It is important that you set goals in your career. You want to try to achieve as high as you can on the ladder so that you can maximize your talents and this will enable you to make the kind of money that you are worth. It is better to have goals so you have a footprint and a path that you can follow. It also allows you markers along the way so you can see how you are progressing with your goals. It is a good idea to try to set smaller short term goals that you can obtain first then you need to also high a long term focus.
First thing you want to do is set a goal. This means that the mind applies creativity, insight and reasoning to come up with a job related goal. There is a temptation here to let the limiting nature of your circumstances and deadlines dictate the nature of the goal. This is not the place to dampen down the power of the vision behind the goal. For example, you might need a job to pay the bills next month -- and that may persuade you that your goal is to take the first thing that comes along. Not so! The reality of looming credit card interest payments may say otherwise, but set the job goal at least high enough to see beyond the immediate crisis.
Next you need to arm yourself with a goal worth fighting for. Your circumstances will naturally have an impact on what you need to do this week, next week and into the coming months in order to find employment. And it is entirely feasible that the goal you've set in step 1 might have to be modified (but certainly not abandoned) because of the currently tough times. This is where an updated job resume is a constructive approach to factoring in all the essential attributes and experience you can bring to your present situation.
Step three is where the logical reasoning mind can really come into its own. This is where you apply yourself to coming up with possible options which can get you the job you want. Some of these options will seem outlandish when contrasted with what you believe is possible, but they should still be held up to the light of the major job goal set in step one. You may have to temporarily put off the day when they can be implemented but knowing that these possibilities exist is an inspiring peak to aim for. Meanwhile, continue your ascent through the foothills of job seeking options that appear realistic in the short term.
Last but not least is about the decision points for taking action.
What jobs will you concentrate on applying for?
Where can you go to get more information?
What is the best resume service to work with for maximum impact?
When is the next Job fair being held in your area?
Questions around taking specific actions are useful here when there is an emphasis put on what you can do in the next 10 to 15 minutes. For example, what is the phone number of the recruitment agency you were recommended by a friend? That is a specific next step you can take even though you don't yet know what will come from contacting them, or even if their number is available!
If you have access to a career counselor or coach, make use of the accountability such a trusting relationship can bring to your job search.
Finally, remember that the growth implied by "Goal - Reality - Options- What" comes about because of reinforcing feedback. You just have to set the goal, then take a reality check, next come up with some possible actions and finally move into the what, when, where and how of getting things done.
The steps can be mixed around very effectively in the company of an experienced career coach, but if that isn't available to you and you are new to the self coaching approach, and in the middle of a potentially stressful job search, then always start setting the goal first.
| Article Source: © Bryan Burbank |
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