Sunday, December 16, 2007

Three ways to find the right job fit for you.

One, list all the things you really enjoy doing and next to them list all the skills involved in doing them. Next list things you are naturally good at doing. Then compare the two lists to see which of your natural abilities are used in doing the things you really like. Now list other jobs that use those same abilities. For example, I like surfing the Internet for business news. That takes computer savvy, research skills, navigation skills, reading skills, comprehension etc. So what "jobs" involve using computers, Internet, navigation skills, computer savvy, etc.? How about web design? Or maybe teaching computer classes?

A second way to find the right fit is to think about the things that you are passionate or very enthusiastic about. What "causes" get your heart beating faster and your mind racing? Are you an outdoor activity enthusiast - hiking, camping, boating? Are you passionate about preserving nature for future generations to use and enjoy? You could be a camp counselor or a hunting and fishing guide. You might want to work for REI, The Mountaineers or Sierra Club.

The third way to discover your job fit is to think about and list the jobs of people you know that interest you or that you have thought about trying. Spend some time talking to them about their job and what it involves. Spend a day with them at work. Get a feel for how it works for you.

Actually, this third method is a good one to use regardless of how you find your dream job. Nothing is more powerful than that moment when you say to yourself, "This person has MY job."

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