"Sign your name here. Now switch hands and do it again. Is it tougher the second time around? Yeah, I thought so...."
I'm right-handed. I grew up sitting across the kitchen table from my left-handed sisters. Our seating arrangement prevented us from bumping elbows.
Just as I prefer to write, eat, and throw with my right hand, I have preferences for how I filter information, work with others, socialize, and make decisions. I like working with words more than numbers. I like spinach more than brussel sprouts. Beets more than carrots.
When I moved to New York, I worked in a job that felt like writing with my left hand. I liked the people, I liked the concept of the job. But as I worked, I felt as though I were breaking trail in two feet of snow - or walking through a sand pile.
The experience of working "against my grain" inspired me to start Best Fit Forward. Because I think there's nothing worse than landing a job that doesn't play to your strengths. It may pay the bills, but if it strains you continually--it probably won't lead you to a promotion.
When you know how to interview well, it's easy to showcase your skills and accomplishments. You can filter out experiences to demonstrate your potential fit for a position. But sell your weaknesses as a strength, and you may end up sorry. Especially if your new job puts this weakness to work everyday.
I help many of my clients with online identity, job search strategy, and resumes. I prefer to start my work with an assessment; I like to get to know my client's preferences. Because who wants to bump elbows, really?
Photo by Helga Weber
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