| What role, position, assignment, project, type of work, or length of assignment are you looking for? Assess your interests |
| Which skills do you most wish to use or develop, and which skills do you already have that you can utilize in a potential job? |
| Do you want to work in a large or small company? |
| What geographic location or commuting requirements do you have? |
| What are your salary requirements? What are your monthly expenses? What is the minimum you'd accept, and what is your goal salary? Is this goal realistic, considering your salary research? |
| What industries would you want to work in? For example, you may know you want to work in accounting, but perhaps you enjoy automobiles and wish to use your accounting skills in the automotive industry rather than a public accounting firm. |
| What type of coworkers or corporate culture do you prefer? For example, do you prefer a formal, structured environment, or a casual, less formal environment? |
| Stability of organization: a new, start-up organization versus a well-established company |
| How does this job fit your short term and long term goals? |
| How much autonomy do you want? |
| What, if any, are the travel requirements? |
| What training opportunities are available? |
| What benefits are you seeking (such as support for continuing education/advanced degree, health care, retirement, flexible hours, childcare, etc.)? |
| What level of responsibility would you prefer? |
| What are the work hours (official and unofficial)? |
| How much variety would you like in a typical work day? |
| What advancement opportunities are you looking for? |
| · How much prestige (in the job or organization) do you seek? |
Once you've answered these questions, write a list of jobs and companies that fit your criteria.
