3 Things to learn about yourself before you get hired

Are you a marketer, remote worker, professional, or freelancer looking to improve your chances of getting hired? When it comes to interviews and job applications, employers have one goal in mind: finding the best fit for a position. Knowing yourself and recognizing key traits that could be seen as valuable assets could give you an especially competitive edge. So before submitting your next application, take time to learn three important things about yourself – it just might get you closer to the job opportunity of your dreams!

Self Awareness – Learn About Yourself

Finding the job of your dreams starts with taking time to learn about yourself. Self-awareness is key when it comes to interviewing and job applications, as employers are always looking for the ideal candidate. To give yourself an especially competitive edge in hiring processes, take time to learn three important things about yourself: 

• how you learn 
• what's your Love Language
• how you communicate

Once you've identified these characteristics, knowing how they can impact your work and how you collaborate with others is a great way to set yourself up for success in your future endeavors! Take the time now to learn more about yourself and see if it helps get you closer to achieving your professional goals.

How You Learn

It’s no secret that we all learn differently so why not give yourself the advantage and learn about your own learning style? Being forthcoming about how you learn can make a great impression when it comes to interviewing for a job, and may just be the key to landing it. Knowing your style of learning also allows you to transition into a new role with ease since you know how best to process and retain information. Whether you’re an auditory, kinesthetic, visual or any other type of learner, having this insight is only going to help you in the long run!

Here are some different learner types. You might be able to self identify

1. Visual learners: These learners prefer to learn through the use of images, charts, and diagrams.
2. Auditory learners: These learners prefer to learn through listening to lectures, discussions, and podcasts.
3. Kinesthetic learners: These learners prefer a hands-on approach to learning and tend to learn best through physical activities and experiences.
4. Reading/Writing learners: These learners prefer learning through reading and writing assignments such as textbooks or notes.
5. Logical/Mathematical learners: These types of learners are analytical and enjoy solving problems using logic and reasoning.
6. Social/Interpersonal Learners: These types of learners thrive in group settings where they can interact with others and collaborate on projects.
7. Solitary/Intrapersonal Learners: These types of learners work best alone and tend to be self-motivated in their studies.
8. Verbal/Linguistic Learners: These types of learners have a strong affinity for language, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

What’s Your Love Language

Love languages are a set of five distinct “languages” that can be used to express and receive love in a relationship. The five languages are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Each language is associated with different behaviors and expressions that can help individuals feel connected and understood by their partner(s). 

For example, someone who values 

• Words of Affirmation might appreciate being told how much they are appreciated or loved; 
• Physical Touch may like holding hands or being hugged; 
• Quality Time may enjoy going on dates or conversations that focus on connecting with each other; 
• Acts of Service may like having tasks done for them without being asked; 
• Receiving Gifts may appreciate even the smallest gestures like a card or thoughtful present.

Do you know what your love language is? This is important to learn about yourself if you don’t already know it. Knowing this about yourself can help you communicate what you need in a work environment to flourish and thrive.

Love Languages in the Workplace

Love languages can be used in the workplace to improve interpersonal relations by helping employees better understand each other. By having a better understanding of which language resonates most with each person, coworkers can develop effective strategies for communicating and connecting with each other that help foster a more positive working environment. 

For example, 

• an employee who values Words of Affirmation may appreciate being praised and recognized for a job well done; 
• someone who values Quality Time might feel closer to their colleagues if they have regular meetings or lunches together; 
• someone who values Receiving Gifts might enjoy a surprise gift as recognition for their hard work; 
• someone who values Acts of Service may appreciate help with tasks they are struggling with; and 
• someone who values Physical Touch could benefit from hugs or pats on the back when things get tough. 

Understanding these different love languages helps facilitate more meaningful relationships between colleagues, promoting empathy and cooperation among team members.

How You Communicate

Learning about how you communicate is an important part of understanding yourself and your relationships. By learning about the different ways you express yourself, and how others interpret your communication, you can strengthen your relationships with those around you. Additionally, it provides insight into how to best communicate with people who have different communication styles than yours. It allows you to tailor conversations so they meet the needs of all parties involved, creating stronger bonds and fostering a more compassionate working environment. Through knowledge of how we communicate with others, we can create healthier and more productive interpersonal dynamics.

Things to consider for yourself

• Do you like lots of communication?
• Would you rather have minimal communication?
• Do you prefer meetings, email, or messaging options like Slack?
• Are you comfortable with leading meetings or working directly with clients?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you in the job search and in interviews.

Learn About Yourself and Take Your Next Step

Dream jobs aren't a figment of imagination – they're waiting for you to take advantage of them! Learning these three key traits about yourself will help open the door to new opportunities and boost your chances of being chosen for the position. As someone looking to make the next step in their career, don't overlook this simple exercise. Dedicate some time to knowing yourself better, and use that knowledge as a tool in interviews and job applications. With a bit of self-reflection and research into the industry, you'll be able to confidently market yourself and start getting closer to achieving your ambitions! Join your local coworking space to connect with others like you.