Most of the time, when you hear someone use the phrase ‘self-awareness’, it’s in connection with personal growth, and about how understanding yourself can help you improve. That’s true; but have you ever thought about how self-awareness can be a valuable job search tool as well? Think about it: there are lots of different jobs out there, but not all of them are going to be the right fit for you. Where do you start, and what is the best way to utilize your valuable job-seeking time and energy to ensure the best results? Understanding yourself, your skills, your work preferences, and your expectations is an important part of putting that puzzle together. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help increase self-awareness in your job search and improve long-term results:
Understanding the skills and experience you have to offer sets the tone for a productive job search in a number of ways. In addition to giving you a good idea of where to start your search and what kinds of jobs you are most likely to secure, having this information will help you better ‘sell’ yourself to potential employers on your resume and in interviews. Employers know that there is a big difference between saying you have certain skills and being able to put them into action, so when you can speak confidently and intelligently about your specific skills and abilities, it helps you stand out, and helps employers understand the valuable contributions you could make as part of the team.
The goal is not just to get hired; even more importantly, it is also to be successful wherever you go. So, it is imperative to think about the types of jobs and work environments that you are best suited for. Do you love customer service, but cringe at the thought of working in a call center environment again? Do you prefer working independently, or do you need the energy of a team environment to help you stay motivated throughout your workday? Often, knowing what you don’t want or what doesn’t work for you is just as important as knowing what does. Why? Because it helps you avoid unsatisfying jobs, prevent excessive job-hopping, and increases the likelihood that you will land somewhere you will thrive!
While it’s not productive to obsess over what other people think of you, it is important to be mindful of how you might come across to others in professional situations such as job interviews or networking events. This will help you modify your approach so you can keep things appropriate for the environment. For instance, if you are going to a networking event and you know that you are naturally a very close talker, keep in mind that physical boundaries vary from person to person, and standing too close to someone may make them feel uncomfortable. You can still be your authentic self – just recognize that some situations may require tempering certain tendencies back a little bit. Body language, word choice, personal presentation, and hygiene are some important factors to keep in mind when reflecting on how others may perceive you.
What are your expectations about job duties, schedules, and requirements? Are they realistic based on what you bring to the table and what is available in your location? Recognize that you may need to manage your expectations if there is a discrepancy between what you’re looking for, the experience and skills you can offer, and what is available within a reasonable travel distance. Otherwise, you may have a hard time securing employment. Distinguishing your must-haves from the nice-to-haves is a good place to start, as it will help you identify areas that you could potentially be more flexible in. For instance, if making more per hour is your number one non-negotiable, but a short commute doesn’t rank highly on your job search criteria, then it makes sense to extend your search radius (within reason) if local employers don’t offer what you’re looking for. Most jobs probably won’t check off ALL the items on your wish list – so you must prioritize your needs and compromise accordingly.
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It doesn’t matter if you are applying to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or an entry-level position at a small mom & pop diner, all hiring managers are looking for candidates that hold themselves personally accountable.
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Admit Your Mistakes EarlyYou will make your fair share of mistakes, it is human nature. The key to success is not hiding them, brushing them under the rug, or placing blame on others – it is quickly recognizing the error, fixing it if you can, or reaching out for assistance when necessary. |
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You Are In Control of Your ResponseWhether you are faced with a challenge, an unexpected change, or a conflict with a co-worker or boss, you are in control of how you respond. Personal accountability is about recognizing that you are in control of your actions, behavior, and attitude – then taking the next best step to move forward in a productive manner. |
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Make The Best of Every SituationTo thrive at work, you must recognize that the only constant is change. If you (or the company) is not changing, chances are you aren’t moving forward. By looking for positive opportunity in every situation, you are setting yourself up to be successful no matter what unexpected curveball is sent your way. |
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Own Your Work and AttitudeNo one likes to be micro-managed, and the truth is: most leaders don’t want to have to micro-manage their team. The best way to avoid that unfortunate scenario is to manage yourself by owning your work, your effort, and your attitude – before someone else has to. |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
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Do you want to experience increased job satisfaction? Have you ever wanted to see your ideas implemented in the workforce or be given more autonomy? What about increasing you long-term earning potential and career longevity? If you answered yes to any of those questions, recognize you have more control over attaining your goals than you may think. The key lies in demonstrating a commitment to holding yourself personally accountable.
Here are 5 key ways to demonstrate that you are an employee that values and exudes personal accountability.
There are many things that happen within an organization that employees have little or no control over. Perhaps there was a shake-up in leadership, a machine broke down and impacted your work, or you work with someone that appears to have a lack of professional boundaries. Personal accountability is not taking responsibility for everything that happens around you, but instead recognizing that you control how you respond. It can be incredibly empowering and freeing to solely focus on the things within your control like your attitude, behavior, and how you choose to react to any situation.
One aspect of your work that you can most certainly control is the quality of what you produce. Whether you are counting widgets, budgeting the organizational finances, or designing snazzy graphics for social media – the work you produce and the effort you put into it is completely within your control. Paying attention to detail, avoiding distractions, and doing what you can to meet deadlines or production standards is a clear way to show that you value your work and hold yourself accountable for your results. Owning the quality of your work also means assuming the responsibility of bring any business-related challenges to the attention of someone who can help remedy them.
Showing up on time, avoiding extended breaks, setting and respecting professional boundaries, and focusing on the quality of the work and results produced is the foundation of managing your own performance. Few leaders want to have to have those difficult performance management conversations with their staff, and chances are the team member on the other side of that conversation would prefer to not have to have them either. Most managers would agree that the best way to avoid those uncomfortable meetings is for team members to embrace the ‘responsibility of freedom’ mentality by being someone who is capable of managing themselves. Self-management is also demonstrating that you respect the roles of other people and that you can effectively stay in your proverbial lane. Avoid criticising other people’s work or spending your time keeping tabs on what other people are doing – unless you have been tasked with that responsibility.
Change is the only constant. This means that no matter how new (or tenured) you are within your industry, role, or organization, if your wish to continue to thrive at work, you need to recognize that there is always more to learn, and what would in the past may no longer be the best (or most efficient) way to do things. Be open to learning from everyone you come into contact with, solicit feedback when appropriate, don’t be afraid to admit that you may need training on something, and seek out resources to continue to grow your skills. By staying humble and swallowing your pride, your will maintain and/or increase your standing as a top-performer.
Mistakes are bound to happen, some big and some small. While some may think that admitting mistakes is a sign of weakness, top-performers recognize that it is a sign of strength and character. Those who demonstrate personal accountability are not going to hide from mistakes or brush them under the rug in hopes that no one notices. They don’t point fingers at others for their errors or shortcomings. Instead, they quickly recognize the issue and take immediate steps to correct it or bring it to the attention of someone who can – all while taking the steps necessary to avoid making the same mistake again. Being able to take ownership of mistakes builds trust within the organization – and with trust comes respect and opportunity.
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