Things that are Key to Know Before You Begin Your Job Search

"Nearly everyone has been in the position before where they know it's time to find a new job but they have absolutely no clue of where to begin" states Sherrie Dvorak, Lead Recruiter with Dallas based Temporary and Permanent Placement Agency, Frontline Source Group.

Dvorak suggests that the following are essential steps to be taken before engaging in a full-fledge job hunt to ensure that you are on the right path.

1. Have an idea of what you want to do. List things that you are good at doing and things you enjoy doing. Take these functions and build a search around them. Really focus on the aspects that matter most to you - such as using your education, enhancing your different skills, or adding to your portfolio. Take note of what really interests you and aim for jobs in those fields. Very few people end up satisfied in a job where they have no interest in what they do - avoid this pitfall.
Too often in our office, we have people come in to interview that do not have any idea of what they really want to do. They expect us to tell them - but we can never know what they are thinking. Know what you want before you ever interview with anyone. Being prepared to discuss your likes and dislikes can keep you out of a job that could have been a nightmare.

2. Take note of what really motivates you and search for jobs that contain your primary motivators. Whether it's the salary range you are looking for, the top notch benefits, or the satisfaction you get in performing certain duties, make sure that these top motivators are included in your next job so that you find the satisfaction that will keep you excited in going to work daily.
Without having certain motivators, it's very easy to become disillusioned by the job. At this point, performance slides, the "I don't care" attitude comes up, and neither the employer or you will be happy. Before jumping on board, make sure the job can give you the motivational factors that will help you succeed.

3. Note the location. Very often, people focus on the job, the money, or the company name, yet they totally overlook the duration of the commute. Especially for people that have intense road rage or people who hate driving, it would be smart to limit your commute to less than a half hour for each leg. For total road warriors, people who very much enjoy a long daily commute, working next door would take away from a happy part of your day. Think about what you want from your commute - the roads you drive, the length of the trip, etc. It all plays into how your day ends or begins, so consider this aspect well.
I have seen people leave dream jobs because they can't stand their hour long daily commute. It leads to burnout, frustration, and hostility towards the job. Consider the map before considering jobs. A dream job that's 50 miles away may not be the dream job that you thought it was.

4. Think about the type of people with whom you enjoy working. Your co-workers can make a job great or make it seem like the worst job ever. Consider the types of people you work with before you accept a job. If you are interviewing with a company, take notes on everyone. How was the receptionist that greeted you? How was your interviewer? If you meet other people, think about how they respond to you? Does the company take a team or individualistic approach? People can make or break your job - consider who you liking working along side of before ever blindly accepting a job.
How often have you complained about your boss, your team, or the guy in the cube next to you. Think about it - you spend more time at work with your co-workers that you do with your family. If you are stuck with colleagues that are people who you can not stand, how are you going to want to go to work on a daily basis? Disharmony before the job ever begins is definitely a reason to reject a job offer.

"Before you ever begin your job search, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to look out for yourself" states Dvorak. "Keep these 4 major points in mind before jumping into your next job and you will find yourself in a happier job life. If you don't look out for these factors, it's doubtful that anyone else ever will. So keep your options open and shoot for what is your current dream job. It is, afterall, a candidates' market. Take the job you want!"

Sherrie Dvorak, Lead Recruiter with Frontline Source Group - Staffing Temporary Employment Agency Dallas Fort Worth Texas

Temporary staffing agency and employment permanent placement firm in Dallas Fort Worth Texas. Frontline is one of the fastest growing technical, information technology, human resource, legal, administrative, clerical, accounting and finance staffing temporary employment agencies. We specialize in matching top talent with companies for permanent, temporary and temp-to-hire placements. We work with clients and candidates in all areas of North America.

Please visit us at:

www.frontlinesourcegroup.com