Your skills can open many doors

I can’t remember the last time someone told methey were looking for a job as a wild horse and burro program director.

Yet, this position awaits the right person to fill it. And that person just might be you.

The main responsibility for this role at the Humane Society of the United States is to “promote and advance the protection, human treatment and management of wild horses and burros on private, state and federal lands,” according to the posting on the organization’s site.

It takes someone with a background in equine issues who can create a public information campaign to educate others; or- ganize, coordinate and lead coalitions; offer guidance on policy; seek out the media; assist in developing memberships and financing; and stand up before an audience.

“Demonstrated interest in wild horse and burro protection is highly desired,” the posting says.

Off the top of my head, I can think of two people who would love this role and the issue it addresses. With the right positioning, either one would qualify.

But neither knows that the job exists.

I also have no recollection of anyone ever telling me his goal is to become an oyster restoration outreach assistant. But looking at what this job at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Fla., entails, more than a handful of potential employees come to mind.

The work involves organizing and leading community outreach; coordinating and training volunteers; researching, collecting and compiling data; promoting conservation; helping organize and present educational workshops; and developing cooperative relationships with schools, universities, local agencies and corporations.

And, oh yes, you need to be familiar with safely operating an electric tabletop drill press and other power and hand tools.

The job hunters I’m thinking of would be tripping over themselves to have this position — and willing to learn to handle power and hand tools. They have the perfect skill set and are passionate about conservation.

But they don’t know the job exists. That’s because — perhaps like you — they limit their job search. All because they haven’t asked themselves three questions in this order.

Question1: What do I actually do best of all?

What would past and present employers, associates and those who appreciate your talents say?

Question 2: care about?

How satisfying would it be to apply your greatest abilities to something you believe in — to a cause, issue or group that you care about? Think through what matters to you most.

What do you

Question 3: Who needs people like me?

Now you’re ready to put together what you learned in questions 1 and 2 and ask:

Who needs someone with my greatest skills and cares about the issues I believe in? What organizations focus on what matters to me?

Asking this helps you broaden your ability to think about where to search. And it brings you to the next step — researching such organizations and finding out if they have positions that can use your greatest skills and interests.