Clarify your values
You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Therefore, when seeking work, it is important to look for companies and positions that are in line with your personal values. Many potential candidates ignore this important point and often end up working in an organisation with a sense of disgust or leaving the company during their trial period.
Often the employer will find out in a more in-depth interview that your values do not identify with those of the company and you will not be hired anyway. Start with a thorough self-assessment and be honest: if you can properly define your values at the beginning, you will save a lot of time and energy in finding a new job.
Write down your key skills and abilities in which you excel
The value you can offer the organisation is a crucial motivating factor. Try writing down on piece of paper the skills you possess. And that's not all: link these qualifications to your specific achievements in practice. Write down how and when you have used these skills and contributed to a successful project or past goals. At the same time, focus on subjective abilities that you perceive you truly excel in, those which will both give you the appetite for work and earn you bonus points with the employer when they are deciding whether to take you on.
Be aware of your weaknesses and what you can do about them
The value of self-knowledge lies in your ability to assess your weaknesses. If you are honest in this assessment and accept your weaknesses as a fact, you will retain your motivation even in the event of a direct confrontation, for example, during an interview. Can you name at least three of your weaknesses? Do you know what you should do to deal with them?
Avoid typical job interviews responses such as: “I tend to be impatient” or “I'm something of a perfectionist.” You should state what you know is hindering you in your personal and professional development. Provide a basis for further self-improvement. For example, if you are a slow “starter” in terms of projects and deadlines, learn to split projects into smaller pieces with realistic milestones. No matter what your weaknesses are, there is always a way to improve.
Choose something you love
You will spend more time at work than doing any other activity. The happiest people are those who love their job and consider themselves fortunate to be getting paid for it. You can remain motivated in your job search by clarifying your values, building on your strengths and working on your weaknesses. Focusing on areas you are interested in and enjoy will put you on the path of true personal and professional success.
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