The Art of Career Planning

Career planning is an exercise that is well worth the time invested in it because it sets you going on the path that leads to where you would like to go. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity regarding your career objectives as well and it best done before you embark on your job search.
Often most people get stuck at the very beginning of the planning process itself. There seem to be too many choices that are throwing themselves at you with all kinds of material gains, fame and wealth, comfort and luxury, glamour and beauty. From acting to singing, writing to banking, software programming to business, choices confuse you. Naturally feelings of self-doubt might creep in at this stage. Am I good enough for that, you may ask, or how do I become successful at this. After some time of pondering over many career paths you may end up thinking that maybe you are no good for any of these things after all.

Here is where a bit of career planning helps. There are two ways of starting off. One is to find out what you really like doing and do it irrespective of the gains and growth patterns and the second is to find out what really motivates you, find out which among the careers gives you what you want and build up competencies for it. Either way you will get what you want - in the first method the journey itself is your reward (though many will discourage you on this path, but don't worry, many have tread this path and quite successfully at that too) and in the second you are carefully working your way to your reward which could be clearly spelt out to be a consequence of your work or occupation.

Whichever path you choose, it is most important to know your individual strengths and weaknesses. Sit down and assess yourself honestly. Think of all your accomplishments, of all the compliments you got, of all the work that really inspired you, of the times when you worked with passion at and jot them all down. You will find that as you note down your victories, your achievements etc a pattern will emerge. You can find that you are good at organizing, at making people comfortable, at leading, at solving puzzles, at physical activity, at playing music or games. Each of these represents a career option by itself or throws up some characteristic in you - qualities that could be good assets in your future career options.

Now list out things that motivate you, that you aspire for, your dreams - things you would want more than anything else in the world. Find your fit between the person you are and the dream you wish to achieve. As this picture gets clearer you become more aware, confident and purposeful. Attributes that serve you well along the way. You have now formed a sharp picture of yourself with specific saleable qualities.

Thinking Ahead in the Job Search

Job Searchers, have you ever been so close to getting a new position that you stop doing most of the things that brought you to that point? It is easy to get so excited over one potential opportunity that you forget how important it is to keep your pipeline full of leads.
A job search takes time, potentially three to six months, or longer in our current economy, depending upon your particular skill and salary level. People often get discouraged at the amount of time it is taking and may slow down or even stop the process. In addition, employers often state an ideal time frame to fill the position. However, that goal may not be realistic, and the employer may take much longer than anticipated filling the position.

Waiting on a specific job could put you at risk. Perhaps you have interviewed once or even several times for the job. During the interview process, you receive encouraging signals that you are the top candidate. As a result, you decide that this is the job for you and you stop developing other leads. Then, you discover the position has gone to someone else. Where does that leave you in your job search? All your eggs were in one basket and now you are back at square one with nothing on the radar screen and weeks wasted because you were counting on this job.

So, what are some of the things you can do to keep the momentum going in your job search? Be aware that this is a process and takes time, energy and commitment. The more you put in, the more you get back. Set up some structures to ensure that you spend a certain amount of time each week on your search. That could include networking activities or even going to the gym, as long as you are cultivating opportunities.

Remember to keep looking at and applying for openings until you have completely negotiated for your next position. Continue the activities that resulted in success. Seek out the assistance of a coach or job search buddy who can help keep you accountable during the demands of a search.

Think out of the box for possible job options or employers. You may have several skill sets to promote rather than just one. Continue exploring and talking to anyone you can about potential opportunities. Keep your pipeline full of leads and you may be surprised by the results. Your negotiating power and your confidence will increase when you have more than one option.


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