A job wish list is an important step in the job search process that helps you organize your thoughts and reflect on where you would fit best. From the job itself to company culture, knowing if the move is aligned with your career goals, will make the road map look more desirable. Here are some tips on creating that wish list!
Identify your long term and short term goals
Start your job wish list with your goals. Where are you now and where would you want to be in the next few years? How can your next move bring you closer to your goals? Imagine yourself in your ideal position, what does it look like? Be realistic and set SMART goals, where should your next job take you?
Decide what you want/don’t want in a job
What do you enjoy doing most? Think how your skills and experience can be utilized in new innovative ways. Do flex work times matter to you? How far are you willing to commute? Do you like to spend most of your time alone or in a team? Do the office layout and team structure impact your daily functions? Think it through and answer the questions with honesty. Ask yourself the most challenging questions that you have possibly avoided.
Think about the companies/industries you want to work for
Are there some companies you want/ don’t want to work for? Do you have insights on why you like/don’t like them? List those which you would love to see yourself at. Broaden your list based on the criteria that other companies might meet. Research the companies, look them up online, ask your network, be cautious of biased comments.
Set your salary expectations
Your wish list is incomplete without factoring compensation in. What range is your current salary in? Do you receive bonuses? What benefits do you have? Are you expecting a raise in the near future? Do you want to be at a lateral/higher range? Don’t set the bar lower than what is acceptable to you.
Creating a job wish list that is well thought will help you figure out what matters to you in priority and what you want in a job. You don’t want the regret of making a wrong decision overcome the excitement of finding a new opportunity. So get the pen and paper ready and jot down what’s on your mind.
Want to read more? check out this amazing read from Forbes for more ways to discover what your desired job looks like.
