In Making a Career Move, Follow Your Heart!

Are you listening to your heart when you apply for, and ultimately accept, an employment opportunity? If not, you need to start heeding your mother’s somewhat clichéd, but very wise advice, and “follow your heart.” What does this mean? Simply stated, you should not just accept any job, but pursue and choose a career that best suits you — your personality, your skill sets, your interests, your professional goals, and your passion.

Has it been so long since you last took stock of what best suits you, that you don’t even know what that is? Make a list, if need be, of what is important to you. You may have to scramble around in your memory bank and dredge up this long-forgotten, rarely used, information — but do it. The wrong employment decision can be costly.

As recruiters we often ask our candidates, “I see what you‘re skilled to do…now tell me, what do you want to do?” Obviously, it is our hope that the response matches the credentials outlined on the resume. However, we are often astounded at the number of times that the position for which a candidate has applied and the one the resume supports, is not truly what he/she really wants to do, or cares to do. The lesson here is this: candidates must be honest with themselves and their placement counselors, in order to secure a position where they can thrive and grow. If a candidate’s “heart” is not in the job, whether regarding the practice area of law, the salary requirements, the location of the opportunity, law firm vs. in-house, etc., that individual’s energy, motivation, and dedication to the position will be short-lived. This will naturally show in the work product, and the employer, the employee, or both, will be dissatisfied. Consequently, the placement will be destined to fail. Don’t let this happen to you!

Finding the “right” opportunity from the start is critical. Far too often, candidates “sell out” to financial considerations, comfort zones, and “quick-fixes.” But short-term solutions are rarely effective in the long run. And, transitioning back into the job-type of your dreams after making a poor career choice is often very difficult. Understandably, financial concerns must play a role in one’s decision to accept a position. But this should not be determinative. Also, don’t be “pigeon-holed” into a job similar to your last (at which you were miserable) simply because “that’s what you do.” Think outside the box. Be creative. Evaluate not only what you have done, but also, what else you can do with the skill sets you possess and the credentials you have earned.

Furthermore, when evaluating an opportunity during the interview process with a prospective employer, make sure that you ask questions about facets of the job that are important to you. Just as employers perform due diligence on you, so, too, must you investigate whether the opportunity is, in fact, in line with your career objectives. By directly, yet professionally, addressing issues that are important to your career plans, you will clarify specifications and expectations, and ensure that the position for which you are applying is right for you.

In sum, a little self-analysis before applying for any position is certain to yield high dividends. Be your own career counselor, and identify and delineate your professional goals first. This will help you focus your job search on only those opportunities that foster your particular goals. Don’t ignore your “heart’s desire.” Remember, anyone can find a “job.” The key to real success is to find your Place!