Setting goals in your job search is important for many reasons and moreso today with so many people out of work. The competition is more qualified and the general level of preparation has risen to new heights…higher skills, more technically prepared and better educated. Once your goals are set, stay focused, consider all your options and don’t shut down as opportunities may be around the corner.
Multiple goal setting is a valuable tip that can pay off dividends in your favor. It means to simultaneously establish goals to achieve different results. Here’s an example. While Bette seeks more responsibility and a higher paying position in her current company, an UPWARD stretch, she also seeks to learn new technology and enhanced public speaking skills which both represent JOB ENRICHMENT. The combination of her multiple goals will put Bette on a fast track in her current company who eagerly embraces competence, self motivation, technical ability and confident, strong work ethic.
Don’t write yourself out of the job picture. As Beverly Kaye discusses in her book, Up Is Not The Only Way by Berrett Koehler Press, explore diverse options that appeal to you. The more creative and flexible you are, the more successful you’ll become. Learning and growing (often in place) is at the core of career development these days.
Think about multiple options for YOU at this time:
JOB ENRICHMENT… How might you develop yourself and your skills on your current job?_____________
UPWARD MOVEMENT …What position(s), if any, appeal to you at higher levels of responsibility? ______
LATERAL…what different skills appeal to you working in the same or similar work setting? ____________
EXPLORATORY…whether it’s at your current job, a downward position, or in a new field, what new options appeal to you and what skills would you need for success?_______ _______________________
Once you have concrete ideas for one or more of the above options, create an action plan to help you realize your goals and “stick with your plan.”
Note from Joyce: If you get stuck along the way, post a comment or ask a question.
