Finding your true career desires and job searching in two hours

Ask questions, take action.

If you haven’t noticed, we often like to use both introspective/reflective techniques as well as action-oriented invitations to help you make progress in your career.

So first, it’s helpful to figure out what we really want. Our true desires in our careers.

Check out below for some important questions to answer. I invite you to really take some time to answer them and see what comes up for you.

Additionally, I provide perhaps the most practical job search book that I know. If you want to learn how to connect with people who can help you land a job quickly, this book is for you.

So, look inside, and take action outside.

It’s all important!

In today’s newsletter:

• Unlock Your True Career Desires

• A Job Search in 2 Hours

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CAREER TIPS

Six Questions to Help You Uncover Your True Desires In Your Career

In the pursuit of a fulfilling and purpose-driven career, uncovering your true desires is paramount. This process involves delving deep into the core of who you are, what you value, and the impact you want to leave on the world. We will look at six important questions that serve as radiating lights for helping you identify your true objectives and create a career that speaks to who you are becoming.

1. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" 

This question extends far beyond mere occupation. It beckons us to ponder the type of person we aspire to become as we navigate the stages of life. Beyond choosing a career, this question encourages us to consider our role in the community, the values we want to embody, and the growth we seek to achieve. By envisioning the kind of human being we aim to be, we set the groundwork for an intentional journey of continuous self-improvement.

2. "What impact do you want to leave on the world?" 

As engineers and professionals in the technology realm, our work extends beyond ourselves and directly influences the world. Contemplating the impact we wish to leave behind is a powerful exercise. It challenges us to think beyond our immediate accomplishments and consider the lives we touch through our creations, innovations, and solutions. By striving for a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others, we elevate our career pursuits beyond personal gain to the realm of meaningful contribution.

3. "What do you want others to remember you for?"  

This question encompasses our roles as colleagues, friends, family members, and community participants. Delving into this question compels us to reflect on the qualities we want to be known for, the relationships we wish to nurture, and the causes we deeply care about. It prompts us to infuse intentionality into all aspects of our lives, leaving a legacy that extends beyond professional achievements.

 4. "What areas do you want to grow and improve in your life?" 

The journey towards uncovering true desires entails an active commitment to growth. While technical skills are essential, equally important are the areas we seek to improve as individuals. Acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, both technical and interpersonal, paves the way for holistic development. By embracing a willingness to learn and adapt, engineers can cultivate well-rounded expertise that aligns with their aspirations.

5. "What kind of person do you want to become?" 

Our desires are intertwined with the kind of person we envision ourselves becoming. This introspective question compels us to confront our self-concept and self-awareness. It challenges us to nurture qualities such as compassion, empathy, and resilience. By defining our ideal self, we set a course towards aligning actions with values, fostering a profound sense of self-worth and fulfillment.

6. "What is the next right action you can take?" 

Uncovering true desires is not solely an exercise in introspection; it's a call to action. Defining aspirations is only the beginning—transformation occurs when intentions are translated into meaningful actions. Identifying the next right steps enables engineers to embark on a purposeful journey. Every action taken in alignment with true desires propels individuals towards the career and life they envision.

Continue to cultivate a willingness to embark on this transformative self-discovery journey. The six questions explored here—each inviting reflection and introspection—serve as compasses guiding you toward your authentic aspirations. As you navigate these questions, remember that your career journey is an ongoing process of growth, improvement, and intentional action. By embracing these questions as tools for self-awareness, you can uncover your true desires, shape your career, and ultimately create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

📚 BOOK RECOMMENDATION

The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster by Steve Dalton

Technology has changed not only the way we do business but also the way we look for work. The 2-Hour Job Search rejects laundry lists of conventional wisdom in favor of a streamlined job search approach that produces results quickly and efficiently. In three steps, creator Steve Dalton shows you how to select, prioritize, and make contact with potential employers so you can land that critical first interview.

In this book, you'll find advice on how to surf online job postings efficiently, how to reach out to contacts at your dream workplace and when to follow up, and advice on using LinkedIn, Indeed, and Google to your best advantage. Dalton incorporates ideas from leading thinkers in behavioral economics, psychology, and game theory, as well as success stories from readers of the first edition.

The 2-Hour Job Search method has proven so successful that it has been shared at schools across the globe and is a formal part of the curriculum for all first-year MBAs at Duke University. With this book, you'll learn how to make it work for you too.