Transition Tuesday: Starting Your Job Search With the Right Mind Set

The key to a successful job search, one that yields a job you’re happy with, is having the right mind set. The right mind set has to do with looking for a job that will give you what you want and need, whereas the wrong mind set is looking for any job but the one you have right now. There’s a whole world of career opportunities out there. Don’t let desperation close you off from the possibilities.

Last Tuesday, I gave you five questions to help you figure out what you want in a new job. I asked you to look at both your current position and past positions. Did you notice any patterns? Do the same dislikes keep cropping up throughout your career? What about likes? There will always be things you don’t like that can’t be avoided (meetings, for instance, are kind of a given), but if you hate doing paperwork and you keep applying for (and landing) jobs as a file clerk, well, maybe it’s time to change something.

Now that you know what you like and dislike about your current gig and positions you’ve held in the past, let’s think about what you’re looking for in a new job. If you could design the perfect position, what would it look like? What is your dream job? What will your title be? How will you spend your days? Will you manage others or be managed? Will you work independently or in a team? What industry will you work in? Be specific, but feel free to be as creative as you want.

Leave a comment with some thoughts about your dream job. Next week on Transition Tuesday, we’re going to turn these into some action items to help you track down the right opportunities.

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

(photo via SXC.hu)

Tags: women in business, woman, business, tips for finding a new job, starting your job search, job hunting, advice for finding a new job, designing your dream job, what do you want to be when you grow up, career transitions, biz chicks rule, kristen king