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What activities make you lose track of time? What gives you energy? -

Identifying the activities you really enjoy will help you narrow your career search. For example, do you thrive when you’re outdoors? Does crafting a new project excite you? Do you frequently create and rely on excel spreadsheets?

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What skills do you excel at and enjoy using? -

Are you creative? Analytical? How is your time management and do you like working with people? While these are just a few examples, take the time to analyze your strengths and which of them you enjoy using the most.

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Are there new skills that you are eager to learn and develop? What are they? -

Have you always wanted to learn to code or perhaps further develop your project management knowledge? What about becoming a better public speaker or a more well-versed leader?

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How much autonomy and decision-making do you want? - Does reporting to a manager or team lead for most or all decisions add clarity and ease to your day, or does independence and decision-making autonomy motivate you to excel and go above and beyond?

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Do you thrive in a fast-paced or more structured environment? - Do you perform well under pressure, or do you like something more relaxed? Do you prefer clearly defined roles and expectations, or is more ambiguity appealing to you?

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How important is a flexible work schedule or remote work option to you? -

Perhaps you have obligations outside of work that heavily impact your availability during the work day, or maybe you like to travel frequently and thus having at least a hybrid role, if not a fully remote option, is needed. What makes sense for you?

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What level of income do you need to feel financially secure? -

This question can, and often does, vary for everyone. Take time to write out your expenses on a weekly, monthly, or whichever basis makes most sense for you. Use this information to evaluate what you need to earn.

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What benefits are important to you? -

There is more to consider than just salary when choosing a career. For example, are there stock options? Is there parental leave? What about  employee wellness programs, discounts, and paid time off?

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What kind of career growth opportunities are you seeking? -

Are you someone who wants to climb the corporate ladder, and thus promotions are important to you? Do you want to start your own business one day, so learning new skills is the way to go? What about a combination of both? There is no right or wrong answer here.

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What is a healthy work-life balance for you? -

How much free time is essential? Remember that while a job is very important, so is balance. Think about the hobbies you love, the people in your life, the responsibilities you’ve signed up for, and anything else that takes time.

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Would you prefer a collaborative or independent work style? Do you enjoy working within a team? -

If yes, to what extent? Are your days spent working alongside others and success measured holistically? Or are you an independent contributor whose metrics are more of a direct reflection of your effort and success?

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Is a specific location important to you, or are you open to relocation? -

Remote work aside, where will you be based? Do you have a preference on where you call home, or if a company requires you to live elsewhere are you willing and able to do so?

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What kind of impact do you want to make? -

Whether big or small, the amount of impact you strive for is unique to you. Additionally, do you want to help the environment, for instance, or work with a company to drive substantial bottom-line growth? How can you see yourself driving impact?

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Are there any physical demands or work environments you need to consider? -

Is the office handicap accessible? Is there travel required? Heavy lifting? Sitting for extended periods of time? What environments enable you to succeed?

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Where do you see yourself in your career five or 10 years from now? -

What are your long-term goals? Do you want to be the CEO, or perhaps be running your own company? How about retiring early or pursuing something you’re passionate about? Knowing where you’re headed can help you get there more effectively.

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Does this job contribute to your overall life goals and aspirations? -

Is your goal in life to be financially free? To explore the world? Maybe you want to make a positive impact? All these aspirations and more are valid.

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Are education requirements important to you? -

Some jobs require degrees or specific certifications and skills. Does this appeal to you, or do you want to work somewhere more open to those with differing backgrounds?

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What would make you feel fulfilled and successful in a job? -

Do you want to work somewhere where your life’s values align with your career and thus you have the opportunity to work on something meaningful? Are you someone who appreciates recognition? Are competitive salaries and flexibility important?

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What working hours are most conducive to your lifestyle and/or needs? -

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you need the day time hours for childcare or other activities, so working night hours is better? Do you value your evenings and prefer a daytime schedule?

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Does the title of your role matter to you? -

For some, a title reflects seniority, power, or specializations within a company and therefore is important. For others, a title is just a title and regardless of experience level it’s less important.

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Are diversity and inclusion important to you and your success in a role? -

Diversity of talent and thought, as well as the makeup of a leadership team, can influence a business and your place within it.

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Does a company's financial results play a role in your decision? -

How profitable a company is can be a deciding factor for some. Even in the startup world, you may ask what series of funding has the company secured (if any).

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Does the company’s reputation matter to you? - Companies have a reputation both within the industry they reside in as well as in the mind of consumers. Are you someone who cares about either or both of these?

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If the role is not remote, how long are you willing and able to commute? -

Is 20 minutes acceptable, while anything more than 30 excessive? Or for the right role would you consider traveling over an hour away?

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Which means of transportation are you willing to use to commute into the office? -

Are you a car person, or do you prefer to take public transportation? What if you had to do a little of both, or only one or the other were available?

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What are some deal breakers that you wouldn't compromise on when considering a job? -

This list of questions has predominantly prompted you to think about what you do want. However, it’s so important to also consider what you don’t want in a job and out of a career.

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Mapping out your dream job -

An ideal career or job can be challenging to find in general, and even more so if you don’t take the time to figure out what it looks like.

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This guide -

By using the questions in this guide you can identify and better assess exactly what’s important to you, so that when you go looking for, or are presented with, a work opportunity, you can look at your answers versus the job specifications and ask yourself if they align.

Sources: (LinkedIn) (Indeed) (Top Workplaces)

See also: The zodiac signs most likely to be successful in business

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