Career questions to think about

Questions to ask yourself as you consider a career pivot:

1. What things do I like most about my current/past job(s)?

2. What are the jobs or careers of people I find fascinating, interesting, or successful?

3. What distinctive skills do people see in me, and what specific indicator(s) makes people see them (credentials, behaviors, experience, etc.)?

4. What are the most impressive elements of my resume? (Focus on unique and difficult accomplishments.)

5.What skills would I love to have acquired in three to five years’ time?

6. What things do I dislike most about my current/past job(s)?

7. What are the jobs or careers of people I find boring and uninteresting?

8. What new jobs or careers exist that require my skills and interests?

9. What organizational cultures resonate with me, because they fit with my own values, style, and preferences?

10. If I could have three different careers between now and retirement, which ones would I pick (if there were no obstacles or limits, and if I were a great fit)?

I talk to my clients about many of these topics. From the above list, I think the 4 main questions are #4, #6, #7, and #8.

4. What are the most impressive elements of my resume?

This question is pretty much the foundation of everything I do with my clients. I ask, “What is your impact? How have you improved a company since you were hired?”

This information enhances the way executives talk during an interview, or any conversation about a position. This is different than talking about transferable skills, because most people consider communication, collaboration, team building, innovation, and transformation useful, when in fact everyone claims these skills so they are useless. Instead, figure out how your most impressive accomplishments can help other companies.

6. What things do I dislike most about my current/past job(s)?

This question ensures that you choose wisely for your next job. I’ve had leaders tell me that they don’t want to be in their field anymore because they’re over their current company. We usually determine that they do want to stay in their field, they just want to work somewhere else. That’s understandable.

This question also bridges me to the next question, which is “What is missing? What are you lacking in your current position that you really want? What do you crave?”

I often think that my clients are going to say “more communication” because that problem is so prevalent, but my clients will often get pretty specific and detailed about why their situation is frustrating them. The more detailed they get, the more I can help them get what they need.

7. What are the jobs or careers of people I find boring and uninteresting? 

This question is an interesting ponder, because it can either determine a better career path or it can determine #6, what the client likes or dislikes about their job. If someone that you know is talking a lot about how slow work is, when you know that that person is a high-energy mover and shaker, then their job is boring to them. However, in listening to them, you might enjoy the slower pace.

8. What new jobs or careers exist that require my skills and interests?

This is an excellent question, and I advise my clients on options all the time that they didn’t know were possible. For example, the fractional/contract/temp executive position is always a possibility, and many executives don’t know that is an option. Another option is joining a Board of Directors or contracting as a short-term advisory or consulting positions.

A career pivot can be daunting, but if you ask helpful questions, then you won’t be wasting time in positions that are wrong for you. Do research and be choosy.

For details, questions or to schedule a complimentary discussion on how you can evaluate these critical career questions correctly and gain valuable advice to maximize your potential and transform to a role that is fulfilling and satisfying and enables you to be at your best, please email me at coach@maximizeu.life

Live, Work & Lead with greater Freedom, Power & Peace of Mind.

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