Your Job Search Inspiration – Getting Your Great New Job.

Getting Your Great New Job is a five part series based on my experience coaching and helping my clients through their job searches and get great jobs.  Jobs that they are excited about and feel great about, better jobs than they’d been trying for, jobs that are a big step forward on a path toward their chosen future… yes, even in this economy.  You can have YOUR great job too!  This is Part 1 – Your Inspiration.   [See Article Introduction -  Don’t Just Get a Job, Get a Great Job…YOUR Job.]

Your Inspiration – What Is A Great Job… YOUR Job!

What’s a “Great Job”?  Well that depends on who you are.  For each of us there is a job that we will really enjoy, a job that will bring out the best in us.  I love what I do and there are a lot of people who really wouldn’t like it.  So a great job is YOUR job.  

It’s a job that uses your skills, abilities and talents.  It also includes your values, interests and desires.  It values and appreciates who and how you are, personally and professionally. 

We all have different skills, talents and experiences.  There are people we like to hang out with and fit in with, and people we don’t.  We all have different things we like to do and things we don’t like to do.  I believe we also want to make a difference.  We want work that matters to us and that gives our life meaning and a sense of purpose.

Think about the job you want.  What qualities does it have?  What kind of people do you want to work with?  What kinds of experiences would you like to have at work?  Really dig in and think about it.  The more clear and the more you know what you want the better.

Getting clear about what you want does two things.  When we know what we want it’s easier to find it…think about going to the grocery store for a specific item versus going for something because you’re hungry.  The first, you go in, get what you want and go.  The second, especially if you’re really hungry, can feel frustrating, it can take a long time, and even when you get something you may not feel satisfied. 

The other plus from thinking about what you want in your next job is that it gets you feeling positive about having a job, and maybe even excited to get it.  If you really dig in and think about your possible new job, the new people you’re going to meet, the opportunities to learn and grow, maybe even the possibility of making a difference in the world through your work, that may get you excited about that new job and wanting it…not just needing it.  Your motivation will go up and so will your energy for finding that new job. 

Here’s some questions to get you thinking:

• What did you like most about your last job(s)?
• Which of your skills and talents do you really like to use?
• How could you benefit an organization or a team?
• What do people appreciate you for at work, or in life that you could use at work?
• What impresses you about different companies and why?
• What skills, talents and experiences do you have – from past work and  beyond?  What interests?  What volunteer or hobby experience do you have?  What do you have a passion for because it’s close to your heart and matters to you?  This is much more than what you’ve done in past jobs…this is bringing all of you to your next job.
• What does it feel like at work when what you do and who you are is really valued?  What have people said to you and about you that felt great?

To get your self more upbeat when looking for a job think about some of these.  Make a list or lists.  What we usually do is focus on our need of a job, which puts so much pressure on us.  Yes, you do need a job and you will find it faster if your looking for something you really want.  Don’t limit your future by only going for what you had in the past.  Go for what you want… it may take work, you may have to stretch and take some risks but it will be so worth it.

• One thing to remember… you only need one job.   You’re not looking for 20 jobs, just one.

If you went for the job you really wanted, not just what you had in the past, but what you really want… what would it be or what would it include?  You deserve to have work that you love, work that builds your spirit.  That can be anything for you.  

We all have dreams.  Usually those dreams have to do with doing something original (art, music, writing, leading a new way, etc.) or making a difference in the world socially, environmentally, or spiritually.  What about you?  What are your dreams?  What do you really want to do?  

Often times we think we have to settle or go way out on a limb.  What I’ve found is there are stepping stones or ways to bring the pieces together.  If you have project management experience and love boats, in what kind of jobs could you have both?  What if you’re an executive but burned out because it was all about making money and you want more from your work… you could use your experience, power, and connections in an area of business/industry that you’re passionate about and gives your life meaning.  If you’re an administrative professional or have sales experience, or whatever skills where could you use those skills that would excite you, what kind of company or industry?  And that is also how you make a transition that bridges your skills to your passions.   And besides, if you go for what you’re passionate about, you are much more apt to get the job.

Don’t sell out or settle.  Don’t go for something that isn’t you.  Value who you you’re your personal and professional skills and talents.  For the right job, you are the perfect person, just as you are.   Go for a job that values who you are, a job that you’ll enjoy.  Go for YOUR job.  You’ll find it faster and easier. 

Then, when you get “your job” versus “a job” you’ll naturally enjoy it more, do better at work, rise faster, and enjoy the process.  You’ll want to give your best because it’s something that matters to you.  You’ll also be a vital part of the team because it’s not just another job to you.  It’s your job.  It will expect your best from you and you’ll want to give it.  It won’t just be a paycheck.  Think of the difference that would make in your life.

Are you feeling inspired?  Are you starting to want that new job yet?  Do the lists!  What do you have to give to your next employer and what do you want? 

When my clients get excited about getting their next job, good things start happening because they really go for it.   Now it’s your turn…