Finding your perfect match. Why your job search must go further than just the job description
Ok, so you want a job as a senior account manager. Or perhaps an in-house marketing director, or a senior copywriter.
You trawl the web and do some networking to seek out the right roles with the job description to match.
Then starts the applications. The interviews. The “I hope I get a meeting… I hope I get the role…”
But amid the stress and emotional turmoil of job hunting, what you may forget to ask yourself is whether that particular role or company is right, or even good enough, for you.
Identifying the right environment – one that will really help you to thrive – is so important. But it’s also quite hard. Finding vacancies with the right job description for your skillset is one thing, but then throwing environment matchmaking into the mix? Understandably, it might feel all a bit too much.
But, once you learn where to start and how to quickly identify your environment ‘match’, the pay-off is worth it. And now this upfront investment is more critical than ever while we’re often interviewing and working remotely; we don’t get to walk into an office and get a ‘feel’ of the place like we used to (and even when we could it wasn’t always a true representation of what working there would really be like…).
There are just a few simple factors to consider to help refine your search and identify the environments which help you thrive; so you can avoid poor job judgements and find opportunities where you perhaps wouldn’t have expected before….
Your values.
This could be anything from whether you work best alone or as part of a team; your relationship with colleagues; whether salary or job satisfaction means more to you; your relationship with risk taking; and how you respond to change. Try to write down your top three values, and your lowest three, and see what traits start to emerge. And then see how this aligns to the organisation you are thinking of joining.
Reflect on your highs.
Cast your mind back to when you have been at your best professionally. When have you been most happy, fulfilled, or achieved the best results? And what is the common thread between each of these moments?
Big fish in a small pond…?
Some people thrive best in small firms or agencies. While others love the vibe and work style of much bigger organisations. Consider what appeals most to you based on previous experience. And some bigger firms do embrace a small-business approach to their teams and structure, so bear this in mind too.
Leadership preferences.
Do you like a clear hierarchy or a flat structure? These are important questions to ask when considering a role as it can have a big impact on the way you have to work. Also, think back to the best leaders you have worked with, and why they were so good.
The risk factor.
Some people just love the high-energy and uncertainty around working for a start-up, moving on quickly once the company becomes ‘established’. While others are much more risk-averse, preferring established, secure and steady firms. Consider where you sit in this arena.
Build your profile.
Work through each of these considerations, pulling together a ‘profile’ – and you should see a pattern start to emerge. Use this as a blueprint when looking at new roles, or even to assess if your current role is right for you. Helping you on your way to building a career that’s as fulfilling as it is rewarding, and as comfortable as it is exciting.
To learn more or to build a fuller picture, I’m always at the end of the phone. Because choosing the right role is more than just getting a good job; it can have a huge impact on your life too.
All the best until next time. Jo.