Be passionate about your career. True passion about what you do and how you want to do it is very visible by potential employers. There was a time when a company based a lot of its hiring decision on whether or not a candidate could do the job strictly based on their prior experience and skill set. In these times, more than ever, companies are looking for more than that. 
Recently a client asked me to conduct a high level search for them and when I asked what their top three criteria was for potential employees, this was their response:
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Inspiring personality
Of course it’s a given that they want someone that has the experience and can do the job, but the fact that they were willing to be flexible on skill set over being flexible on overall passion was an interesting eye opener.
As a job seeker, think about your top three criteria in your next position. This can be anything from compensation, benefits and location…to industry, growth potential, management style and company culture. Any three things that are so important to you it is non-negotiable. If you can’t think of at least three things, then you’re not trying hard enough. Everyone has criteria, but not everyone places importance on it. When in fact, this is one of the most important things about your job search. Having your own criteria and matching that to the job you are applying for is a form Professional Passion.
How do you find your Professional Passion?
Tips:
• Try using a SWOT analysis to help you determine where your Professional Passion is.
• Think about interviews you’ve already been on. Create a list of things you liked about the opportunity and things you did not like. Also create a list of pro’s and con’s about the interview itself. These lists will help you to determine what to look for and focus on in your next interview. Out of all the jobs you’ve had, which is your favorite? What was it about that job that makes it your favorite?
• Apply the things you want to the things that you’ve done, or things you’re interested in, whether it be professionally or personally.
Find your passion and then find your job.