With increasing exposure to information, technology and globalization, many talented candidates are beginning to realize their market worth and what they want to get out of their careers.

As jobs get more demanding and employees clock up longer hours at work, these bright young executives are no longer contented with an attractive salary package or run-of-the-mill incentives and benefits. They are looking for job satisfaction and work fulfillment in new places.

Before venturing into the job market, you should figure out what you really want to do before moving on. Not only do you need deep self-knowledge, you should also understand some key influencers that will help you in your search for that ideal job.

The job fit

One way is to look at matching job requirements with your personality characteristics. For example, if you are investigative, curious, independent and analytical, you would probably enjoy working as a journalist. On the other hand, a conforming, practical and efficient person would most likely prefer a career in accounting. By proactively seeking out jobs that complement our personality, it is believed that this will in turn lead to better job performance, higher work satisfaction and reduced turnover.

The organization culture

More recently, the trend is moving toward matching employees' personalities to the overall organization's culture rather than with the characteristics of any specific job. For example, an outgoing, extroverted and sociable person would feel more driven in an aggressive and team-oriented culture. People who are high on agreeableness would seek to work in a supportive organizational climate. Similarly, creative and visionary employees would fit better in a company that emphasizes innovation rather than standardization and regulation.

The big boss

Many studies reveal that one of the main reasons employees leave their company is because of their manager. As the boss is also undoubtedly the key driver of an organization's culture, a savvy job seeker should proactively gather information about the company's leader, his management style and personality by talking to people who know him, or seek advice from mentors or other professionals and business partners within the industry.

Opportunities and challenges

In a candidate-short market, job seekers not only have more career options to choose from, they also receive multiple job offers from various companies. Seek out organizations that offer regular staff training; programs for personal growth and development; opportunities to take on new roles and projects; exposure to overseas markets, and/or long-term career advancement or succession-planning programs.

Networking and self-marketing

Networking is about meeting new people, giving them an opportunity to learn more about you and prospecting for jobs, contracts, clients and more. You can greatly enhance your employability with effective networking.

(Contact gaoyuan@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice)

Contributed by Erick Zhou, manager of banking and financial services at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd China

(China Daily 01/17/2012 page14)