Self-reflection is an important tool at any stage of your career, but it is especially critical when looking for a new job. Without it you could find yourself in a prolonged job search or an undesirable working situation. After all, if you don’t know yourself (your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, values and goals) how can you know what career choices to make moving forward?

Ask Yourself Questions

The following questions can aid in the reflection process, which will help you update your resume and LinkedIn profile and identify what you want to do (and not do) moving forward.

• What were your primary responsibilities?
• What projects were you assigned?
• What impact have you made? Can you quantify the successes?
• What challenges did you face in your previous role?
• What did you like and dislike about the company culture?
• What did you like and dislike about your manager(s)?
• What did you enjoy most about your role?
• If possible, what would you have changed about your previous role?
• What skills do you have, and what do you need or want to develop?
• Have you done any volunteer work? If so, what did you do?
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• What do you value in your personal life?
• What do you value in a job?
• How do you define your ideal work-life balance?
• What are you most proud so far in your career?
• What type of work engages and energizes you?
• How long of a commute are you willing to make?
• Would you consider relocating? If so, to where?
• What are your immediate career goals?
• Where do you see yourself in five – ten years?
• What do you want to do moving forward?

Reach Out!

Looking for a job? Let us know by submitting your resume. RealStreet’s talented Recruiters can help match you to your ideal architecture, engineering and construction job and help you build a better career!