10 Questions for Career Changers

Are you to change jobs or careers? For some the move is to find work that is more fulfilling so that you will be happier. For others it may a step toward taking more of a leadership role. Whatever your reasons for the career change, you’ll want to do some self discovery work. These ten questions will help you to sort out what kind of work you are looking for and what you offer to a potential employer.

1. What is your dream job? It doesn’t need a title or even to know it actually exists. Close your eyes and dream about what you would be doing if you could be doing anything you wanted to. Notice the tasks you gravitate to, the kind of people you work with, and the place you are working. All theses are clues for you.

2. What are your values? Each of us has values that we hold dear. Some examples of values would be: contribute, success, adventure, balance, win, freedom. When our values are not met we become upset and angry. For example if freedom is important to you and working late gets in the way of your freedom, you will become very angry.

3. What are your passions? What issue, group or idea energizes you? Thinking about it makes you really emotional. You have a compelling need to work on it. Your passion is connected to your mission and purpose in life. With passion anything is possible!

4. What are your interests? What about a job makes you excited and eager to get to work? What holds your attention and keeps you intrigued.

5. What special talents do you have? Is there something you do better than most people and is it something you really enjoy doing? Piano playing, grant writing, computer wiz these are talents others value. If you have a talent for something but hate doing it, keep it hidden!

6. What are your skills? Based on your previous experiences what is it that you do reasonably well and want to continue doing for another employer?

7. What are your strengths? What do others tell you that you do well? If you don’t know, ask 5 people you work with or are friends with to tell you what they see as your 5 strengths. This exercise can be very affirming.

8. What are your weaknesses? What have you been told you don’t do well? Are they worth working on or do you plan to work around them? Some weaknesses can be delegated to other workers ie a poor speller can use spell check and a proof reader.

9. What type of activities do you dislike? This list is helpful in eliminating positions or careers. You will want to avoid these if at all possible.

10. What kind of work environment is best for you? Are you looking for plush surroundings? Does the office need to be fast paced? Do you thrive when the environment is cooperative or competitive? Choosing the appropriate work environment can make a big difference in your success on the job.