Getting your player ready...
What career advice or master plan did you begin with right out of school? I recall receiving lots of encouragement to get a degree in accounting (although I showed no such skills or interests) because there were plenty of jobs and a solid career path in accounting and finance.
Many of us were advised to get a degree in a specific field simply because there were plentiful jobs. From there, we were told to put an “Objective” on our rèsumès, reflecting what we want next. Many of us were taught to write a rèsumè that described our duties. Then we sought out a stable company, and accepted a job because it was offered. Even if you were one of those smart enough to have a more thoughtful approach to planning and managing your career, it may be time to reinvent your career blueprint. Your degree is still a starting point, although it may time for a refresher in the form of a credible certificate program or continuing education courses in your industry. There are proactive steps you can take to give your career purposeful direction, whether this is the first time you have designed a career plan or you are ready to recalibrate your old plan. I speak with many job seekers and career changers who believe the rèsumè is the place to begin. Instead, I see far greater success for those who take time to reassess their values, career mission, favorite marketable skills, and desired work culture. When this information is matched with growth industries, companies and jobs, you are prepared to write a targeted and compelling rèsumè that positions your strengths to hiring managers who have urgent hiring demands. This time though, you will leave out the objective and instead focus on the problems you can solve and offer proof of relevant accomplishments. In the current economy, one element of your blueprint may involve working a survival job to pay the bills, or a bridge job that builds enough skills and experience to position you to achieve a long-term goal. Today’s career blueprint must integrate the following in order to position you strategically and enhance your chances of finding meaningful work:
