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Finding the Right Job for Your Personality

By Monica Rosales, Colleague of Suna Solutions

Looking for a new job can be unbelievably overwhelming, challenging and, well, a job search. It’s amazing how those two little words can bring up so much anxiety, and yet be oddly exciting. But through the treacherous transition, you must always try to find the perfect job for you.

One of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss, had the ability to break down complex issues into beautifully written and easily understood stories that make you laugh and cry.  Mostly, I love his stories because they made me see life through a different lens, that life can be different in a wonderful and intricate way.

Searching for a job can be just as elaborate and intricate as a Dr. Seuss book. It has a clear start and powerful end, but you can get easily lost in the intricacies of the middle. The first step is to set you up with the right mindset.  Searching for that perfect job brings up thoughts of new opportunities, beginnings and adventures. People can get lost in all of the details and forget the most important thought behind a job search: You.

Finding the right personality for the job is such a big deal that psychologists decided to create a theory behind the concept. Personality-Job Fit Theory is the idea that a person’s personality will give insight into their adaptability in an organization.

So, why don’t we actively try to measure ourselves up for a job that we’re seeking?

It’s a hard thing to sit down and be honest with all the good, bad, and ugly that you are. I recently sat down and took a long, hard look at myself. It sucked.  Seeing that I have shortcomings and that I might not be the best at everything was not the highlight of my year, but I am glad that I did it. It made me realize that I have a ton more strengths than weaknesses.

In a 2007 study on job satisfaction and job performance, Dr. Nathan Bowling found that both satisfaction and performance are the result of employee personality characteristics. In other words, your personality determines how successful and happy you are in your career.

Like every good story, you should start at the beginning. Sit down and examine all of your strengths, what you love, and what you are really good at. If you’re having a hard time, there is a wonderful book called Strength Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.  This book will help you to easily identify your strengths. What you uncover might just surprise you.

The one thing you should be is very, very honest with yourself. It will take some time and some soul searching, but the outcome will be worth it.  In the immortal and inspiring word of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any way you choose. You’re on your own and you know what you know, you are the guy that will decide where to go.”

So take the chance.  Your perfect fit is waiting for you.