As a 28 year old military spouse, I feel like I know a lot about job interviews and looking for the perfect job. I have had the pleasure of moving four times in three different states (CA, TX, and VA) since 2010. This has posed even more of a unique challenge as a career-minded individual. This is because I do my best for my husband’s career first, while still wanting to work and have a job myself.
Since I have had many jobs, I know first-hand what it is like to debate about what job to take. How do you know which job is best for YOU? Do you take the local non-career oriented job that’s close to home and has great hours? Or how about the job that is crappy, but gets your foot in the door and could lead to something greater? Or last, but not least do you choose the job that has great pay, but has a long commute?
The one thing that having a patchwork resume has taught me is that there is no such thing as the “perfect job.” The question to ask yourself is, “Which job is best for you at this point in your life?”
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to two very different people during their job search. The first person was someone with a similar background to mine and the second person was a young Master’s degree student with none of the baggage. As I was thinking about this stage and place in life, I realized that across the board there are four basic questions you have to ask yourself before deciding which job is best for you.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Job:
- What is important: Field, Location or Work-Life balance?
- What is the your “no lower than _____” salary?
- Would you rather have a full-time job not in your field or volunteer part-time in a position in your field to get your toe in the door?
- Do you have anything to lose by not taking every interview including those that make your list?
At the end of the day, the jobs that have always worked out for me have never been part of my plan. I graduated from my Master’s program with a concentration in Health Care Administration, but I never used it until now.
On the other hand, I love my current field and the skills that my Master’s and finance background has provided me. They have helped me towards my real estate empire growth and have helped me reach my early retirement goals. It’s been invaluable. Whether you are deciding which job is best for you, or still trying to get a job offer here are are three pieces of advice:
- You should entertain EVERY job offer even if you think you don’t want it. The only exception is if there is an opportunity cost or it really doesn’t fit your skill set.
- Think Outside the Box. Sometimes jobs outside of your degree, become in your degree.
- Always Interview! Interviews are a great way to practice poise and answering questions. It is better to practice on jobs that you don’t care about so later you can land that perfect job!
What have you learned over the years when interviewing for jobs?
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I would just like the offer to consider lol
I understand that!