At the end of a lengthy recruiter discussion, there was something that everyone could agree upon, and it was a little surprising. The broad unanimity was when you are conducting your job search is it advisable to know what you want to do in your next job.
Having goals and specific ideas of what you want to accomplish is what this hiring group found to be the most impressive trait a candidate can bring to an interview and more importantly to the position they are filling. What exactly does that mean is a good question.
It is a simple thing. The job you are applying to is for a call center position in customer service. When asked what work environment do you work best in, and the answer is “a place that is quiet and I can focus and get my work done”, not only sounds like a call center job is not what you are looking for, this will certainly not impress your future employer. “I like to work for a small company where I can be recognized for my accomplishments” and the interview is with a large company where the focus is on what you can do for them, not what they can do for you is another example of a poor fit.
The typical advice before you attend an interview is to research and investigate the company on the internet, ask former co-workers about them, and see if you can figure out who their competitor is and what obstacles that might bring.
The other advice that you may not have heard that employers are for is research yourself as well. Applying to every job you see, no matter the fit or not knowing what kind of work you will thrive in is a waste of your time and the future employer’s time. It is important that you know what things are important to you, how you like to be recognized, what you enjoy doing, what drives you in your career choices, and what you are good at doing.
There is an incredible and detailed self assessment tool that can actually be found through the California’s EDD’s website. Click here to see their steps to the best career for you. It includes a self assessment, a cost of living calculator and some guides about what a job requires or what it might pay. This tool and an excellent resource, and it meant to be used just for this purpose.
Knowing what you want to do will certainly impress your future employer and it will save you time and effort.
More from this contributor:
What Not to Do in Order to Impress Your Future Employer
More on What Not to Do in Order to Impress Your Future Employer
Stalking Your Future Employer Will Not Get You the Job
Trash Talking Will Not Impress Your Future Employer
It is All in The Details
Is Your Resume Getting Killed?
Starting Your Job Search Strategy
