Interview Yourself For Career by Beth White

If you are looking at new jobs, thinking of a career change, or simply not happy with what you are doing, now is the time to give yourself the right career advice. Asking questions, getting answers and acting on your answers can place you in the right job and give you long term job security.

Now you are not being advised to leave your current job and run off to find yourself. On the contrary, in an uncertain economy, job security is most likely near the top of your priority list. That being said, real job security can come with doing the work you really want to do, being good at your work because it is what you want to do, and building a long term relationship with your employer. So, stay where you are if you are currently employed and find the time to bring the following reward:

1. First do the following:
Turn off the Internet and your cell phone. Next, find a quiet place and clear your mind. Sit quietly and think back on every task, hobby or job where you have acquired a skill. That means any skill that could relate to a job, not necessarily your current work. (You may be surprised that it could relate to a job you really want.) Don't dismiss any items that you think are unimportant. There may be a time when even the simplest skill will be just what an employer is looking for in regard the job.

2. As you think of tasks and skills, write every item on a list. Now, print the list. Review your list and pick each task that you have enjoyed or that gave some satisfaction. It can be a particular task or several tasks you have carried out in an endeavor. It can be a hobby or any activity. As you come to an item that you enjoy or do not mind doing, place a check mark by each.

3. Now, look at the remaining items that are not checked. As you go down the list, put a large X mark by any task that you really do not like or hate to do. The remaining items, the ones you can live with but might rather not, get a minus mark.

4. Underline all the items that have an X. It is important to make this your first priority. Realizing what you really want to do in an occupation comes partly from knowing what you really do not want to do. For example: If you hate paperwork, do not look for a position that requires that routine. If you love to make outside calls on clients, look for something that requires that skill.

Keep in mind that some compromise may have to take place when you receive a job offer. Some minus items will probably have to be considered. However, you must then weigh the compromise. Is it something that would prevent you from wanting to go to work each day? If the answer is yes, negotiate or keep looking. Even in very tough economic times, you need a job that you can keep. If you are not happy with what you are doing, the job probably will not last. Then you are back where you started.

So, study the preferred tasks on your list. Imagine positions that would fit your ideal job. In this case, you can afford to make compromises because you will be moving in the right direction. And when you are set in the right direction, you are on your way to being hired, and enjoying long term success.