“Self-awareness”; a phrase which connotes personal development or growth, aspirations, and one’s own potential. All of which are, by and large, true. Equally true, I would say, is the idea that self-awareness is a valuable tool that can be cultivated and used to benefit one’s own job search.
Self-awareness can be defined as having an understanding of your personality, behaviours, habits, emotional reactions and motivation. It’s about being conscious of what you’re good at while acknowledging that you still have things to learn.
So, with that in mind, just how can “self-awareness” be used during a job search?
First things first, identify your skills
Before embarking on the search for a new job, it’s worth asking yourself the following question: “What can I bring to the table?” This seems, at least on first blush, a simple question. However, it’s a question that you need to answer honestly, and that requires some critical self-reflection.
When applying to a job, it’s important to effectively sell yourself. So, make sure that you consider what skills you have, and how you can best utilise them for your new employer.
Apply your skills to the work environment
For example, are you good at business development? If so, how do you develop business leads? What skills do you use to create and progress good working relationships? What figures (financially speaking) have you brought into the business because of your commercial acumen? Will these business relationships come with you to your new role? If not, what plans do you have to develop new leads and avenues to explore?
Always reflect on how your skills are applicable to a work environment and the job role you are applying for. Give examples of how you’ve utilised and applied your skills in the workplace, and the outcomes.
Identify your Soft skills
Also consider and be aware of the soft skills you have. Are you good with people? If so, how have you used this to your strength? Have you garnered repeat business because you’re personable? Again, if so, how much business, and what is it worth in monetary terms? Equally, if you’re good with people, how have you used this to help the already existing team? How do you boost morale?
In summary, at the start of your job search it’s important to analyse your skills and be aware of how your skills align with advertised job vacancies. This will ensure that you will only apply your roles where you skills align with the job.
Be Aware of your Weaknesses
Also important throughout the job search is having awareness of your weaknesses. Being self-aware, understanding your weaknesses and how to turn them into an advantage, will stand you in good stead throughout your job search. Don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks you about your weaknesses. We all have weaknesses, so embrace them!
What about the job for you?
So, you have a clear sense of self, or indeed, “self-awareness”. What next? I would argue that you need to use your self-awareness to determine the sort of job for you. You ought to be considering job opportunities that you are confident you will thrive in. Afterall, you spend so much your life at work. You ought to find a working environment that will allow you to thrive in it.
Not only does self-awareness allow you to make an informed decision about the next role that you will find yourself in, but it stands you in good stead for the future. For example, suppose you do find a role that you take a great deal of satisfaction in, and you are good at it, but for whatever reason, you find yourself wishing to move into a new role after a few years. Having that steady role on your CV shows that you don’t just move from job to job, and further contributes to the longevity of your working career.
Conclusion – The importance of self-awareness during a job search
Self-awareness is an absolute must have when you’re looking to move jobs; even when you are weighing up the sorts of jobs that you can apply for; or indeed the sort of job you may wish to accept, if you are in the fortunate position where you are given multiple job offers.
Being self-aware throughout the job search process is conjunctive to how you come across to potential employers. Additionally, having self-awareness is vital to your performance throughout the interview stage and your overall success to acquiring a new job.
By being able to take a step back from yourself, and then critically assess yourself, you can go a long way to ensuring that you find the right job for you.
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