How to Find the Perfect Job? Treat it Like Buying a Car - Part 2

In this post, I’ll continue my comparison targeting a new job to buying a car. If you’d like a refresher, go back and read the previous post where I discuss the benefits of starting with the end in mind, types of employment, and values.

Personality

So, let’s say you’ve determined you want a plug-in electric car. Next, you’ll identify the brands that offer all-electric models, like Tesla, Ford, and BMW. As you know, each brand has a unique ‘personality’. Understanding your personality better will help you target a job where you will feel fulfillment and find success. According to John Holland, there are six basic personality types that correspond to workplace environments:

· Realistic

· Investigative

· Artistic

· Social

· Enterprising

· Conventional

You can take a quick version of Holland’s assessment at www.mynextmove.org to find out your personality as it relates to the world of work.

Model / Position

Now that we’ve narrowed our choices by type, values, and brand, our list of cars is becoming much more manageable. Next, you’ll likely look at the specific models and their specifications, statistics, reviews, etc. In the targeted job search, you’ll now focus on the specific positions that are a good fit for your strengths, skills, and abilities. First, you need to understand what your strengths, skills, and abilities are. In addition to listing them yourself, it can be helpful to ask trusted colleagues what they consider them to be. Assessments can also be used. Then, you need to research jobs that are a good fit. There are several resources, such as www.onetonline.org, that can get you started. Network conversations are also invaluable to help you better understand the realities of each position.

Budget / Salary

As part of your research into both cars and positions, you’ll begin to see prices and salaries. These are often important factors and may determine your path forward. Also, knowledge is power. Just as you might look up invoice pricing to help you with purchase negotiations, you should also do salary research to help with offer negotiations. Some resources to check out include www.payscale.com and www.glassdoor.com. Working with a career coach can help with negotiation strategies and messaging.

Options / Industries & Companies

Ok. You’ve determined a new Ford Mustang Mach-E is the car for you! Now you’ve got to figure out what color and options you want. These will refine the selection of your car and help you narrow the field. Similarly, once you identify your target job, you’ve got to figure out what industries and companies you want to target. Different industries present different opportunities and risks. Some industries are in growth mode, others in decline. Some have frequent mergers and acquisitions, which can increase chances of layoffs. Some pay more and some pay less. It’s important to research various industries, as well as companies, so you understand the implications. Trade associations are a good place to start for industry research. Company research can be done from a number of angles. I really like www.glassdoor.com. Again, conversations with your network will also prove to be insightful.

Location

Finally, you’ll look for your new car with the specific options in a certain geographic area. The wider the area, the more inventory you’ll be able to choose from. Job searches operate on the same principle. Prior to COVID, if you were not open to relocation, you would only be able to consider jobs within a commutable radius. Now, job seekers are able to consider local and remote positions throughout the country. I recommend www.indeed.com for searches, as it is an aggregator and pulls from multiple sources. If you need help with your search or need a professionally written resume, please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You can contact me at nancyerbcoaching@gmail.com.