JOBS AND CAREER

Before going any further, you have to identify your skills. It is also necessary to decide what type of job you will enjoy and do well. That way, you will be able you describe what you are good at and why you think you can do the job. And you will do well in the interview.

Make a list of all those achievements, accomplishments, or similar “good experiences” that you have had in the past 2 – 5 years – whether work-related or not. Those,

• You feel you did well, and
• Enjoyed doing, and
• Feel proud of

Rank order them and choose the seven best. Now, for each one, write down or tell someone,

• What you did,
• How you did it, and
• What happened.

Add these skills to your list. They are called your “motivated skills.”

Review your list and make a mark next to the other skills that you consider your “motivated skills,” the skills you most enjoy using.

One employer survey found that most people did not present the skills they had to do the job. Job applicants usually could not answer simple basic question, “Why should I hire you?”

There are three types of skills—self management, transferable, and job-related skills.

Self management skills describe your basic personality and your ability to adapt to new environments. For example: hard worker, productive, honest, friendly, optimistic, etc. Unfortunately, most job seekers don’t realize the importance of these skills and don’t mention them.

Transferable skills are the ability to organize events could be used in a variety of jobs and might be essential for success in certain occupation. For example: computer skills, written communication, build/repair things, public speaking, keeping financial record, play musical instrument, and so on.

Job-related skills are those you need to do a particular occupation. For example, an accountant needs to know how to do footing and journaling financial entries. He/she should also have to operate related accounting software.

Then, you should define exactly what you want—the job. Identify what makes a job satisfying for you, decide the job title you desired, what industry you might be working in, what type of work do you prefer, how much money do you hope to make, how much responsibility are you willing to accept, and other things that are important or have meaning to you.

Many people feel confused when he will find a suitable job with him “Where a job based on the unique qualities – skills, talents, needs, values, and interests and lifestyle you want to live”.

IS THE FIRST THING ABOUT YOURSELF

Understand your “unique qualities” is not easy. This is a challenge for everyone. But a clearer picture you have, the more likely you are to choose a satisfying career.

You have to do is to write your ideas down. You can find this difficult to do, many do. But, it will make a big difference in your self-understanding. Write down your thoughts and feelings when you do the exercises below. Creating folders to store and record your writings.

Here is a strategy you will find helpful:

1. Take tests or inventories that measure your abilities, interests, values, and personality.

2. Consider carefully your achievements as the school or in the workplace to identify your abilities. If you are a student, for example, which subjects you have done well in, or not so good at? If you work, do the same analysis. What does this tell you about your abilities – mechanical, verbal, numerical, artistic, and skills? Be careful not to ignore, or leave out your abilities.

3. Examine how you use your spare time – your hobbies, community projects, social activities, political, or religious organizations. For each one, write down three headings: Ability, Interest, and Value. And, under each heading write down your thoughts.

4. Talking with a friend or family member who is a good listener.

5. Talking with a professional counselor; learn about career counseling
In psychology there is a concept called the Johari Window that describe our self-knowledge. There are four windows in the Johari Window.

(a) The window opens. The things that we know about ourselves, but the other person knows. For example physical condition, profession, area of origin, and others.
(b) The window closed. The things about ourselves that we know but other people do not know. For example the content of feeling, opinion, sleeping habits, and so on.
(c) The window blind. The things that we do not know about ourselves, but everyone else knows. For example the things that positive and negative effects on our personality.
(d) The window was dark. The things about ourselves, but our own or other people do not know. This is the area of mystery in life.

The greater the area / window is open we will get better, because then we know ourselves as well. People who have covered a larger area would have difficulty in relationships. As for those who have very large blind areas, usually to make others feel sorry for.

The people we know close, the window must be opened more, also if we want to cooperate with others. How to open a window? How can we know ourselves? How can we have a window open a larger?.

6. Go to Identify Your Skills. There you will learn what the different types of skills and how to identify those that you have. The activities described are strong, they are used by the consulting firm in the country. You’ll find them worthy effort.

7. Write an autobiography and identify the themes that represent who you are.

8. Write a personal mission statement. In it write: what you want, what you want to achieve in life, and the values or principles of what you want to guide you.