Would you recognize a job that you’d be perfect at – if you saw it? Dream jobs are like unicorns – a nice idea but you see few if any in the real world. But believe it or not there are some really great jobs out there if you are ready to look in non-traditional or less-than- perfect packages.
The probability is great that you can find a ‘diamond in the rough’ job if you know what to look for. So before the next great opportunity knocks - ask yourself these seven (7) things to determine if this opportunity is not just a great job but the perfect one for you.
1. What’s the work vibe? There are buttoned up corporate jobs and then there are those where jeans are a must. More important than the size of the company is the feeling you have when you are there. Visit the building/office and take note if people are smiling, laughing or talking to each other in small groups.
Or do people look down-right miserable after coming back from lunch. Ask yourself what personality types (i.e., the type A’s or more of a laid back crew) do you mesh with. Have clarity about what kind of folks are not your dream co-workers.
2. What’s the organization’s primary “product”?
In marketing, people gravitate toward “smart,” great products. The same is true with our jobs. Here’s a way to get a sense of what you’ll actually be doing on a day-to-day basis. Read the job description. Then subtract 25% of what they must say to “sell” you on the job and then multiply the “worker-bee/administrative stuff” by 2. The result is a pretty clear snapshot of what you’ll most likely be doing the first six (6) months to a year at your new gig.
3. How much phone, computer, and out-of-the-office time will you have?
Let’s face it, even insurance actuaries want a little variety at work. How much time do you want to spend glued to your computer, on the telephone, or out of the office. Be honest with yourself about how much you like and want certain types of work to be a part of your job.
4. Will you work independently, in teams or silos?
Some people like the independence and solitude of working alone with minimal supervision. Others want more direction, and love the creativity of working in teams within their department and organization. Knowing how you like to work is sometimes just as important as knowing what you want to do.
5. What’s your aptitude and threshold for office politics?
Any organization with more than two people has politics and un-written rules for advancing. A good ‘politics’ indicator is the number of levels between you and the CEO/President. The more levels the greater the potential that office politics will negatively affect you.
Know what you can and want to deal with in order to succeed. Remember, when you find the ideal environment that suits your personality – you can be a Rockstar.
6. How much “face time” with the decision makers do you want?
One of the great things about working for small startups and not-for-profits is that employees wear many hats and take on a variety of responsibilities. You need to determine if you are OK with the top boss not knowing your name, let alone, what you do. Or if you’re looking for opportunities where you can meet and work with senior leaders, decision makers and clients.
7. What are your ideal work hours?
If you are a night owl who hates mornings, you should think long and hard about taking a job where you’ll be expected to be at your desk no later than 9:00 a.m. Know what hours suit your life and lifestyle instead of trying to stuff a square peg into a circle. Are you a 9-to-5’er or someone who thrives best when they can have a more flexible schedule that includes working events in the evenings and on weekends? Be honest with yourself about what does and does not work for you.
Professional opportunities are like many things in life, they start out as one thing but can evolve into something better over time. Before you start determining what job, salary and title you’re looking for – this week take a few minutes to ask yourself these seven key questions. They just might help you recognize an opportunity that might be perfect for you!