talents?

What do you do well? Are you good with numbers? Do you have management, leadership, and teamwork skills? Are you persuasive? An organizer? What do you have to offer? If you are considering certain career options, will you have the necessary skills by the time you graduate? What do you need to do to get those skills?

What do you like to do?

Even more important than what you do well - what do you like to do? Keep in mind that even though you may do something well, it doesn't mean that you like doing it. Make a list of things you like to do, and also things you don't like to do. Think of times when you were most happy, or unhappy. What were you doing? What have you done that you feel good about, accomplishments that you are proud of? It is important that you like what you do. How can you match your likes, skills, needs, and values to a job?

What are your “life goals”, both short- and long-term?

Have you identified your goals? Are you working towards them? Your number one short-term goal at this point is to do some self-assessment. Know what you like, value, need, and what your goals are, then start working toward those goals. Find out what you have to do to become the competitive job candidate that recruiters will want to hire. Start developing a professional resumé if you haven't already.

What are your needs?

Do you need a “family friendly” working environment with flexibility to take care of family commitments? Do you need fame and recognition? Do you need a job that allows for creativity? Do you need, or prefer, a particular geographic location?

What are your values?

Do you like working with people or working alone? Do you want a high paying, high profile job? Do you want to be the boss; have influence and power over others? Do you prefer decision-making, leadership, control, or following the rules? Is it important that you work for a company that “gives back” to the community, and allows you the same opportunity? These, and other factors, should be considered when making career decisions. Obtaining a position that fits well with your values will give you both job and personal satisfaction in the long run. Compromising too many of your values will lead to job dissatisfaction and most likely affect your personal life also.

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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