How Real Are You?
If you are facing the harsh reality of job loss or underemployment, you may realize that today's job-seeking process requires a unique tactic. With the start of a new year, you may be considering new ways to approach your job search.
How Real Are You?
If you are facing the harsh reality of job loss or underemployment, you may realize that today's job-seeking process requires a unique tactic. With the start of a new year, you may be considering new ways to approach your job search. Many tools and resources are available to find a new opportunity. However, there is no better way to begin this year's job quest than by creating a plan to make yourself real. This month's topic will focus on three questions to ask yourself so you become real to individuals and organizations:
1. What is my passion? Begin viewing your job loss as an opportunity to explore new options for your life. Consider starting with a career assessment at the outset of your transition. Find where your passions lie and write down your career goals, aspirations, and ideas. Ask your most trusted friends for feedback on this list (after all, they know the real you!) and run it by a career coach, recruiter, or mentor. Adjust your list as necessary and place it somewhere you will see it daily.
2. Who will I target? Now that you know your passion, make a list of target individuals and companies that will help you find your new niche. Develop it in the form of a spreadsheet so you can keep track of initial contact, the new information you discovered, and follow-up work you plan to do. Decide how you will brand yourself with a colorful title or phrase so people remember who you are.
3. How can I connect? This is the most crucial step to making yourself real in the job-seeking process. Networking with individuals and companies is the most successful way to get a job. You know your passions, and you have a target list – now connect! Start with family members, friends, and professionals you already know, and keep going! Consider a chat over coffee to discover what others are so passionate about in their careers. Check out local networking groups and events. How about volunteering your time with an organization that reflects values you want in your career? LinkedIn is a great tool to help you connect to other professionals and companies. There are endless ways to connect, but the bottom line is people want to know the "real you." And each connection takes you one step closer to your next opportunity.
Just as archers don't send their arrows flying aimlessly, but rather aim for a target, so the job seeker should do the same. Successful job-seeking is not quick or easy. But the hard work you put in today will affect tomorrow's pathway. Ultimately, you determine your own destiny – what an exciting thought!
Next month's feature: a hidden job search tool
