Take some quiet time this month to consider where you are in your career and promise yourself to take specific action steps to re-affirm your current direction or begin to move into a totally new field of endeavor.
Consider these resolutions:
1) Most importantly, I will do some self-assessment work on my own or with a career coach to clearly define and understand who I am, why I am that way, and what I truly need in a job and a career. I will re-create “my story” so that I can confidently answer that famous question “tell me about yourself” with focus, brevity, and energy. This step will help me clarify my career objectives and create an effective and vital career search action plan resulting in the right new position or new career for me (I will “look for work, not just a job”).
2) I will ensure that my resume is current, two pages in length and proofread with a powerful two to three line summary statement at the top of the first page that defines my professional focus and what I am seeking. I will ensure that my bio is current and interesting to read and will cause someone to like and want to meet me.
3) I will ensure my sixty second “elevator speech” is brief and as interesting as my bio. I will practice delivering it for my search until it is second nature. It will contain a memorable “button” about me (beekeeper, recently published author, ski champ, etc).
4) I will recontact my references (three supervisors, three peers, three subordinates) to update them on my career search status, remind them of my key strengths, and thank them for being willing to act as a reference. I will avoid overusing my references and thank them when I “land” in my next chapter. I will also “thank” everyone who helped me.
5) I will create or reenergize my support network and meet them and new contacts on a weekly or biweekly basis.
6) I will create a CRM program and keep a careful record of all contacts that I have ever made that are pertinent to my career search. I will follow-up on all opportunities with alacrity and energy.
7) I will draw a forty mile circle around my home and identify all the companies in that circle where I “deserve to work” based on a match between my profile and the company’s profile. I will learn all that I can via the internet and contacts about how their business could benefit from my expertise, skills, and interests. I will contact the most likely executives, including board members, to establish relationships that might lead to consulting or employment.
8) I will consider obtaining presentation skills and interview training to sharpen my presence and confidence in interviews. I will prepare for the wide range of questions that I will be asked. I will be expert in how to interview effectively by phone or in person.
9) I will dedicate a specific amount of time each week, ideally the same days and times, to my career search. I will treat my search as seriously as I do (did) my job.
10) If I am not working, I will find a part time job that keeps me feeling active, pays something, and is consistent in some way with my career objectives if possible.
11) I will keep my family, friends, and support group current regarding my career search and I will enlist their support and love to keep me energized and focused.
12) Once I land that next consulting or full time employment, I will thank those who helped and I will keep doing all of the above to be well-prepared for the next “work interruption” or career shift.
Remember, jobs are fleeting; work is eternal.