Career reflection
Before You Start Looking for a New Job
Clarity first. The right opportunity follows.
Most job searches begin with vacancies. This reflection starts one step earlier: with you. Before you compare roles, organisations or job titles, take time to define what you want your next position to give you, the work that brings out your best, and the conditions you need in order to thrive.
The clearer you are before you start searching, the easier it becomes to recognise genuine fit, ask better questions and make decisions from confidence rather than pressure or availability.
Know what you are moving towards
Clarify the contribution, work content and environment you want—not only what you want to leave behind.
Recognise fit more quickly
Use clear criteria to evaluate vacancies, organisations, leaders and career options more consistently.
Make stronger decisions
Separate non-negotiables from preferences and avoid accepting a role that solves one problem while creating another.
Before you begin
Focus on the reality of the work
Think beyond job titles. Use examples from situations in which you felt energised, effective and valued—and from situations that drained you or limited your performance. Be as concrete as possible.
“Do not begin with: Which jobs are available? Begin with: What kind of work and environment will allow me to contribute, develop and remain well?”
Your reflection is part of the coaching process
Your answers are intended to support your coaching conversation and job-search decisions. Take your time, save your thoughts where appropriate and return to them as your search develops.
Your reflection
Define what matters before you start searching
Complete the questions below in your own words. At the end, you will bring your answers together into a concise Job Search Brief that can guide your search and future decisions.
Career reflection
Before You Start Looking for a New Job
Clarity first. The right opportunity follows.
Most job searches begin with vacancies. This reflection starts one step earlier: with you. Before you compare roles, organisations or job titles, take time to define what you want your next position to give you, the work that brings out your best, and the conditions you need in order to thrive.
The clearer you are before you start searching, the easier it becomes to recognise genuine fit, ask better questions and make decisions from confidence rather than pressure or availability.
Know what you are moving towards
Clarify the contribution, work content and environment you want—not only what you want to leave behind.
Recognise fit more quickly
Use clear criteria to evaluate vacancies, organisations, leaders and career options more consistently.
Make stronger decisions
Separate non-negotiables from preferences and avoid accepting a role that solves one problem while creating another.
Before you begin
Focus on the reality of the work
Think beyond job titles. Use examples from situations in which you felt energised, effective and valued—and from situations that drained you or limited your performance. Be as concrete as possible.
“Do not begin with: Which jobs are available? Begin with: What kind of work and environment will allow me to contribute, develop and remain well?”
Your reflection is part of the coaching process
Your answers are intended to support your coaching conversation and job-search decisions. Take your time, save your thoughts where appropriate and return to them as your search develops.
Your reflection
Define what matters before you start searching
Complete the questions below in your own words. At the end, you will bring your answers together into a concise Job Search Brief that can guide your search and future decisions.