#CareerTipTuesday - Finding the Right Fit for YOU

Research shows that Americans spend over 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. For many people that adds up to a THIRD of their life. That's a third of your life that you can enjoy...or a third of your life that may make you miserable. 
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While no single position or environment is perfect, certain positions, organizations, teams and environments may be a better fit for you than others. Perhaps your ideal role includes an environment with a lot of structure and supervision, opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, a flexible schedule to maintain family obligations, and a specific level of medical benefits given the cost of daily medication. Maybe instead it requires education reimbursement benefits, a 401K with Employer Match and the opportunity for upward mobility and promotions, but could start out with a lower salary range to begin! Everyone's list is different.
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So how do you gauge if a role is the right fit for YOU?
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Our Tip: Identify & Prioritize Your "Deal-Breakers"

1. Reflect:
Take time to think about your career goals, the positions you've enjoyed the most, the leaders who have supported you and the types of environments where you've thrived. Identify how much you'd like to earn and how much you NEED to earn.
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2. Research: 
Research local labor market information to determine a reasonable salary range given your education and experience. If you're looking for a career change, interest assessments and other tools can help you identify best fits.
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Additionally, before applying for specific openings, research the potential employer (including employee reviews) as you may be able to gauge certain criteria before even applying. 
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3. Prioritize: 
Once you have your "wish list" of what makes up your ideal position and environment, prioritize! Which items are negotiable and which are absolute deal-breakers?
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You know your situation best. Only YOU can determine which are non-negotiable!
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4. Ask:
Prepare your list of questions before each interview based on what is most important to YOU. What do YOU need to know in order to make an informed decision for yourself?
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Timing is extremely important in this area as some questions should be reserved for later on in the process. However, if you've received an offer and certain things don't feel right, ask! Do so BEFORE you accept. Don't forget, you don't have to accept every offer you receive!
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5. Observe:
Utilize each interaction as an opportunity to observe the environment, the team culture and the overall professionalism of staff and leaders. Identify red flags or confirm positives! 
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6. Decide:
No matter how intentional you are, it is impossible to know everything there is to know about a position, team, leader, organization or environment. Once an offer is made and all questions have been asked, you have to determine if what you do know meets your requirements.
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While it is important to be reasonable with your requirements, it's equally as important to be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot compromise...otherwise, you'll be back to job-seeking before you know it!

#CareerTipTuesday #BestFit #Priorities #ClothingConfidenceCareer