Most people continue to apply for the wrong jobs because they don’t know what they are good at. And today, to have the best performance, you must work in job that need what you are great at and are passionate about. Without these, you don’t feel capable, competent or excited about what you do – and it shows.

So here is how to proceed:
1. Write down what you think you are naturally good at – this will be things like connecting with others, focusing on details, committed to big performance, great at listening and relating to others, creating order out of chaos…etc. Don’t be humble. List everything you are good at – naturally good at. Things that come naturally to you.

This is difficult for many people so try these other two options:
A. Take a talent assessment. These are on-line assessments that ask you questions and preferences to help you see what you are good at and are interested in; this introduces you to your brain’s hardwiring. If you purchase the Stand Out and Get Hired product on this website, it includes a talent assessment to help you identify your primary four talent. Or consider using others on the market.

B. Have three other people who know you well list five natural talents or abilities they find in you. Because our talents are so much a part of us, we frequently don’t identify them as talents. Others see them in us; itis a healthy exercise in determining talents to get input from others.

It is critical to know what you are good at – naturally good at – because you need to ensure the jobs you apply for need and use what you are good at. This way you feel capable, competent and add your greatest value. And you will also see that playing to your talents also activates your passions.

2. Next, write down what you are passionate about. What do you love to do – what gets you out of bed in the morning and you could do it all day? It may be teaching, helping other, running a business, writing, painting, cooking, selling…whatever you love to do. List as many as come to mind. You will find that you generally do not need help with this – each of us is far more aware of our passions than our talents.

Now: look for the intersection of your two lists - what are you good at AND passionate about doing. This is the starting point for finding a job that fits you…one where you will be naturally good at what the job needs and interested in doing it. This is key to finding a job AND loving your job.

You may be great at connecting with people and passionate about sharing stories. A job in sales, customer service or retail in any industry may be a good fit. You may be great at focusing on details and precision and are passionate making a difference. You may find that careers in the medical field, IT, law or similar fields will play to your talents and passions.

Time for some self-awareness and soul-searching. Our next step will be to look at the hot jobs and help you identify which hot jobs match your specific talents and passions. This is how to find a job you love and one in which you are competitive – this is what gets you hired.