Before you
take your next career step, be sure you know where
you're headed. Map out your career and personal
goals, and make sure the two complement, rather than
conflict with each other. Working with one of our
professional recruiters will help you get there
faster. Here's what you need to do:
First,
determine your long-term goals
- Why
are you in the field in which you are currently
working?
- Are
your talents being utilized?
- Are
continued professional education and training
priorities?
Think
about the consequences
Don't make
career decisions in isolation. Be sure that your
family is supportive of your choices. You'll be able
to move faster when an offer is made. And of course,
consult with your recruiter.
Actively manage your own career
Between
where you are now and where you want to be is a
world of uncertainty. But it doesn't have to be that
way. Take the bull by the horns. Take control of
your life. You know where you want to go. Take
action to get yourself there.
Build
an effective personal career network
Word of
mouth. It's not only an effective sales tool, it's
also an extremely effective networking tool. For
starters, identify and "work" your own career
network. Include:
Friends
Co-workers (past and present)
Professional colleagues
Suppliers or customers
Consultants
Recruiters
Teachers and classmates
·
-
Actively maintain a fresh, current network
roster and cultivate your network.
-
Reciprocate. Always be willing to give at least
as much as you take in the way of information,
introductions and referrals. It'll pay off in
the long run.
- Don't
wear out the welcome mat by calling too much.
-
Remember that your professional references
should be part of that same network. Consider
them the creme de la creme and treat them
accordingly.
Take a
fresh look at your skills
Things
change quickly in today's economy. Make sure your
skills are cutting-edge. Research career enhancement
opportunities in your industry through associations
or training organizations.
