Toward the end of the year, many people plan to leave behind their current jobs and move their careers into the fast lane. Others want to improve their situation with their current company. The problem with both goals is that few actually follow through on these intentions. In order to achieve your career goals, you must create a plan.
Here's how to start your career off right in 2008:
1. Revamp your personal value proposition - Companies are building value propositions every day in order to compete in a tough labor market - so why aren't you? Ask yourself the following questions: How can I add value to a corporation? What can I contribute to a team? How do these things distinguish me from every other candidate? Your answers will prepare you not only to articulate your personal value proposition, but better prepare you to interview and network.
2. Make a commitment to network - Resolve to interact with one contact a week who can help you develop career objectives, aid in career advancement, provide information, and open you up to a larger network. Remember - in order to develop and grow your network, you will need to sow a lot of seeds.
3. Freshen up your resume - When was the last time you updated your resume? Two years ago? Five years ago? The last time you searched for a job? It's always wise to keep your resume current; you never know when someone may ask for it, or when your career situation will change. Keeping an updated list of your skills, training, and education as well as goals accomplished will make this a cinch. The more clear and concise you can be the easier it is for a hiring manager to see how you have contributed and grown.
4. Perform a self assessment - with some help - First and foremost, be objective. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, write them down, and share them with someone you trust. This could be a colleague, ex-boss, or spouse. Look to them for guidance - is there a skill you left out, or one that needs more development? Are there intangible qualities you bring to a job? What is the best way for you to articulate your strengths? Are you overstating your strong points?
5. Be creative - Look to stretch your capabilities and broaden your horizons. Investigate career options that may seem out of the box. Consider new education opportunities, switch industries or research ways to enhance your current job. Taking a creative approach to your career will keep you fresh, invested, and current!
6. Sell yourself - If you aren't already, become comfortable tooting your own horn. Know what you are good at and be able to verbalize your strengths and skills in a clear, concise way. Let your personal value proposition be your best advertisement.
7. Seek professional career support - You most likely ask for help from professionals in several other areas of your life - lawyers, financial advisors, doctors. Why not seek assistance for developing your career, too? Career consultants, such as recruiters and career coaches, have a wealth of knowledge about what is happening in the current job market and also what's on the horizon. They have access to opportunities not available elsewhere and can help you build and execute a career search strategy. As with a doctor, you will need to find the right fit. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals and keep looking until you find someone you are comfortable with and trust.
8. Enhance your skill set - Once you figure where you want to go with your career, seek out coursework or a professional development program that will help you enhance your skills and meet your goals. Also consider professional memberships, seminars and activities to sharpen and hone your abilities.
9. Adapt - Every year the economy and labor market shifts and changes. The people who survive and thrive during tumultuous conditions are those who have a disaster plan. These people tend to be agile, have an exit strategy, are ahead of the curve and are primed to move if they sense change in their work environment. You can be a labor market survivor too - have your resume updated, your network fresh, and your career priorities in order. This will keep you prepared, informed, and ready to move on in case of a career emergency.
10. Get going! - Talk is cheap - get out there and take the steps to change or improve your career. Being proactive in your career will open up opportunities you never dreamed of and will help you start the new year off right.
Dave Sanford is Executive Vice President, Client Services of the Winter, Wyman Companies, a leading staffing firm based in Waltham, Mass.
