The Six Dimensions of Career Clarity
1) What passions, strengths, talents, and transferable skills can you build your career on? What work titles fits your skill set?
- What skills energize you, and which ones burn you out?
- What work activities are so enjoyable that you lose track of time?
- See” Know Your Top Transferable Skills Sets, Then Plan Your Career Transition” and “Build Your Confidence and Career Marketing Content.”
2) How do your natural preferences and personality type factor into choosing your ideal work?
- Do you prefer to work with people, data or things? A combination of all three? In which order?
- How do you like to focus your attention (with people or alone), receive information (using facts or ideas), make decisions (based on logic or people and values) and direct your life (organized and planned or spontaneous and open)?
- See “Discover Your Perfect Career Path Through Your Hardwired Preferences”and “How to Choose the Work That Fits Your Personality Type.”
3) Where do you want to work in terms of industries and target companies?
- Do you prefer a large firm with opportunities for growth up the corporate ladder?
- Would you rather be in a smaller company with steady yet satisfying responsibilities?
- Have you made a list of 50-100 target employers?
4) Which workplace environment/culture will you thrive in?
- One that is conservative, socially-conscious, employee-focused or bottom-line-oriented?
- One with a clear vision and mission or “goes with the flow”?
- One that is controlled and predictable? Or unstructured and variable?
- See: “Which Corporate Culture Is Ideal For You? Let Your Personal Workplace Values Be Your Guide”
5) Why do you want to work, according to your deeper mission and purpose?
- What lights you up at the end of the day?
- What brings you deep satisfaction?
- What legacy do you want to leave behind?
6) Who have you always wanted to be “when you grow up?”
- Who are you evolving into?
- How do others see you?
- What career keeps calling to you and won’t let up?
When you take the time to answer these questions, your job search will be more focused, both offline and online.