Career
Planning: Set a Goal and Map It Out
Before you take your next career step, be sure you know where
you're headed. Map out your career and personal goals, and make
sure the two complement, rather than conflict with each other.
Working with one of our professional recruiters will help you
get there faster. Here's what you need to do:
First, determine your
long-term goals
- Why are you in the field in
which you are currently working?
- Are your talents being
utilized?
- Are continued professional
education and training priorities?
Think about the consequences
Don't make career decisions in
isolation. Be sure that your family is supportive of your
choices. You'll be able to move faster when an offer is made.
And of course, consult with your recruiter.
Actively manage your own
career
Between where you are now and
where you want to be is a world of uncertainty. But it doesn't
have to be that way. Take the bull by the horns. Take control of
your life. You know where you want to go. Take action to get
yourself there.
Build an effective personal
career network
Word of mouth. It's not only an
effective sales tool, it's also an extremely effective
networking tool. For starters, identify and "work"
your own career network. Include:
Friends
Co-workers (past and present)
Professional colleagues
Suppliers or customers
Consultants
Recruiters
Teachers and classmates·
- Actively maintain a fresh,
current network roster and cultivate your network.
- Reciprocate. Always be willing
to give at least as much as you take in the way of
information, introductions and referrals. It'll pay off in
the long run.
- Don't wear out the welcome mat
by calling too much.
- Remember that your
professional references should be part of that same network.
Consider them the creme de la creme and treat them
accordingly.
Take a fresh look at your
skills
Things change quickly in today's
economy. Make sure your skills are cutting-edge. Research career
enhancement opportunities in your industry through associations
or training organizations.
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