Checklist for job hunters
There’s so much to think about when you’re looking for work and you might well have your own to-do list.
Perhaps it reads like this: “Spruce up my CV, write a sparkling letter of application, get a haircut, complete a CRB check, prepare for the interview”… but hold on just a second.
Back up a little
It’s well worth reversing back down the road a little way. Instead of starting out by thinking ‘how am I going to get there?’ it might be worth taking some time out to ask the question: ‘Where do I want to go?’
Financial pressures can put a real urgency on job searching, and it’s tempting to just apply for everything and take whatever you get. But if you think that you spend almost a quarter (23.8%) of each week at work – it is well worth finding a job that you’ll enjoy! And ultimately, if you’re happy in your work, you’ll be more effective, less stressed, and a pleasure to work with.
Get yourself a pen and paper…
So here’s a checklist of things to think about when you’re looking for a career that will give you a good sense of job satisfaction.
- What am I good at?
- What do I do with my free time?
- What would be my idea of the worst job ever?
- What would be my ideal job?
- How do I respond to strong leadership?
- How do I respond to being left to fend for myself?
- Where do I see myself in… 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
- What are my priorities in my career? (Prioritise the list below)
- Job satisfaction
- A stable income
- Making a difference in the world
- Achieving something I’m proud of
- Climbing the career ladder
- Creating something of good quality
- Leading others to success
- Being part of a great team
- Earning more than my parents
9. What is most important to me in a work environment? (Prioritise the list below)
- The people around me
- Effectiveness
- Teamwork
- Having the space I need to do my job
- Opportunity for career development
- Variety
- Structure
- Sensitivity
- A ‘people first’ attitude
- A sense of focus on the task at hand
- A competitive atmosphere
- The chance to spend time outdoors
P.S: If this has caught your interest, you might be interested in the Birkman Express. It's an online personal development tool that helps you to explore your motivations, interests, needs and stress behaviours. As one user commented: 'It sparks ideas, affirms your strengths and points you in the right direction'. Find out more here.
Written by Becky Williams. Posted on 30th May.
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