by Angela M. Cranon, M.A.
It’s a new year, and many of you want to find a job or change a career. You might be tired of the same process of looking for a job, or even tired of being rejected. No matter the case, you might be blocking your own chance to succeed simply because your qualifications may not have changed.
Along with the normal process of finding a new job or changing careers, seriously think about upgrading your skills. Just because you are already employed, educated, or highly skilled, employment is not just around the corner. And if it is, the salary might be the same. Why? Because you are the same. With no new skills, no new certifications, and no upgrade with your education, why should anything be different?
Don’t fret; you are not alone. However, to solve this problem, if you want a change in your life, especially financially, and with a new career, prepare for it ahead of time. Don’t just wake up one day and look for a job. Have a strategic plan to land employment. This plan should be set in advance before searching for a job.
If you know that the job you have is not your career choice, or you want to make more money, or you just need to find employment, ask yourself the following questions:
- What career would be long-term fulfilling?
Think hard and long so that you don’t keep changing careers. - What skills are needed to find a desired career?
List them one by one. This is where researching plays a major role in preparing to find the most desirable job. - What do I need to accomplish to obtain those skills?
Seek ways to improve and expand your skills. What does the job require, and what do you lack? - How do I know how to enhance my skills?
Always research what the career entails and what you can do extra to stand out from the hundreds who are also looking for the same job. This might mean going back to school, taking a few certification programs, or receiving more training. This can be done through accelerated college programs, adult schools, online companies, and through your current employer. - How can I become more focused on what I want to do?
Along with researching the type of career you want and the skills you need to land a job, you can also specifically focus on individual companies where you could spend the next decade or more working. Those under 50 could switch to another company when an opportunity arises, if necessary. However, the more mature adult, preparing for retirement, should focus on researching a company based on retirement benefits as well as career goals, and plan to stay there until the time of retirement. - When do I want this to occur in my life?
Put together a realistic timetable that details what needs to be accomplished to get the job. Some might believe that a monthly plan is sufficient; however, creating a daily or weekly schedule can keep your momentum going in order to achieve your goals sooner rather than later. Equally important is to avoid making the timetable too far out so that you don’t lose confidence, momentum, or simply give up. - What to do with my timetable?
Follow it day after day, tirelessly. Take action. Make it happen.
So when all is said and done, do more than just the process of finding a job—be prepared before you begin the search. These tips are simple, yet effective in helping change your unemployment status to employed and creating a plan that will push your career in the right direction, making your workdays more profitable and rewarding.
Taking the first step is the hardest, but once you get started and see results, there will be no stopping you from succeeding. Stay confident, diligent, and positive.
Now, go make it a great day!
