Finding Your Dream Job: Know Your What, Where, Why

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Finding Your Dream Job: Start with Your What, Where, and Why

Hi, I’m Jen Beatty, Head of Delivery here at Refactor Talent.
And while I didn’t go to school to be a recruiter (most of us didn’t), I can say with complete confidence: this is what I’m meant to do.

One of the best parts of my job is helping people find roles that actually fit, not just on paper, but in real life.

And if you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current job, I’ll give you the same advice I give the candidates and professionals we work with every day:

Start by getting clear on your What, Where, and Why.

Because if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.
We’re not trying to wander, we’re trying to land something that works.

1. Why Are You Looking?

Before we even talk roles or titles, get honest with yourself:
• What’s motivating you to make a move?
• Are you looking for growth? Better balance? A team that gets you?
• What are you walking away from, and what do you never want to deal with again?
• How would you define your dream job, not just the title, but the way it feels?

If you can name it, we can help you pursue it. But you have to know your “why” first.

2. What is Your Ideal Role?

Think in terms of fit, fulfillment, and energy, not just your degree or resume.
• Are you open to full-time, contract, or both?
• What kind of work energizes you? What drains you?
• What are your best technical and soft skills?
• What do you want to learn next?
• What roles would feel like a step forward, not just a job, but momentum?

Refactor Pro Tip: Knowing what you don’t want is just as powerful as knowing what you do.

3. What Does “Culture Fit” Actually Mean to You?

This part gets overlooked, but it’s where a lot of mismatches happen.
• What kind of team do you thrive on?
• Do you want structure or flexibility?
• Startup, mid-size, enterprise?
• Autonomy or tight collaboration?
• How do you want to feel about leadership, communication, and pace?

The clearer you are, the faster we can match you to an environment where you’ll thrive.

4. Where Are You Willing to Work?

Logistics matter more than people think.
• Are you open to relocation, or grounded in one location?
• Remote, hybrid, or on-site. What really works for your life?
• How much travel (if any) fits your season of life?

Set those boundaries now, so you don’t waste time chasing roles that won’t align.

5. What Compensation Are You Targeting?

It’s important to be clear and confident here.
• What’s your full-time salary target?
• What’s your hourly range if you’re open to contract work?
• What else matters: benefits, PTO, career path, flexibility?

Your “Parachute” Role

Here’s the truth: the job you’re looking for might not even have a title you’ve seen yet.
But when you know your What, Where, and Why, you’re not just applying. You’re curating.

That’s how you land in a role that works for your life, your values, and your future.

If this blog answers some of your questions and you’re still looking for more clarity, I highly recommend picking up a copy of What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles.

I used it myself to navigate a major career transition many years ago. At the time, I was wide open to possibilities, so I started with what I didn’t want. Almost 30 years later, I can confidently say: I made the right move.