A fool-proof plan to find a new Job or fix your current one in 2012
Americans make all kinds of New Year’s resolutions – to lose weight, to stop smoking, or spend more time with family and friends. However, you never hear anyone say, “I’m committed to improving my career status.”
Ford R. Myers, career coach, speaker and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring,” (John Wiley & Sons, http://www.getthejobbook.com) has developed a simple six-step “power plan” designed to help individuals make the most of their current career or find a new and more satisfying one this year.
STEP 1: PERFORM AN INTERNAL AUDIT
A comprehensive internal audit combines the job seeker’s personal values, a list of adjectives outlining one’s “ideal employer,” and a “perfect job description.” In addition, candidates should do an audit of their professional strengths, personal appearance and mental attitude – and make positive adjustments as needed.
STEP 2: UPDATE YOUR JOB SEEKER’S “TOOL KIT”
Job seekers over-emphasize the resume because their other “tools” are weak or nonexistent. In order to master the job search process and maximize long-term career success, job seekers will also need written accomplishments, verbal presentations, a professional biography, a list of references, and letters of recommendation, among other useful tools.
STEP 3: NETWORKING: THE CORE OF YOUR SEARCH
The overwhelming majority of job seekers find their next career through networking. In order to achieve success, job seekers must have a proven system to follow. This includes a contact list, positioning statement (where you’ve been professionally), a departure statement (what happened to your last job), a list of targeted companies, networking meeting agenda, and request for help (access to a broader network and professional guidance – not a request for a job).
STEP 4: INTERVIEWING FOR SUCCESS: BETTER INTERVIEWS GET BETTER OFFERS
Interviewing can best be described as two-way story telling. Job seekers need to provide the interviewer with accurate, relevant, and value-centered stories about job performance. The interviewer needs to share the story of their company, describe the position in question, and explain specifically how they want you to fit into this picture.
STEP 5: SALARY NEGOTIATIONS: THE RULES OF THE GAME
Even in the current economy, you don’t have to accept the first salary that is being offered. Salaries are fully negotiable. Get the employer to state a salary figure or range first. Perform extensive salary research, and practice negotiating extensively beforehand. Defer salary discussions until an offer seems imminent. And discuss salary only with the person who has the authority to negotiate the salary and hire you.
STEP 6: WHO’S MANAGING YOUR CAREER? A GUIDE FOR PERPETUAL CAREER MANAGEMENT
In today’s work world, if you’re not managing your career, no one is! This step focuses on concrete, practical steps to manage your career effectively over the long-term, including keeping all your success documents up to date, putting time aside every week for active networking, researching and being aware of the competition, and offering to help people in your network.
“Despite the current economy, many people are moving up the corporate ladder or finding excellent new careers. Those who are achieving success know how to ‘play the game’ and are fully prepared for every step of the career development process. Anyone can find career success in 2012 by properly executing the steps I’ve outlined above,” adds Myers.
For more information and other useful tips for achieving career success, visit http://www.getthejobbook.com . Reprinted by permission of Ford R. Myers, a nationally-known Career Coach and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.” Download your free bonuses now at http://www.careerbookbonuses.com.