Career planning process
‘It is your career.’ How many times have you heard that said? Whether you are looking for career advice or career information, you will need to manage your career. Any career move or career change involves some kind of career guidance and career advice. What are you looking for? Do you feel that you need to move on in your career? Do you want to know what choices you have with regard to your career path? Are you looking for a new career?
Career development or career planning is vital if you are to achieve job fulfilment. Instead of searching randomly for your career options and career choices, stop and take stock. What is your profession? What is your career vision? Who can help you to achieve your career plans?
Importance of career progression for the individual
Due to the economic downfall, getting a job is hard. You’re not the only one out there job searching and struggling. In this article, there are many tips that can be useful to anyone in need of a job. Keep reading and you can find out more.
If finding a job has been real rough, consider changing up your strategy. Many companies simply aren’t hiring, but never give up. Take the time to go to areas you may not have gone to otherwise, but make sure you can afford to make it there if you do get a job.
If you plan to use current or former coworkers and supervisors as a business or personal reference, stay in touch. Maintaining contact with these people is important because it ensures that you have accurate, current information. Periodically verify your contacts’ telephone numbers, mailing address, current place of employment and email address. Providing incorrect contact information to a potential employer may hurt your chances for success.
Proofread your resume before going to a job interview. To ensure your resume is free of spelling or grammar errors, have a friend or family member look it over as well. Nothing makes a person seem worse at a job interview than a resume filled with careless errors. It could even prevent you from getting a job.
Why is career planning important?
Try not to listen to all the press about the dwindling job market and how difficult it is to find a job. This will only seek to discourage you. There are plenty of companies out there and many are hiring. While there may be more people looking for jobs, that simply means that you need to improve your resume and interviewing skills in order to stand out. Think positively.
Take good care of yourself so that you remain as healthy as possible. People that use all of their sick days are frowned upon and are usually passed up when it comes to promotions. Take control of the situation by eating a well-balanced diet and using proper hygiene. Your career depends on it.
If you have a tough interview coming up, engage in at least one practice interview with someone who you respect. This can be with a teacher or a member of your family, so that you can prepare for the pressure of the actual interview. This will help to alleviate stress on the big day.
Do not always trust jobs you see on the Internet. While certain sites are safe, other sites, such as Criagslist, have many scammers that not only are false employers, but are ooking to take your money. The best way to go job hunting is by asking people you can trust or by going to establishments to ask if they are hiring.
Make sure you let your friends and acquaintances know that you are on the job search. They may know of openings in your field, or may be able to suggest contacts that you may not have thought of. Many a person has found a job this way, and you could be next!
Planning your career path
If your company sponsors volunteer opportunities for its employees to participate in, get involved. This will expand your network of business contacts within your company. The more people know who you are, the easier it will be for you to move around in your company. Including this experience in your resume will also show that you are a well-rounded person, which is a good trait in an employee.
You should not use the same resume or cover letter to apply for different jobs. You should create your resume or cover letter in function of the position you want. Make sure you draw attention to relevant work experiences or specific skills that represent an advantage for the job you want.
If you are an older job seeker, understand that you do not have to include the dates of your high school and college graduation or dates of courses you may have taken early in your career. Additionally, you do not have to list high school at all if you graduated from college. It is understood that you also have a high school diploma.
How to know what job is best for you
Network, network, network! When looking for a job use all of your resources, including both business and personal contacts. Connect with anyone that is in the field you are in and use resources like LinkedIn to find other contacts, too. Submitting your resume and application via an inside track gives you an edge over the many people who submit via the standard practice.
One of the things to understand when you are job hunting is that there will be a lot of disappointments. If you understand this, you will be in a good position to get back on your feet and stay persistent if you do not land the job. Eventually, your dedication and drive will pay off.
Get involved in creating corporate culture in your office. Everyone is happier in their employment when they are closer with their colleagues, so volunteer some of your time to create activities where you and your peers can meet and learn about each other. You’ll find your time at work will be that much more enjoyable!
The job market is stagnant, and those seeking employment are having a hard time. Even when things appear to be bleak, there is always hope for you and your goals. Learn all you can about gainful employment; implementing what you’ve learned here will help a great deal.
Career Planning Advice
Do you need some help with developing your own career plan?
Whether you are committed to advancing your career with your current employer, wanting to change job or wanting to start afresh with something completely different, we can help you create a career plan that we achieve your career goals. Simply share with us briefly your career goals and aspirations and we will offer you some much needed professional advice aimed at helping you in your career – now and in the future.