Marble Jar Gang Career Counseling: Reflection
The basic premise or formula is to recognize that when your skills + traits + behaviors are placed in the right environment the outcome will give you a greater chance of success and happiness in your work.
Often people will tell us that they need a new resume because they want to change jobs. Yes, they will need a document to provide information about themselves to a prospective employer but it is not the best way to begin a conversation about a career change. You begin by looking inward, assessing and organizing your criteria in order to ensure that everything you put out there is reflective of who you are and what you want to do. Let’s get organized using the homework you have previously completed that earned you 6 marbles in your jar. Make your list on one document and call it MY CRITERIA.
MY CRITERIA – you fill in your words from your previous homework!
1. I have three types of skills: cognitive, interpersonal and technical. This is what they are and these are the ways I have used them, successfully, in the past. These can be personal or professional.
2. I have personality traits that are reflected in my character and values. This is the list from the Five Factor Model (see blog post on TRAITS).
3. I have given thought to the behaviors I have personally demonstrated and to those behaviors I have been exposed to in previous jobs. This is the list of behaviors I want to be surrounded by in any future position and this is the list of behaviors I want to leave behind me.
4. I understand the culture of the company I want to work for and I will seek that out. The items that are important to me are; examples may include values, work-life balance, group spirit, and any physical or psychological aspects you require. Note which ones on your list are non-negotiable.
5. Write the sentences that define your personal WHY. (see post PROFILE 1)
6. List your requirements from WHAT, WHO, WHERE and WHEN. (see post PROFILE 2). Note which ones are on your list that are non-negotiable.
Your past performance is a good predictor of future performance. Therefore it is valuable to look inward and really self-reflect on what you CAN DO and what you are WILLING TO DO.
When you have compiled these thoughts into one document, reread it and make amendments as needed. Share it with people you trust to tell you if this honestly reflects who you are. When you know you have a good handle on your skills, traits, behaviors and ideal environment then you will be ready to begin your resume building which will be the next few posts.
Congratulations and put another marble in your jar! In fact, if you have done all this work give yourself an extra marble as you have done the hardest part of the preparation. Well done!
For a deeper dive, check out this article; https://www.nbcnews.com/better/business/job-hopping-rise-should-you-consider-switching-roles-make-more-ncna868641