Discovering Where You Fit In Today's Local and Global Job Market

Today's shrinking world coupled with an increasing sense of urgency seems to have many of us looking for the answer to, "what the heck am I supposed to be doing and where can I do it"? On the surface it seems like a funny question. Yet, the same question comes up for those entering the job market, or who have accomplished their career objective. "What is next for me?" The answer lies in presenting your unique talents, education/experience, capacity for change, and.shtmlirations for growth to the employment community. The easy part is finding the employment community. The hard part is identifying and concisely presenting your 'offer of service' in a way that sets you apart from others. Today's environment has pushed many into the workplace as independent agents and others into jobs that do not offer the satisfaction that fosters sustained high performance.

One of a job seeker’s mysteries of life is to match your talents to a profession that produces a happy, healthy, and energetic condition. Working for money without satisfaction is usually viewed as a temporary condition or means to an end that all too often becomes "hard labor" instead of a "labor of love". A job that gives one an opportunity to give back to community more than you get from it is ideal. The following intentions can be your guide to a fulfilling match 'of person - to work' possible for those who seek it out.

Assess Yourself

First, engaging in some form of 'assessment' is necessary in order to target a career path that directs your education and work experience. One method is simply to inquire with those close to us to reveal what they see or feel when they observe us in action. For example, others observations or stories about us are valuable feedback especially as they see us when we are in high performance and joy. This may seem a bit "out there", but those who know us can generate descriptors and situations that identify what they see that sets us apart. To get specific, have them tell you a story of when, where, and what you were doing when you demonstrated excellence. This exercise is designed to align your self perceptions of ability with those others see. Another method is to engage in assessments that match potential 'job fit' with your unique personality style and motivational preferences. There are many validated assessment tools available and several should be taken to identify common career, personality, and motivational themes that fit you like finely tailored clothes.

Combine Talent and Work Experience

Second, after identifying our unique talents we can combine them with the education/experience that directs a job search with an employer (or marketplace, if you choose self-employment) that offers the potential for a high performance relationship. Combining your talent with work experience and education produces a visible expression of a passionate life. This passion when focused is the key ingredient to becoming a magnet for job opportunities. The expression of passion produces a confidence in ability that allows employers to sort out applicants of equal experience or background. Also, in a professional setting the search for job fit should be viewed from a global perspective. Even if you intend to work locally one is wise to expand their flexibility in working with various cultures, the international marketplace, and work practices imported from other countries. Remember, high performance is supported by a positive relationship with the people you work with. When the pressure goes up or when we make mistakes it is the relationships you develop that make the difference in giving you the space to learn and grow when work or life throws you a curve.

Challenge Yourself

Finally, presenting and challenging your capacity for change coupled with the.shtmliration to grow personally and professionally demonstrates to others your commitment to producing results when the target is constantly moving. Developing a capacity for change requires constant attention, similar to muscle toning and stretching exercises. Being alert to this allows you to be prepared to interact with change by demonstrating flexibility and enthusiasm. This ability 'not to be at the affect of change' gives you the edge needed to find the flow in life and at the same time keeps you sharp and able to help others struggling to adapt to changing circumstances. Employers of choice place higher value on those who find ways to stretch themselves and not fall into the trap of job proficiency. Aspiring to become better keeps one ahead of the change curve and can prevent stagnation or boredom with work activity. Years of experience are no longer the distinguishing attribute for a competitive job market. Operating with these intentions; presenting your unique talents, education/experience, capacity for change, and.shtmlirations for growth will give you a destination/destiny that makes a career path possible. With patience and persistence you too can find fulfillment and prosperity in your life's work.

© by Mark Gross, April, 2003

Written by Mark Gross, Principal of Leadership Services, Ltd., a Santa Barbara based Leadership Coaching and Assessment Firm. For further information call 805-899-2660 or go to http://www.leadershipservices.com.