Transition Tuesday: Figuring Out What You Want in a New Job
A problem that often plagues job seekers is what I like to call Vague Goals Syndrome. They want a new job, but more than anything else they just want out of their old job. But before you make a move, it’s best to figure out where you’re headed first. Here are some questions to help you figure out what you want in a new job before you leave the old one.
- What do you love about your current job? Try to pin down specific tasks or advantages rather than nebulous statements. For instance, “home in time to pick up the kids” is more helpful than “flexible hours.”
- What do you hate about your current job? Again, be as specific as you can. If you’re a creative type but you work with spreadsheets all day, “formulaic work that doesn’t let me try something different” is more helpful than, “budget crap.”
- What are the top three things you loved/hated about your last two jobs? Figuring out your career progression (or realizing that there hasn’t been one) is often a handy reference point for making your next move.
- What skills are you most comfortable with that you want to find in a new position? What are your strengths? What tasks do you love doing? Jobs that have these as the main functions are ones that are more likely to be satisfying.
- What things do you absolutely never want to do ever again? Refer to your “hate it!” lists for this one if you’re stuck. Jobs that have these as the main functions are jobs you probably don’t want.
Once you get a sense of your likes and dislikes and what you’re looking for in a new job, it’s a lot easier to begin the job search process. We’ll tackle that next week on Transition Tuesday.
(photo via SXC.hu)
Tags: women in business, advice for finding a new job, figuring out what you want in a new job, job hunting tips, advice for job hunters, advice for businesswomen, job seeking tips, your career history, professional likes and dislikes, kristen king
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