Selecting the Right Job for You
When you’re considering a new job opportunity, and you’re gaining ground with the hiring manager with each interview experience, you soon find yourself at the point when you seriously have to evaluate whether or not this new opportunity is truly that “one” for you at this exact time in your life. How do you know for sure? What are the right questions you should ask yourself as you contemplate all of the possibilities?Sometimes people feel that they shouldn’t dare ask themselves such serious questions about a new job opportunity because it would demonstrate an ingrate attitude, or they simply go on the “feel” of it and not consider the actual practicalities that will become a part of the new job. These mindsets are dangerous to harbor, because it isn’t fair to yourself or to the hiring manager when you both of you have invested so much time exploring all of the options. It is best to get very honest with yourself and dig deep for what you really want to accomplish along your career path. The hiring manager is very serious about making the right choice about his/her new-hire, so why don’t you do the same about how serious you think about your new-company?
As you respond to this brief list of questions, try to come up with your answers in lightening-speed. Doing this will expose your initial feelings that will prompt you for deeper digging into the “why” behind your responses. Remember; it’s supposed to be lightening-speed reactions first. Ready?
- Do you like the atmosphere of the place?
- Do you like the attitudes of the people?
- If input is important to you, do they invite that from you?
- Do you like the reputation of the company?
- Can you see yourself eagerly telling others that you are their newest employee?
- Do you want to begin working there right away because of the income, or is it because you can’t wait to be around the people you’ve met so far?
- If you want to grow, do they provide those opportunities?
- If recognition is important to you, can you “shine” there?
- What is the one thing you don’t like about the new job – and can you work around that obstacle or not?
- Will you go home each work day with a “happy” tired, or will you leave with a “miserable” tired?
Now, reflect on those specific questions that urged a response that seemed to be bothersome to you. This is the time to be totally honest with yourself and stand firm to what you want from a new job opportunity. In tough economic times, it’s tempting to grab the “anything for income” bag; but in the long haul, any job you get will become a part of your work history. Choosing really matters!
Your homework for today is to come up with additional questions you can ask yourself about the job that should be the “one” for you. While you won’t find perfection, you’re bound to find real work/life balance that will foster happiness and a sense of pride and personal contribution.
Continue to visit our blog often for more insights and advice for your career!
