How to Find a Job that Aligns with Your Priorities – Part II

I’m sure if you took the quiz we posted last week, you’re ready to see what your results look like – and I’m excited to take you through them! 

So as a reminder, here at TYGES we help identify a candidate’s priority through this acronym we call CLAMPS. CLAMPS incorporates six of the most important driving factors we have learned about candidates in our 20 years of being in business, but what do your priorities really say about you? 

Challenge: For those who are interested in a job that makes them think a little harder or requires some more power behind it.

If you’re driven by a challenge, you might be someone who likes to take on extra tasks at work, or even learn a new skill. You probably get bored easily in a monotonous environment and like to have things shaken up every now and then! People who are driven by challenge had answers that aligned with:

Question 1- Taking on extra responsibilities in your current role 

Question 9- Take on a new task at work to increase your knowledge in an unfamiliar area 

Question 11- Finding a job with thought provoking work

For those that are interested in finding a job that gives you a challenge, or even looking to increase the excitement at your current workplace, first thing is to communicate that! Communicate with the hiring manager that you’re interested in expanding your skillset in a few different areas. Be sure to have done prior research if you’re interviewing with a company to ensure you would be able to work in an environment that offers multiple specialties. When interviewing or writing your resume, it’s important to highlight your desire to be creative, think outside the box, and increase your skillset. If you’re looking to change things up in your current role, research and communicate new initiatives for the company, take on new projects, or take on something that has been a problem that your department hasn’t been able to resolve.

Location: For those who are driven by location, whether it be local or even a relocation. 

If location is a priority for you, you’re probably someone who starts off your job search with your desired job title in a certain location. For example, doing a Google, Indeed, or LinkedIn search for “Board Certified Behavior Analysts positions in Brooklyn, NY.” People who are driven by location had answers that aligned with:

Question 2- Either answer can apply (depends on whether you’re looking to stay local or move). 

Question 8- Finding a job that is local to you 

Question 10- Working remotely 

For those that are interested in location first and foremost, consider the area. Is it more urban or rural, what does traffic look like, how much time do you want to spend on the commute, etc. Jobs might be harder to find in a certain depending on the size of the area, but with the increase in remote or hybrid jobs, your chances are increased! If you’re looking to relocate, there are several factors to consider. As a recruiter, I know when a candidate says that they’re willing to relocate anywhere, I know that’s not the case, and personally – I don’t let them get off that easy. My candidates know that I’m going to ask questions about family, climate, and other important factors to help narrow down your search to select states or regions. Are you looking to be near a coast? Are you looking to be near family? Are you looking to move to a big city? These are all things that should be considered when you talk with a recruiter about jobs that aren’t local to you. 

Advancement: For those who are driven by growing in their career, leading a team, or working their way up in a company. 

If advancement is your number one goal, you’re probably someone who interested in a leadership or management type of role. Whether it’s advancing in your current company or taking the next upward move with a new company, you’re interested in getting to the top. People who are driven by advancement had answers that aligned with:

Question 3- Moving up in your current company 

Question 8- Finding a job that is the best opportunity for advancement (despite location)

Question 12- Moving to a new company for better growth opportunities 

For those of you that have the hard drive to continue to move up in your company, it’s important to communicate that with your current company or the one you’re applying to. If you’re not looking to hop to different companies, talk with your current manager to express your interest in advancing and your loyalty with your company; this will show them your devotion to their values and mission. As you’re open to new opportunities, try to do some research about what your next step would look like. If you’re currently a BCBA, and have been accumulating experience in your current role, try researching Lead BCBA or Clinical Director roles. Make sure the next upward is something you’re actually interested in before jumping on board with a new role. 

Money: For those who are driven by salary or compensation package. 

If money is your strongest driving factor, you’re probably someone who takes on more challenging roles automatically! People who are driven by money had answers that aligned with:

Question 4- Either answer can apply (it depends on if you consider your salary the money you’re paid or the whole package of salary plus benefits). 

Question 7- Higher Salary

Question 13- Working for a company that offers higher salary

How much you get paid in your job is usually a huge driving factor for most people – it’s literally a huge factor on how we live our lives! Whether money is your sole priority, or it’s paired with another category, it’s important to know what your worth is. Using websites like ZipRecruiter to help you identify the going salary for certain positions is one way of determining if you’re being paired fairly. If you have ever been in a position where you have been issued counteroffers to stay at your current company versus jumping to a new company, here are some resources to help you identify how to proceed that best fits your situation.

People: For those who are driven by company culture, team environment, and support they receive in their position. 

If people are the highest-ranking priority for you, you’re probably someone who values working closely with a team. Feeling comfortable in your role, while being immersed in a good work culture is something that is immensely important for you. People who are driven by people had answers that aligned with:

Question 5- Either answer can apply, but typically those who chose the option of working in a collaborative environment 

Question 10- Working closely with a team

Question 11- Finding a job with a supportive and fun environment

Question 13- Working with a company that prioritizes team building 

How you feel at work can determine how you feel after work! If you’re working with a company that aligns with your values, makes you feel important and seen, and takes pleasure in creating a fun environment, then you might feel a little more upbeat after a long day. However, if you’re on the other side of that situation, then I’m sure you’re someone who is impacted even after hours by your work culture. People and culture is something I find as a recruiter that most of my candidates on the behavioral health side rate very high. It’s important for employees to feel like they are in a supportive environment, especially today. Being compensated fairly, being able to be your authentic self at your job, and finding your job or company you’re working for fulfilling – these are just some of the things that job seekers rate highly when explaining what they’re looking for in their next position. 

Security: For those who are driven by job security and permanence in their position within a company. 

If security is something you rank highly, you’re probably someone who likes to stay with a company long-term. Job security is important for a number of reasons for you and it’s always taken into consideration when applying for jobs. People who are driven by security had answers that aligned with:

Question 6- Either answer can apply, but typically those who chose the option of working for a larger, more established company. 

Question 7- Better job security 

Question 12- Staying in your permanent, secure role

How your job makes your position feels secure can ultimately make you as a person feel secure. Especially with a recent increase in layoffs across the country, it’s important to feel secure in your position. For those who are highly driven by job security, here are some ways to help keep you up to date on how your company is doing. Firstly, ask questions! Asking your management team questions regarding the company not only shows your interest, but also may give you a better idea of what is to come in the future. Another idea is keeping up with what the stock market looks like if your company is publicly traded. While this will not always give you information, it can absolutely help you brainstorm some questions to ask in your company. Lastly, research similar companies in the same niche and see what is happening with them. 

Overall, most people aren’t going to have just one thing that they consider to be a priority when in a job search, but it’s important to identify which ones you find that are “dealbreakers” for you. At TYGES, we’re here to help – whether that is help you find a job or just identify resources that could help you in your job search, we’re here to make good things happen for other people!

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