When it comes to hiring for an executive level position, often a significant amount of time and effort must be committed to finding the right fit. But, where do you begin? How can companies pick the great executives out from the pool of many good executives?

The solution? Know the person you hire and know the traits you want.

Look for outstanding leadership qualities. Seek to understand how they would handle a team that they are working with. Ask about different strengths and weaknesses when dealing with specific scenarios in your company or area of expertise. Have they been able to build strong teams in the past? Have they seen great success in the work that they have completed in a team environment? These questions will not only highlight the type of work they have done that can be of benefit to your department but understanding these character traits will allow you to pinpoint qualities that may help the company grow in the future.

But what is leadership without an idea or action plan for growth? Finding a top executive that has an idea of how they want to grow and the steps that they are willing to take to succeed shows how focused they are on their goals and the future of the company. Ask about their plans for the role, should they be hired. Accept the feedback they may give on processes that they believe could be done more efficiently or may work fit with their style of work.

Signs of a good leader are everywhere. But to separate the great leaders from the good leaders, you must hire someone who will inspire others and push them to limits they never believed that they could reach. It is important that top executives collaborate well and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They must know what needs to get done and believe in the process. Most importantly, however, they must believe in their team to get it done and help when need be. Not only will it result in goals being met by positive outcomes but also the entire workplace environment will begin to move in an active and collaborative direction.

How do you know if the position you are in or rather, the position you are applying for, is the right job for you? Based on shared knowledge, there isn’t a magic book that tells readers the exact answer they need (and if there is, feel free to fill us in)! So for now, relying on gut feelings, emotions and a bit of faith will help in continuing the guide towards the right career path.

And while relying on those three things may help, there are steps that you can take to help manage the heavily-weighted decision of what job will be right for you.

To the same extent that you may be looking to fit into a position, the company is looking for the right candidate as well. So assure that everything is the right fit. Ask yourself why you are interested in the position, what it is that attracts you to the job and how the new role will help you achieve your personal goals.

Additionally, take into consideration who you will be working with. From both a management and colleague side, the personal friendships and environment that you will be placed in can either make or break the new role.

Understanding yourself can arguably be the most important aspect when searching for a new position. What priorities do you have? What are your morals and goals? Who is important to you that you want to take your new journey with? Deciding what you want out of any position will not only set you up for success but will secure your happiness in the process. It is important to not compromise on aspects of your life that are of high importance but rather, find a job that will compliment your priorities while guaranteeing you compliment theirs as well.

So although the book of infinite answers does not exist (yet), being in tune with yourself and your environment is the next best thing. Open positions will come and go but the ability and faith to follow your personal aspirations will take you further than any book of life can offer. Don’t be afraid to start your new chapter.

When striving to achieve a new role, there is always a mental toll that you must endure. Whether it is staying up late to finish a project or review quarterly budgets or constantly ensuring you are standing out of the crowd, at times, you have to be mentally 100 percent. And let’s face it, that can be exhausting. But don’t let the exhaustion get you down. Instead, continue to build yourself up every day.

So, reflect on your achievements. Take the time to step back and see how far you have come and how hard you have worked to get where you are. Remind yourself of the skills you have that got you to the position you are in today and build on those skills to push your further in your career.

And while you may feel like you are taking on the world, know you are not alone. Ask for help. Share your struggles with someone you trust and ask them for advice. Let them shine a light on how great you are and what you are capable of achieving – because who doesn’t love to hear that once in a while?!

But don’t focus on your past successes. Continue to grow with your goals and aspirations. Do something that will remind you that you are capable of creating value.

Don’t be afraid to be confident in the person you are. Share your achievements, laugh, smile and enjoy your current role and responsibilities.

Soon, the opportunity to transition to a new role or position will present itself. So believe in yourself and the achievements you have made and continue to focus on where you want to go.