GenXmanager: Leadership for the Generation X Manager

Job descriptions detail the basic responsibilities of a job. They spell out the responsibilities of the position, what is expected, who you will be reporting to, the location of the position, whether traveling is required and will sometimes list benefits and salary information.

What you want to do is write a job description for your perfect job! This won’t be a narrative but a comprehensive list of the critical characteristics of your dream job. List these characteristics on the Dream Job Worksheet. Be as comprehensive as you can. Here are some questions that will help you start your list.

• What are the general and specific job responsibilities?
• Will you be self-employed or working for an organization?
• What is the dress code (suit and tie, business casual, casual)?
• How long is the commute?
• Can you telecommute?
• Do you want to work on salary or commission or some other pay structure?
• What is the salary? What is the bonus structure? What is the commission package?
• What are the benefits (i.e. health insurance, 401K, etc.)?
• How many weeks of vacation do you expect? Sick days?
• Describe the work environment (i.e. competitive, team oriented, etc.).
• What is your supervisor’s management style?

Once you define all of the characteristics, assign a weight to each in the Dream Job Worksheet. This weight determines its importance and thus can help you analyze specific job opportunities. This tool gives you a quantitative comparison of each job for which you are applying. It also help you clarify what is really important to you in a job or career.

You must also be realistic. Don’t expect to make millions as a school teacher and don’t expect lots of vacation and flex-time as a high-powered stock broker. You may need to make concessions. Perhaps a job that has on-site daycare also requires you to work until 6PM or later. Can you make such a concession? The Dream Job Worksheet helps you to determine which characteristics are most flexible so you can find that “close to perfect” job.

When you’re ready, begin steps 4 & 5; Goal Setting and Developing your Plan.