Optional lesson15 minutesFree

Not sure what’s next?

For career changers, returners and anyone who isn’t yet sure of their target. If you already know the role you want, go straight to Lesson 1. Here, you’ll sort your values, name your strengths, find your interest type and set your deal-breakers. By the end you'll have a one-page Career Map that guides every decision in your search.

Optional. Goes with Chapter 1 of How To Get Your Dream Job. Your answers save in this browser only.

The story

Fifteen years, and no clear next step

Daniel · Finance manager · fifteen years' experience

Daniel had spent fifteen years in finance and felt he had outgrown it, but he couldn’t say what he wanted instead. So he applied for everything that looked like a step up: finance director roles, consultancy, operations, a role in a charity. Nine applications in three months. Two interviews. No offers.

When I asked what he wanted, he said, “Something with more purpose. Something more strategic.” Every application said the same thing in different words. None said what he was best at, because he hadn’t decided. The panels couldn’t tell either.

"Being open to anything felt like the sensible option. It turned out to be the hard way round."

His values, strengths and interests pointed to roles where finance met strategy and social impact. Eleven focused applications later, he became director of finance and impact at a national charity.

Applying for everything feels safe, but it makes every application general and every interview answer vague. This lesson helps you choose a target. It takes about fifteen minutes, and when you’ve finished, Lesson 1 turns that target into a pitch.

Step 1 · Values

Know what you won't trade

For each value, choose E (essential), I (important) or N (nice to have). You can only have five essentials, so you'll have to choose. That's the point.

Essentials chosen: 0 of 5

Essential · rank them

Important

Nice to have

Step 2 · Strengths

Good at, and energised by

A strength is something you do well and that gives you energy. Think of moments at work, study or home when you felt absorbed and capable. Write down three strengths, each with one piece of evidence.

Strength 1, and when you used it

Strength 2, and when you used it

Strength 3, and when you used it

Not sure? Ask two people who know your work: "What do you come to me for?" Their answers are often more accurate than your own.

Step 3 · Interests

What kind of work suits you?

Careers advisers often use John Holland's six interest types (RIASEC). Tap the two or three that describe you best, in order: tap your strongest first.

Your letters: none chosen yet

Step 4 · The five Ps

Your deal-breakers and wish list

For each P, write what you need (the minimum you'd accept) and what you want (what would make it a dream). The needs are your deal-breakers.

The five Ps	I need	I want
Pay
Purpose
People
Place
Progression

Step 5 · Dream or fantasy?

The reality test

Write the role you're aiming for, then answer three questions honestly. A dream job is the best realistic fit at the next level up. A fantasy is a role with no route to it yet. Many fantasies are simply dream jobs two moves away.

The role I'm aiming for

1. Do people with my background get this job, or one step towards it?

2. Can I close the main gap in the next six to twelve months?

3. Does it meet all my deal-breakers?

Answer all three questions to see your result.

★ Core activity

Your Career Map

Your answers from Steps 1 to 5 are already here. Finish the target sentence, check everything reads well, then print it or save it as a PDF. You'll use it for every application, conversation and offer from now on.

My top five values

My three biggest strengths

My interest type

My reserve target

My deal-breakers and wish list

The five Ps	I need	I want
Pay
Purpose
People
Place
Progression

My target role, in one sentence

"I'm looking for a role in , where I can ."

The next step, if my dream job is two moves away

Before you move on

Three questions

Five minutes, in English or your own language: whichever lets you think most clearly.

Which of your top five values is your current or last job meeting least well?

What surprised you about your strengths?

Is your target a dream job or a fantasy? If it's a fantasy, what's the next step towards it?

What to remember

Five things to keep

Applying for everything is slower than aiming at one target.
Values tell you what you won't trade; strengths tell you where you'll shine.
The five Ps turn "something better" into something you can recognise.
A dream job is the best realistic fit at the next level, not a fantasy.
Your Career Map is the reference point for every decision that follows.

Lesson 1: Position yourself for the next role

You have a target. Now audit it against what employers hire for, build your value proposition and turn it into a 30-second pitch in confident professional English.

Start Lesson 1 Take the Job-Readiness Check