The right job unleashes one's highest potentiaL--bringing out and fully using one's best talents, abilities, and personal attributes. The wrong job stifles those qualities--draining passion and vitality. The right job is a joy--enabling us to contribute to others in a way that provides a sense of purpose and meaning--and an exceptional vehicle for personal growth. The wrong job is a drudge--wearing away one's hopes and dreams with mind-numbing and seemingly pointless busy-work.

Are you in the right job or the wrong job (or no job)? If you’re in the right job, congratulations!… And count your blessings! If not, here’s what you can do about it...

STEP ONE: ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE.

You must decide that you’re worth it: that finding work you love is both possible and necessary. The stakes in the “employment game” are very high. There is an upside possibility of great satisfaction: self-esteem, purpose, social connection, structure, self-actualization and financial reward. At the same time, the challenges are huge--especially in today’s economy. And the only way to get through the bumps is to be resolute in your decision that you will persevere until you have reached your goal--however long that takes.

STEP TWO: KNOW THYSELF.

Take an honest look at who you are and what you really want to do: consider your talents and abilities...your interests and enthusiasms...your accomplishments, education/training, and experience. (You may find the self-assessment exercises in Richard Bolles's What Color Is Your Parachute useful for this task).

Take stock of your limitations as well. For example, you may not be aggressive enough to head a corporation; you may not have the time and/or money to go back to college and get an advanced degree....

STEP THREE: DETERMINE YOUR OPTIONS.

Taking the data gathered in Step One, decide what you could do that you would enjoy. Consider the industry (look at the index to the Yellow Pages for clues), job function (e.g., manager, salesperson, accountant) and the geographic area you're willing to consider.

The Internet can also be a good place for new ideas: try www.craigslist.org for starters. List at least three good possibilities for jobs you could imagine yourself doing.

STEP FOUR: TEST YOUR OPTIONS.

Go out and interview people who are doing the kind of work you think you would enjoy. If you're casual, friendly, and truly interested in your "subjects," you'll be amazed how much information they will give you! Find out what their jobs actually entail; how they got their positions; the outlook for the industry and their particular company. If you're still interested--and feel you have any chance of getting hired--find out who has the power to hire: the actual decision-maker (it's not the Human Resources Department).

STEP FIVE: MAKE A PLAN.

Select your best option--balancing desirability with attainability--then GO FOR IT! This may mean...

A. WRITE A RESUME. Hire a pro or get a good book to help you. Use your resume to clarify on paper why an employer should hire you, emphasizing your accomplishments and strengths and omitting anything irrelevant or negative in relation to your objective. Then let your resume be your "script" for what you will say to prospective employers--preferably leaving it behind after talking to the employer rather than sending it ahead.

B. GET TRAINING/EDUCATION. If you found in Step Three that you need additional skills or knowledge to get the job you want, go and get them. But be practical: talk to employers first and find out their bottom-line requirements. They may not require a degree or certificate; just certain competencies you may be able to acquire with a few classes at the J.C.

STEP SIX: TALK TO THE DECISION-MAKER (with the power to hire).

Find out how s/he got started in the company; what s/he looks for in a prospective employee; what the hiring outlook is for the company. Explain why you are interested in making a career change; what you feel you could offer the company; and ask for advice about how you could enter the company or industry.

If the employer seems interested in you, follow their advice (e.g., fill out an application, talk with whoever you're referred to, etc.). Then ask when you may check back to see what hiring needs might arise in the future. Don't be discouraged if there are no openings at present: there is always turnover, and it's not always predictable.

If the employer does not seem interested in you as a prospective employee or indicates it will be a LONG time before they do any hiring, ask for the names of people in other companies you might speak with. Remember, referrals are your best source of job lead--but you have to ask for them!

STEP SEVEN: GET HELP! (This might actually be Step One, or--and this is best--simultaneous with Steps One through Six).

Don't do it alone: the feelings of insecurity and rejection can be overwhelming. You will need support, both emotionally and also in terms of objective feedback. We tend to not see our strengths and weaknesses in true perspective: we either underestimate our abilities (most commonly), overestimate them, or a mix of both. It is useful to seek professional help for this reason alone.

There are excellent career and job search resources available at your local community college: call the Career Center, the Counseling Department, or the Re-entry Program for details (a career planning class is also a good idea!). If you're unemployed, the nearest Employment Development Department may be able to provide counseling and placement assistance.

There are also private career counselors listed under that heading in the Yellow Pages. Ask questions to determine that they are both sincere AND competent. Ask about their successes, fee structure, time frames, etc. Listen to your "gut" and be sure you feel trust, before making any commitments. Below are the basic elements of an effective career development program...

1. SELF-ASSESSMENT: WHO AM I?
Tests, interview questions, and "homework" to reveal your temperament, values, interests, motivation patterns, and transferable skills.

2. MARKET PLANNING & RESEARCH.
Print & internet research and informational interviewing to verify that your objectives are attainable and to build a foundation for the job search.

3. MARKETING & SALES CAMPAIGN.
Letters, resumes, "networking," and interview
coaching to help you win the Right Job!

Your comments and personal stories--especially successes--are most welcome. I can be reached at coach4miracles@gmail.com. Thanks, and happy hunting!

Author's Bio: 

Don is the Director of Torchbearer Coaching in Santa Rosa CA, where he supports career-minded adults to make the fullest use of their gifts; to offer the greatest service; and to enjoy outrageous rewards. Don is trained career coach and licensed therapist, since 1978, and also has 10 years experience as a high-tech recruiter--with a client list that includes Apple Computer, Oracle, and Intel. In addition, Don is the Director of the Conscious Business Network in Santa Rosa, CA, providing opportunities for conscious, heart-centered professionals in Sonoma County to support, educate, collaborate and refer business to one another.