What Are You Looking For In Your Next Job?

This might sound a little "woo woo," but I genuinely believe you can manifest your dream job. The best way to start is by figuring out exactly what you want in your next position. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, how will you know when you find it? Or how to search for it?

What happens when you get the interview question, “What are you looking for in your next role?” Take the time to think this through. What are your short and long-term goals? Are you seeking new challenges, or do you want to focus on solving the same problems you are already good at?

Years ago, Oprah talked a lot about the Law of Attraction. How focusing on what you want can help bring it into your life. Think of it like ordering at a restaurant. Your next role is the meal, and the universe is your server. If your job search is vague, like saying, “I want a new job in sales,” that’s like walking into a restaurant and just asking for chicken. But if you get specific, “I want Chicken Piccata with extra capers, buttered noodles, and a side salad with no onions and oil and vinegar dressing, ”you’re much more likely to get exactly what you want. The same goes for finding a good fit in your career.

So, take time to think about it. Write it down. Journal about your career goals and long-term aspirations. Daydream a little! The more clarity you have, the better.

What do you want in your next job?

Here are some key factors to consider:

Your Job

What types of projects do you love working on?
What technical skills and leadership abilities do you want to use in your next job?
What aspects of your previous roles did you dislike and want to avoid?
Do you want to manage a team, or do you prefer to be an independent contributor?
Are there new skills or professional development opportunities you want to learn in your next position? Is continuous learning important to you?
Do you enjoy collaboration with a team, or do you prefer working solo? Or a little of both?
Are you looking for growth opportunities? Or do you want to take a step back?

Your Coworkers

Do you thrive in a big department, or do you prefer a smaller, tight-knit work environment?
Do you want to be surrounded by experts you can learn from, or do you want to mentor others?
Is diversity and inclusion important to you in your workplace?

Your Boss

Do you want a hands-on mentor who guides your professional growth?
Would you rather have a hands-off boss who lets you do your best work without micromanaging?
Do you want to work for someone who is well-known in their field or even an influencer?

The Company

Do you prefer working for a startup or an established company?
Do you enjoy working for a company with hundreds or thousands of employees? Or a small company with 30-50 employees?
Are you looking for a corporate job, a casual agency, or something in between?
Client side or agency side?
Publicly traded or privately owned?
Do the company's values and mission align with your personal values?
Do you prefer B2B, B2C, non-profit, government, higher education, or a specific industry?
Is a strong company culture with DEI initiatives, psychological safety, and work-life balance a priority for you?
Do you want to work for a company making a positive impact on the world?
Do you want a workplace where you can bring your dog, wear jeans, or have flexible hours?
What about the geographic location? How far are you willing to commute? Are you willing to move?
Think about your previous employer and what you liked and disliked.

Work Schedule

Do you want a fully remote job, a hybrid schedule, or an in-office role?
Do you need a flexible schedule to accommodate personal goals, school drop-offs, or other responsibilities?
Are you looking for a traditional 8-5 schedule, or do you prefer setting your own hours?

Salary & Benefits

What’s your target salary? What’s the lowest offer you’d accept?
What benefits matter most—healthcare, dental, 401(k) match, PTO, tuition reimbursement?
Do you need flexibility for family, volunteer work, or side projects?

Narrow Your Job Search to What You Want

I am a natural optimist. I believe that you can find your dream job. Or a job that checks all your boxes. Your job search can be about finding the best fit, not just finding a job.

If you take the time to figure out what you want, you can be more strategic with your job search efforts and focus your time on the potential employers who fit your target job.

Consider applying for fewer jobs, but put more effort into tailoring your resume.
Network your way into your target companies or with your dream boss or co-worker.
Incorporate your dream job description into your “Tell me about yourself” story.
Make a list of follow-up questions to ask the hiring manager to ensure you get what you want!

And if you are reading this while dealing with a layoff, I know it’s scary. The longer the job search lasts, the harder it is to believe you can find a job with all your ideal attributes. I still want you to shoot for that ideal job. Go through this exercise to get clarity on what you want.

Allow yourself to daydream about that awesome job coming your way! Imagine your next job like a treasure chest (like the one on the beach I used above!)

Inside it are all the things you want and need: career growth, work-life balance, a better salary, meaningful work, a boss who actually supports you, and maybe even an office dog (hey, dream big!)

The treasure chest is personal. It's full of your priorities, not just what someone else says you should want.

Now go for it! I am rooting for you!