With so many recent layoffs, downsizing, and other career shifts, many are looking for new opportunities. And if you’re just at that stage of life where you’re wondering if something else might be waiting for you elsewhere, searching for a new position can be challenging and overwhelming.
While polishing your resume and practicing common interview questions are important, you might be overlooking a powerful tool: understanding your core motivations.
Knowing what truly drives you can be a game-changer in your job search. When you know how you’re motivated, you can:
- Search for open roles that would benefit from your Motivational Dimensions
- Craft your resume to highlight areas where you authentically excel
- Answer interview questions to underscore the benefits you bring to an organization
- Differentiate yourself from other applicants for high-quality roles
Why motivations empower your job search
Authentic self-presentation
When you understand your Motivational Dimensions, you can articulate your strengths and desires more authentically in interviews. This genuine self-awareness is attractive to employers looking for self-directed high performers who give their all to their careers and objectives.
Targeted job selection
Knowing how you’re wired helps you focus on roles and companies that align with your intrinsic motivations, increasing the likelihood of long-term job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Improved interview performance
When interviewing with aligned roles, you can tailor your responses to interview questions to showcase how your motivations dovetail with the role and company culture.
Better cultural fit
Understanding your motivations allows you to assess whether a company’s values and work environment will truly satisfy you in the long run.
Leverage your Motivational Dimensions in your job search
If you’ve already taken the Motivation Code assessment, here are some key ways to leverage your Motivational Dimensions in a job search. And if you haven’t taken the assessment, you can easily do so. It takes about 30 minutes, and you can learn more about the assessment.
Achiever
If you’re an Achiever, emphasize your drive for excellence and desire for challenging goals. Look for roles that offer clear paths for advancement and recognition. Ask questions about how high performers are recognized and dive deeper into the organization’s overall vision and purpose. It’s critical to align your desire for excellence and creating big, impactful results with the organization’s mission. Learn more about Achievers.
Driver
As a Driver, highlight your ability to overcome obstacles and meet challenges head-on. Seek positions that offer autonomy and the opportunity to drive projects forward. Look for organizations that have big goals and large plans, where competition is fierce and where organizational change is a challenge. If anyone can do it, you can. Learn more about Drivers.
Influencer
Showcase your ability to inspire and persuade others. Aim for marketing, sales, or leadership roles where your persuasive skills can shine. If sales and marketing aren’t your thing, showcase how your ability to inspire others can improve team efficiency and cohesion. Highlight those experiences on your resume and in interviews where your ability to influence had an impact. Learn more about Influencers.
Learner
Emphasize your passion for continuous learning and skill development, as well as your skills in helping others gain greater aptitude in their roles. Look for companies that value professional development and offer growth opportunities so your motivation for lifelong learning is always fulfilled. Learn more about Learners.
Optimizer
Highlight your ability to improve processes and systems. Seek operations, quality assurance, or process improvement roles, and highlight how your previous experiences saved organizations money, time, and effort. Where efficiency is needed, you’re a key player that helps everyone make a bigger impact. Learn more about Optimizers.
Orchestrator
Showcase your strategic planning and coordination skills. Aim for project management or leadership roles where you can integrate various elements, and highlight how well your cross-functional activities can bring diverse teams together to fulfill an organization’s higher purpose. Learn more about Orchestrators.
Relator
Emphasize your ability to build strong relationships and foster team cohesion. Look for roles in HR, customer service, or team leadership. In interviews, and on your resume, highlight how your Motivational Dimension helps to improve team communication, organizational effectiveness, and better outcomes for all. Learn more about Relators.
Visionary
Highlight your ability to think creatively and see future possibilities. Seek roles in innovation, strategy, or creative fields where your big-picture thinking is valued. Learn more about Visionaries.
Putting it into practice
Reflect on your motivations
One of the great things about Motivation Code is that your report and your results are not one-dimensional. You’ll likely find resonance in your top three Motivational Dimensions. When reviewing your report in preparation for your job search, reflect on life experiences where you found the greatest fulfillment and ensure your unique stories and achievements are highlighted in your resume and interview responses.
Ask the right questions
During interviews, inquire about aspects of the role and company culture that align with your motivational needs. Doing so helps you differentiate yourself from other applicants with insightful inquiries that underscore your key motivations.
Evaluate offers from a Motivational perspective
When considering job offers, look beyond salary and benefits. Assess how well the role and company culture align with your core motivations.
Remember why you’re searching
Remember, the goal isn’t just to land any job – it’s to find a role where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully. By understanding and leveraging your Motivational Dimension, you’re not just positioning yourself as a strong candidate but paving the way for a fulfilling career that aligns with your deepest drives.
So, as you continue your job search, take some time to reflect on what truly motivates you. Armed with this self-knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate interviews, make informed career decisions, and ultimately land a job that doesn’t just pay the bills but truly energizes and inspires you.
Happy job hunting, and may your motivations guide you to your perfect career fit!
