Try as we might, we can never truly predict what the future has in store for us. Life has a tendency to surprise and frustrate in equal measure, and the path we’re on doesn’t always turn out to be the path we imagined. Some things are simply beyond our control.

Even so, we’re not completely powerless. We might not be able to control our futures, but we can shape them. We can point our futures in the right direction. With the growth mindset and a good plan, we can guide ourselves to where we want to be.

This is especially true when we find ourselves at a career crossroads. Whether you’re in the middle of a committed job hunt or just exploring options for something new, you have a real chance to influence your path. You will need to choose your next job wisely, and the best way to do that is to think one job ahead.

Thinking one job ahead means asking a series of important questions at every step of the process. These are different questions than those typically asked about everyday life in the role, responsibilities, schedules, and the like. These questions are about you, your future, and how the job you’re applying to fits into the big picture of the life you’re creating. Questions like:

Will this job open doors for me?

Can I see myself learning and growing at this job?

What will I be learning in this job?

How will I be growing?

Will there be opportunities to gain new skills and/or accreditations?

Could this job be a stepping stone on the path to achieving my long-term goals?

What would my next job potentially be after this one?

Is that next job after this one closer to the job of my dreams?

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions of yourself as you proceed with your job search. All of these questions should be able to be answered in all of your interactions with a company. From the website to the job description to the interview process, it should all be there. You can even ask some of them of the recruiters and hiring managers you meet along the way. Every job is as unique as you are, and not all of them will provide you with the opportunities you need to make progress toward your goals.

If you keep thinking one job ahead and find one that checks all the boxes, then it could be the perfect next step for you as you guide and shape your own career journey.