The Three Secrets to Lifelong Career Success and Satisfaction

By Felicia Zimmerman

Author

“Reinvent Your Work”

 

Perhaps you're in high school but plan to attend college. Maybe you're in college or have recently graduated. Whatever your situation, you're looking for a job-an internship, a summer or part-time position, or your first career opportunity. Most likely, you've done your homework. You've put together a resume and learned how to job-hunt and interview effectively. As a result, you think you'll find the job or career of your dreams and be happy ever after. But might you be missing something?

 

Look at your friends who've been in the workplace for several years. Observe your parents who've worked for the past two or even three decades. Do these individuals view their careers as successful and satisfying? If not, do you know why?

 

As you may have guessed, having a successful and satisfying career requires more than getting or having a job. If your position doesn't fit you, you may be unable to perform, be miserable, or both. How can you avoid this situation, both today and in the future?

 

Here are three timeless secrets to lifetime career success and satisfaction. If you learn these tips now, you'll be more likely to be content with your first or next job. Subsequently, if you need or want to change companies, industries, or professions, you'll be able to find a position that matches your talents and interests.

 

Secret 1: Identify Your Competitive Edge

 

What are the skills you've developed through your education, experience, or both? Do you understand finance and accounting? Are you knowledgeable about technology and how to apply it? Have you sold products or services? Do you have experience managing a business or organization? Write down your strongest skills.

 

What are your strengths or the talents you were born with? Are you a numbers whiz? Do you have a knack for selling? Are you able to spot trends or opportunities before anyone else? Do you have a natural talent for managing businesses, people, or both? List your greatest strengths.

 

Whatever your strengths, have you applied them in your work? As a result, have any of your strengths also become your strongest skills, which you've used to bring about your greatest achievements? Will you use your best skill-strengths-your competitive edge-in your next position?

 

If you want to perform well, you must be sure that your job utilizes your competitive edge. Otherwise, you may not be able to perform acceptably and, consequently, end up anxious, overworked, and even depressed.

 

Secret 2: Determine What Drives You

 

Do you know someone who values money above all else? Do you have a friend who relishes power? Does a family member thrive on being recognized for her accomplishments? Is a peer motivated by realizing his potential, while a classmate is drawn to making the world a better place?

 

These examples show why people choose (or remain in) their jobs. Do you understand what drives you? Are you motivated by money, power, or fame? Does seeking a new challenge move you? Does helping others inspire you? Do your values, such as integrity or fairness, or your personal objectives, such as learning new things or meeting new people, lead you?

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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