Know Thyself

Know Thyself

Hand and word Progress

What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team. ~ Benjamin F. Fairless

Before you start your career search or plan to change your current career path; it is crucial for you to complete a self-reflection of how you want your career path to manifest. Breakdown your career plan beyond position details and income. Identify a top ten list of what you want your next position on your career path to provide you.

Career Path Development Exercise and Questions  

  • Take a personality test.
  • Career Changers, review your resume and determine what your top experiences from your previous positions were. Are they potential transferable experiences to your next role?
  • New Grads, what classes did you enjoy and excel in during school? Are there possible positions that will provide you the opportunity to expand your learning and experience in that area?
  • Were there community service experiences that brought you fulfillment that can be transferred over to a professional position?
  • Was there a success story that you observed or read that you need to revisit and research how you can have similar success outcomes?

 

Got Career Search Questions? Ask.

Got Career Search Questions? Ask.

Difficult choices of a businessman

Throughout your career search many questions are generated that you may not know where to gain direction and solutions from. It is strongly encouraged to be confident and comfortable to ask yourself and others questions to gain clarity about the next steps you need to take regarding your career search.

Asking the basic questions of requesting assistance with resume reviews, referrals, or employment leads can often be asked with ease. It’s important to ask yourself and sometimes consult with others the applicable questions and scenarios listed below.

  • Is this the right time to start a career search? Determine if you need to professionally develop in your current position longer before moving on to a new employment opportunity.
  • Do you need to improve your communication skills? If yes, identify what specific communication skills you need to improve and create an action plan accordingly.
  • Is it time for you to be considered for a management position? If yes, assess what qualifies you to be considered based upon the required experience listed for the position description.
  • If you desire a career change because of management. Resolve if is it worth transitioning out of your current role because of one person or a certain management style. Take the time to rethink your decision at least once to determine if the potential career move will be an overall advantage or disadvantage to your current career path.
  • Are you playing yourself small in your current role? If yes, decide if you want more and why now is a good time to seek career advancement. Pinpoint what eligibility steps you need to make to be considered beyond strengthen your self-confidence.

You are meant to achieve greatness and it is up to you to solidify your path to experience it. Ask questions to assist you in determining how to accomplish your desired career outcomes.

Are You Current and Relevant In Your Profession?

Are You Current and Relevant In Your Profession?

New skills concept.

No matter where you are on your current career path or succession plan; you must remain current and relevant in your skills and knowledge. Identifying education, mentorship, industry certification, or success coaching opportunities beyond what is provided by your employer are beneficial to your professional development. Own your professional evolution and do not be reluctant to take immediate action to determine which form of professional growth you need. Research your options well and with a purpose of being promotable, trainable, and/or a verifiable Subject Matter Expert. The professional and personal development time you invest in yourself always yields a solid return. Being current and relevant is a requirement for your career stability whether you want to retain or advance in your position and industry.

Current and Relevant Self-observation Inquiries

  1. Can you easily share the top five current and forecasted industry trends for your profession?
  2. Are the same development opportunities surfacing during annual reviews or statuses with management continually?
  3. Do you have the education and/or certification credentials needed to be considered for your next desired position or to be retained in your current position?

Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: “Are your ready?” ~Johnny Carson~