QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

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You've invested heavily in your career, from your academic background to your outstanding experience.   As you begin to explore new career opportunities, you need to take some time to step back and focus on how you want to approach your career search.   Too often, people don't invest in this part of the process and they end up moving to a firm that doesn't really offer what they want in a career or they quickly realize after accepting the job they knew nothing about the company culture or values.   As you begin this part of the process, here are some questions you need to ask yourself. 

What are your long-term and short-term career objectives?
Take this opportunity to formally lay out your career objectives - both now and in the future.   Don't just look for a "job", but look for a career situation that will offer you what you want in a career.   You owe it to yourself to take the time to truly reflect on this, since it should truly drive your entire process.

Are your passions and talents driving you or something else?
Are you really passionate about this type of work or is something else driving you, such as money or pressure from friends/family?   A career is a long time.   If you can't get excited about this type of work (regardless of what your academic preparation might be, you most likely won't be fulfilled and be successful.   This is the time to be honest with yourself and examine what your motives are as you approach the process. 

Are your objectives realistic, considering your background?   This one is key.   Individuals see themselves as being prepared for a higher level role than they are or they believe they have key strengths that, in reality, haven't yet been proven or tested in the corporate environment.   Take a hard look at what leading corporations look at as they assess talent and, if appropriate, talk to a trusted colleague or a recruiter that will be honest with you about your objectives.   You definitely want to stretch yourself, but you also want to be positioned to succeed. 

What do YOU bring to the opportunity?
Remember, it's initially about what YOU can bring to the opportunity.  How can you add value and help the firm meet  business objectives?   Are you willing to "get into the trenches" and learn the new business?   How can you add shareholder value and have some early wins?  Many times, individuals approach their career search and focus only on what the company will do for them and this often ends in the person turning off the recruiters and not getting an offer.     It's a partnership, and only when you convince the primary employment decision makers that you will be an outstanding asset to their team, will you get the job.  

Do you understand what is necessary for success? Are you tuned in to the culture of this industry/culture??
Make sure you understand what the benchmark is for success in the role and look internally to really assess if you are willing to meet these requirements.   An example would be the amount of travel needed or the typical hours you'll need to invest.  Or, do most senior level people in this industry have a specific credential or degree that could impact your progression?   Another one is culture.  Is this a formal, buttoned up industry where you'll feel restricted or, conversely, is this an unstructured, free-flowing environment that will frustrate you?   

These are some of the things you should be thinking about at this stage of the process.   Now….to formalize your gameplan. 

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