Five Important Questions for Job Search
With Asia showing strong signs of economic recovery, there is no better time to start a job search than today, emerging and existing workforces are full of opportunities waiting to happen. Before you embark on your journey to find your dream career,here are some of the most important questions you have to ask yourself first.
Question 1: What Do I Love Doing?
Your interest is an important factor in choosing the job and the industry you want to join. Think about the things you love to do in your spare time. Do you love spending time on social media? Do you love to play sports, watch a movie, go travelling or reading a good book? Your answer to these questions will help determine which career is a good fit for you. It is important to note that what you love doing does not equate into something you’re good at. It may just be something you’re naturally inclined to do. If you use your interests as your basis in finding a career, you will have a great time doing the job and are less likely to experience being stressed or burned out.
Question 2: What Are My Skills?
Knowing the skills you naturally possess is also an important factor to consider when conducting a job search as your skills will help you stand out from the rest of the people applying for the same position. It will be easier for you to communicate this to the job interviewer or your potential boss because it’s something you know you already have. Your skill set is one of your most valuable commodities. If you know them by heart you will have a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses and will be in a much better position to do something about them.
Question 3: What Values are Important to Me?
Of course, it’s also a good idea to assess your own personal values so you can choose jobs that are aligned with them. For example, if you value strong family ties, respect and hard work, you would not want to take on jobs that do not put the same premium on these core beliefs. Assessing your core values will allow you to look at, not just the job offer, but also at what joining the company is all about. At the end of the day, it’s not always about the money, but about whether you will feel comfortable doing what you’re supposed to do for the organization you decide to work for.
Question 4: What Kind of Lifestyle and Personality Do I Have?
This is another equally important question you need to ask before going on a job search or even before accepting a job offer. If you are a nocturnal person, you might want to consider working in a BPO industry. If you love going out and meeting new people, Public Relation Jobs or even Event Planning Jobs and Management Jobs may be more suited for you. The industry you join and the career you accept should match the lifestyle you lead and the type of personality you have so you enjoy every moment you spend at work.
Question 5: What Don’t I Like Doing
With all these questions about what you personally want to see or happen in your career, it is time to ask the ultimate question - what don’t you like doing? Ask yourself about what to you is non-negotiable. Answering this question will help you eliminate industries and careers you should never apply for.
If you want to be specific about the question you should ask yourself, here’s a few of them to help you get started:
“Am I a Leader or a Follower?”
“Am I better at planning/strategizing or implementing things?”
“Am I great at selling things or making them?”
“Do I want to work in the frontline or do I prefer getting things done from the sidelines?”
“What are the career options available to me given the answers to these questions?”
The questions above are all but a guide to help you find the career that best suits you. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect job. You are bound to find work that has what you like and don’t like. When faced with this dilemma, weigh your options properly and make a decision based on what you think is best for you. Good luck!
