Find a job you'll love

In your search for a new role, ask yourself these key questions to ensure you find a job that will bring you joy and success.

Has the impact of Covid left you looking for a new role? Are you finding yourself feeling like you need to apply for everything and just take whatever comes your way? It’s natural to feel like this - after all, your basic needs of safety and security are being compromised, so you’re probably feeling anxious and fearful. I know, I’ve been there.

The problem with these emotions is that we can so easily make a choice that won’t serve us in the long run, and once our basic needs are met, we will end up feeling lost, frustrated and de-motivated. So, as hard as it may be, my encouragement to you is to reflect on the following questions when you are looking for your next job – they will act as a helpful compass and ensure you find a role that will light you up and leave you feeling fulfilled.

Ask yourself:

What are my core values? This will enable you to connect with who you really are and what’s most important to you.

Mindtools.com has a useful activity to help you identify what these are.

What am I passionate about? Think about what it is you really love doing. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What's the difference you want to make in the world?

What am I great at? It's no surprise that when we do work that plays to our strengths, we are not only more successful, but we get greater enjoyment from it too.

A helpful resource for identifying your strengths is the Clifton Strengths online assessment by Gallup

When I look back over my career to date, what was it that allowed me to feel and be at my best and what led to me feeling blocked or at my worst? It can be helpful to visually map your career on a timeline. Look for any themes that arise.

Finally, use the insights that have arisen from these reflections to complete the following statements:

“I want a role that…”

• Enables me to...

• Gives me more of/less of...

• Lets me use ....

• Helps me develop ...

• Allows me to achieve ...

“In an organisation with a culture that is…........" (this should align with your values)

The clearer you get about what it is that is right for YOU, the easier it will be to find the right role and the more fulfilment, joy and success you will experience in your work.

As Steve Jobs once wisely said;

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle”.

Good luck with your search!