Years ago, companies seemed to be in charge of employees’ career direction. Not anymore; people manage their career direction by changing careers if needed.
Now it’s up to you to take charge of your career path. Take the reins and initiate action to reach your career goals and aspirations.
Jobs used to come with some job security, but nowadays, you can become the victim of downsizing, budget cuts, or just be terminated when you least expect it.
Without job security, it’s up to you to manage your career direction. If you are unhappy with your job, you need to revitalize your current situation or make a career transition. It’s essential to appreciate going to work each day, or at least not dread it.
The Average Person Will Work for Seven Companies
It is no longer the norm to stay with one company for your entire career. It is normal for the average person to work for different companies throughout their life.
Look out for your best interests. It is to your advantage to always keep your ears open to new employment opportunities, especially in today’s economy. Prepare yourself in advance, just in case you are released from your present position.
As a professional, you should always be changing and evolving. Don’t get held down to one position for too long; you will most likely end up being on the wrong end of a company downsizing. Stay one step or maybe three ahead of your company by reviewing your job security and happiness and ultimate long-term career direction.
Be Ready to Act to Achieve Your Desired Career Direction
Take ownership of your career success and happiness by keeping the proverbial ball in your court. You need to be calling the shots in your career.
To be ready to pounce on an opportunity, keep track of everything you accomplish each year. Also, brainstorm what steps you’d like to take in the next twelve months and plan out what it would take to get there. Talk with your family and friends about your career goals. Retain the service of a career coach; I provide helpful career guidance and support and writing services.
Write down all of your career achievements and continue updating your resume and cover letter to be ready to submit within a short period. Over the last 16 years, I have witnessed many people who scrambled to put together their resumes and letters at the last minute – the quality is poor or mediocre.
Guess what happens?
They miss securing a job interview for an excellent career opportunity. They didn’t have time to put together a resume or submitted a resume that didn’t communicate relevant core competencies and accomplishments to show value to the organization.
Change Your Career Direction to Reach Goals
Use your career goals to keep you from getting stuck in a rut. Few people stay with one company for their entire career anymore; you shouldn’t allow yourself to get too comfortable. Once you think you’ve gotten stagnant in your job, it’s time to take action to move to the next career gig.
Consider conducting a job search while you are still employed; it will make you more desirable to a potential employer. When you give notice, be professional and write a resignation letter without negative comments. Yes, I know; leaving out negative comments can be difficult if you detest an individual or the company. Even if you do – refrain from any negative words in any letter or job interview.
To help you find out about potential opportunities, use your professional networks and contacts. LinkedIn is an excellent place to network, find leads, connect with organizations and recruiters. These individuals can be instrumental in helping move your career forward.
Even if you are not actively searching for a new role, start connecting with people on LinkedIn right now to build credibility and valuable connections. The connections you make now may help you in the future to learn about new career opportunities.
Writing a searchable LinkedIn profile that includes keywords and communicates your value is paramount to the success you get from the LinkedIn platform. Your LinkedIn profile needs to be keyword-rich to be selected to review by hiring managers, decision-makers, and recruiters to be ready for any potential connections to reach out to you. While you are on this platform networking, follow companies of interest on LinkedIn.
You never know what kind of job opportunities they may know about. When you’re ready to leap from one job to the next, make sure your resume and cover letter are top-notch. If you need help with any of these steps – you can review our resume and coaching services!
How have you taken charge of your career direction? Do you have any helpful tips for conducting an effective job search?
Do you have any career tips that would be helpful to other job seekers? Comment and share below!
Need additional assistance? Reach out to Candace or call 1 877 738 – 8052 to learn more!