Key Steps – Developing Your New Career Plan
All successful companies and individuals have a Plan. The Plan is your road map to get you to your destination. There are books written and courses taught, but they all have the same goal in common. Accomplishing your goal or task is very dependent in laying out a strategic Plan to get you there. As we begin a new decade let’s also look at 2010 as a new beginning to a new career or an improved career for you. As you look at the steps below understand that just like foot prints your business plan should be unique to you but the elements should be the same.
Organize your thoughts and career aspirations in writing. This allows you to capture your thoughts and ideas in a document for on-going monitoring and for future referencing. As you capture your thoughts please make sure they are realistic and attainable. Build into your plan the occasional setbacks which can happen. Remain resolved to stick to your new career plan. Finding a new career opportunity is a full time job as it requires the same level of commitment. Approach each day by looking at your plan and making sure you are following it the way it was outlined.
What industry are you interested in and do you possess the skills to be successful in this industry or job? Many of my readers know that I put a lot of emphasis on following your passion. If you are following your passion you will have a very enjoyable and rewarding career. Look at new career opportunities that are poised for sustained growth (Education, Health care, Government etc.). It appears that every 20 years or so the economy tends to have a downturn. Be prepared for this uncertainty with a solid career that offers more security and growth. Identify a Mentor in the industry you want to work in regardless if their company has a job opening or not. This will serve you well as you begin your new career.
Resume writing is important as this document represents you to the prospective employer. In your absence it tells the employer who you are and what you have to offer the company. Needless to say how important it is to use spell check and grammar check. It should be job specific as well as informing the employer what you can offer the company. Companies will not fill in the blanks for you so please be specific with your resume objectives. If your resume simply states that you would like to “apply your education to a new career”, it doesn’t tell me much as an employer. On the other hand if it reads “interested in applying my electrical engineering experience in helping Acme Inc. on future structural design projects”. As an employer I can envision you working for us and in what capacity we can utilize your talents. Just “looking for a job” won’t cut it in today’s extremely competitive job market.
You should begin Networking (Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter etc) as well as meeting with other professionals in your city. Finding a great job and new career is a marathon and not a sprint so please understand that it will take time. Your neighbors, family members, club members should be knowledgeable of your search efforts. This support system is very important as you explore the many opportunities that will start to develop in the coming weeks.
Just as it is questionable to run a race without knowledge of a finish line; it is equally questionable to explore a new career opportunity without a Plan.
Greg Ikner is the President of The AGA Group an Executive Search and Consulting Firm. I have in excess of 25 years of Industry experience in Sales, Management and Marketing. The Articles I author are based on proven experience and I share my learnings with you. If you gain some level of insight after reading my articles then I have accomplished my goal.
Several other ways to view my work is to visit my weekly Blog The Ikner Articles (http://www.gregikner.com) and my monthly Newsletter titled Healthcare Recruiting News http://www.agaexecsearch.com/newsletter.aspx ). I hope you enjoy.
Author: Gregory Ikner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital economy, mobile technology
Related posts: