Make informed career decisions.
The Five Ps of Job Preference
Intro.
The goal of this exercise is to help you identify what you are looking for in a job by considering your personal preferences related to the Five Ps of work:
People
Place
Projects
Process
Powers
In doing so, you will better understand your preferences to make informed career-related decisions.
By working through this exercise and potentially reviewing it together in a session with me, you will gain clarity and direction, enabling us to create a path for your career change.
The Five Ps of Job Preference
What people look for in a job is unique and personal, from the physical work environment to the colleagues with whom we want to work.
When it comes to your career, your personal preferences matter. Having a clear and accurate picture of your preferences will help you make better, more confident choices. Identifying what you are looking for in a job gives you the power to decide whether your current role or a potential career move aligns with your preferences. When you are unaware of your preferences, it becomes difficult to recognize jobs that are a good match for you.
In this exercise, you will identify your preferences related to the Five Ps of work: 1) People, 2) Place, 3) Projects, 4) Process, and 5) Powers (see Fig. 1). You can use this information to help you decide whether a particular job or career move is something you want to pursue based on your personal preferences.
Step 1: People - Who you like to work with
In this step, you will consider the types of people you prefer to work with. When you work with people you like, trust, and respect, you are likely to be more satisfied with your job and gain more enjoyment from the time you spend in the workplace.
Take some time to consider the following questions related to your “people preferences.” You do not have to answer each question individually. Use these as prompts to help you identify your preferences and write those preferences in the space provided.
How would you describe your ideal colleague?
What kind of manager would you prefer to work under?
What positive character traits do you like the most in those you work with? E.g., reliable, resourceful, or trustworthy.
What negative character traits do you dislike the most in those you work with? E.g., dishonest, impatient, or manipulative.
Step 2: Place - Where you like to work
In this step, you will consider your “place preferences.” We all want something different from the workplace, and it is important to understand the type of environment you prefer to work in. Working in an environment that aligns with your preferences means you are likely to be more satisfied, happier, and productive. Consider the following questions related to your workplace preferences. Remember, you do not have to answer each question individually. Use these as a guide to help you identify your preferences and write those preferences in the space provided.
What does your ideal physical work environment look like?
Would you prefer to work in an office, at home, or blended?
Would you prefer to work for a large organization or a smaller company with fewer employees?
What does your ideal workspace look like? E.g., Are you alone in an office or share an open-plan space with others?
What maximum time would you be willing to travel to the job location?
Step 3: Projects - The projects and tasks you prefer
You will now consider the types of work-related projects and tasks you like to carry out. Reflecting on the projects you enjoy can reveal valuable information about your preferences.
Review the following questions about the work projects and tasks you like the most. Remember, you do not have to answer each question individually. Use these prompts to help you identify your preferences and write them in the space below.
Which problems do you like to solve?
What type of projects do you feel most engaged in?
What tasks do you look forward to/enjoy doing the most?
What projects are you most proud of?
What tasks/projects do you dislike?
Step 4: Process - Your preferred ways of working
In this step, you will identify your preferred ways of working. The workflow process involves steps through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion. In short, it is the process of how you get things done.
The following questions will help you reflect on your preferred ways of working. Remember, you do not have to answer each question individually. Use them as inspiration to help you identify your preferences and write them in the space provided.
Do you prefer your work to be structured with a plan and clear schedule or more spontaneous?
Do you prefer to work alone, occasionally collaborate with others, or work in teams?
Do you prefer familiar, routine tasks or more variety?
Do you prefer analytical or creative tasks?
What level of responsibility do you prefer?
Step 5: Powers - The strengths and skills you prefer to use at work
Each of us has unique powers, strengths and skills that allow us to do what we do best. Gaining a deeper understanding of the powers you like to use at work will highlight your preferences and help you identify roles in which you can put them to use.
The following questions will help you identify your preferences in relation to your skills and abilities. There is no need to answer each question individually. Use these as inspiration to help you identify your personal preferences and write those preferences in the space provided.
What things do you often get complimented on by colleagues?
What information, guidance, or advice do colleagues most frequently seek from you?
Which of your strengths do you feel are most valuable at work? What are the skills you learned and love to use at work?
Step 6: Reflection
How has this exercise helped you understand what you are looking for in a job?
What is the most valuable insight you have gained?
To what extent does your current role align with your preferences?
What small steps can you take to help you move closer to what you are looking for in a job?