Ask the expert: Take time in finding your niche

It's an old story: you're not happy in your job, you know what you'd like to do - but how can you go about it? Dr MARIE WILSON , head of management and employment relations at the University of Auckland Business School and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business, offers some helpful ideas.

Q: I've worked as an analyst/programmer and as a database administrator. The problem is that I'm a little bit slow at these jobs.

I enjoy the database administration and the analysis aspects of my work, but I need to work quite hard to get to grips with any new products. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, too, and like to try to get things 100 per cent right.

I don't get turned on by new technology like a lot of IT people. I'm interested in the business processes and data but not the programming/technology.

My memory lets me down and I'm not always so good at absorbing a mass of information quickly. My typing speed lets me down too. This hampers me even when I'm doing the interesting bits.

I tried teaching IT to adults but this was not for me. Possible careers considered include working as a careers adviser and as a private investigator - to be honest there is nothing that leaps out and grabs me.

I'd love to find my niche. Any ideas?

A: Well, you've discussed what you're not very good at or interested in with considerable detail.

But the missing information is what your strengths and interests are.

You've considered the possibility of private investigator and career counsellor, but there is nothing in your letter to indicate that this fits your skills and abilities any better than your current post.

And you seem to be doing okay there; are you sure your skills for the job are so limited?

I would suggest that you get thorough feedback on your skills, abilities and aptitudes (things that you could develop into strengths). You can start this process in your current job by asking for feedback from as many sources as possible.

You might also engage the services of a career counsellor or organisational psychologist who can use some structured testing and interviewing to help you to develop your understanding of your abilities and identify your opportunities.

And because you may also be looking at a significant career shift, you may also want to look at your educational and training options; counsellors can help in this domain as well.

Q: I can't believe it. I have worked for this professional firm for many years, and the first big promotion that comes up, I am passed over in favour of someone with technical skills that are a shade better than mine, but with big problems in all the other stated criteria for the job, especially interpersonal skills.

I have been a relentless over-achiever and the "busy person" whom all the difficult but essential jobs go to. Now I feel it's all been a waste of my time at best, and cynical exploitation at worst.

A: Any rejection hurts. What counts now is what you and your organisation do in the aftermath.

Assuming that you are a very good employee, and that you wish to stay with your employer, what happens next? At a minimum, you should expect full and candid feedback on why you were not selected.

You have said the other candidate had better technical skills.

If this tipped the balance, what are you and your organisation going to do to develop your technical skills so this doesn't happen again?

The retention of top employees often involves personalised attention, including development and career planning.

Gain clear feedback, recognition for your strengths, and a clear set of goals to position you for the next opportunity, inside or outside your current organisation.

Don't get bitter, get better - and if the other candidate is as bad as you think, he or she will have plenty of problems of his or her own.

Stay focused on your own development rather than the apparent inequity you have suffered.

* E-mail your questions for Dr Marie Wilson to answer.