Before starting a job search – Begin here

Many people start their job search by applying for dozens, sometimes hundreds, of positions and feel disappointed when they receive no replies. Quantity alone is not enough if your application does not reflect your motivation and skills.

When you know your strengths and what you are looking for, it becomes easier to write an application that presents you in a genuine way. Such applications also tend to speak to recruiters.

🪞 Self-knowledge is the foundation of a job search

Self-knowledge means understanding your values, interests and strengths. It helps you recognise roles in which you are likely to feel at ease and do well.

In a job search, it is important to understand:

  • what motivates you
  • what you can do and what skills you have
  • what types of tasks and working environments suit you
  • how your skills and motivation correspond to the needs of the job you are applying for

When these areas are in balance, job searching and planning your path forward become more manageable.

What motivates and inspires you?

Motivation is an important part of self-knowledge: it guides your choices and influences the kinds of tasks you find engaging.

Examples of motivational factors:

  • The opportunity to learn something new
  • Making an impact or helping others
  • Clear goals and boundaries in your work
  • Creativity or the freedom to do things in your own way
  • Salary
  • Permanent employment or a sense of security
  • The meaningfulness of the work or its alignment with your values
  • Challenging tasks or the chance to progress in your career
  • A supportive work community and a good atmosphere

If you could choose only three of these for your next role, which would they be? And what kind of work might allow them to be present?

💡 For example: “Motivational factors that matter to me are the opportunity to learn new things, meaningful work and a good balance between work and free time. These could be present, for instance, in specialist roles within an association, an educational institution or the public sector.”

What kind of working environment suits you?

Not all skills come to the fore in every situation or environment. Some people enjoy calm, independent work, while others gain energy from a faster pace or teamwork.

Consider:

  • Do you need clear structures or flexibility?
  • Are you motivated by quick action or thorough exploration?
  • Do you enjoy being around people or having more time on your own?

💡 For example: “During my internship I realised that having the freedom to plan my own week made the work much more meaningful. Flexibility is important to me.”

✅ What can I do?

Many people think that a qualification or work experience is the same as skills. In reality, you also gain skills through:

  • all kinds of studies and projects
  • summer jobs and part-time work
  • activities in associations or hobbies
  • everyday situations and other areas of life

You may not always notice all your skills or know how to put them into words. This stage therefore requires a moment of pause and some reflection.

Use the following tasks to map your skills.

When have you received positive feedback?

Write down one situation in which you received positive feedback. Who gave it? For what reason? What did it reveal about your skills?

💡 For example: “During my internship, I received feedback that I was able to present things clearly and consider different perspectives. It strengthened my confidence in my communication skills and my ability to work with different people.”

In what situations do people turn to you for help?

Think about situations where friends or classmates ask for your help. What does this say about your strengths?

💡 For example: “I am often asked to schedule and distribute tasks in group work. This shows that others trust my organisational skills and my ability to keep things on track.”

What activities do you truly enjoy?

List three activities that fully engage you and make you lose track of time. Consider what skills you use in them and how these could be applied in the workplace.

💡 For example: “I enjoy planning events in the student association. I love creating a complete project from start to finish. This demonstrates creativity, responsibility, and organisational skills.”

Describe an achievement you are proud of. What did it take to get there?

Describe one achievement, big or small. What skills did you use? What did you learn? How did it feel?

💡 For example: “I am proud of completing a statistics course that initially felt very difficult. I maintained a weekly study routine and asked for help when needed. I learned that persistence and proactivity are among my strengths.”