If you are currently working in a job you don't like, you may be tempted to skip this analysis. But think twice before you accept an offer just to get out. If you go toward something you'll like, not just away from something you don't like, you'll have better long-term career success. This column helps you assess Functional Fit. Later columns will help you match your job to your interests in the areas of Industry and Track.
Every job contains several functions.
The key to getting function right is to make sure that the primary function you enjoy is the primary function you're being rewarded for in the job. The function I enjoyed the most was interviewing the engineers. I was careful and thorough in my interviews, and most of the engineers liked me and respected my skill. But I was always scrambling to meet my page count deadlines. The problem was that my boss rewarded and rated me based on the number and the quality of the pages I turned out, not based on my stellar interpersonal skills in interviewing.