Whether you are just starting out on a career path, or are reevaluating your goals and setting out on a new career path, it’s important to take the right steps to get the right start. It’s tempting to just go out and get the highest paying position you can get, but how does that line up with your long term career goals/ Steve McMahan, president of the Atlantic region of Kforce Professional Staffing was quoted by Careerbuilder in article published in the June 3, 2007 issue of the Chicago Tribune.
The article gave some excellent tips for setting your career on the right path. Some of the following information is adapted from the Chicago Tribune article.
1. Prioritize. Figure out what your most important goals are and what will make you happy. While it’s a good idea to listen to the opinion of other, the person who is responsible for your career satisfaction is you. It is important to figure out your own personal goal and make them a priority.
2. Create a list. Make a short list of three to five companies that youi would like to work for, along with the positions in those companies for you are best suited. If you need to get more credentials to get a job with one of your desired companies, figure out what they are and take steps to get the necessary credentials.
3. Eliminate limitations. Don’t limit yourself to a specific industry. The business world is fast paced and business needs change rapidly. The most successful people can transfer skills from industry to industry.
4. Do Your Homework. Focus upon your list of desired companies and research carefully on those companies. Research the websites, get annual reports, search business reports. The Internet is an invaluable tool in finding out information about companies. The library also has reference manuals with lots of industry information. Ask the reference librarian for assistance in locating the right reference books. The periodical section of the library has current and past issues of business magazines, that have a wealth of business information.
5. Know Yourself. Do some self analysis to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Write down an honest list of strengths and weaknesses. Write a summary of what differentiates you form other possible candidates. This summary is not necessarily a tool to show to others, but is a tool for self analysis.
Steve McMahan, president of the Atlantic region of Kforce Professional Staffing was quoted by Career builder in article published in the June 3, 2007 issue of the Chicago Tribune, was quoted, “You’ll need a fair and accurate picture of your skills to help you determine the best job for you. These are also questions you’ll need to be able to answer in your interview.” It’s a good idea to have these answers prepared, so that you can answer confidently in the important job interview.
6. Be positive. Play up accomplishments when preparing a resume. Steve McMahan said, “When updating your resume, play up accomplishments. Use an achievement format.
7. Chat it Up. Find opportunities to meet executives nd associates from companies you want to work for. Join professional and business organizations where you are likely to meet them. These associations give you an opportunity to meet decision makers who may be able to guide you to a good job opportunity.
8. Ask the right questions. Ask open ended questions at networking functions. Be inquisitive, polite and subtle. According to Steve McMahon, “Rather than saying, “Do you have any openings I can speak with you about, ask whether you can schedule more time to follow up with the person to learn more about them, their company, and industry.”
9. Express yourself. “Particularly if you are considering a career change to a new industry, this provides an excellent opportunity to try out the new industry and a chance to demonstrate your abilities over a period of time.”
10. Look ahead. Position yourself for long term security rather than the highest paying position you can get right now.
Resources:
Chicago Tribune, July 3, 2007. Careerbuilder. Tip Sheet: Follow these 10 steps to improve your career. by Steve McMahon of Kforce Professional Staffing.
