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January 2006
Are You Serious About Your Career?
by Susan Reynolds
People approach a job search in fashions that sometimes remind us of
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: too big, too small, and just right… Let's
continue with the analogies:
First, there's the career "tire-kicker". These people will say that
they're "just seeing what's out there", communicating nonchalance in their
attitude toward finding a new opportunity. They seem to want to let the
marketplace decide for them if they'll make a move or not. They don't want
to expend the thought and effort that it will probably take to land the
best opportunity. They surf the Internet and comb the ads, hoping, often
in vain, that a perfect job will crawl out from under a rock.
Second, let's consider the "diving board" job searcher. They're panicked.
They've allowed their unhappiness and lack of opportunity to reach a
critical situation, and are thus faced with making an emergency career
move. They must dive for the very first offer, no matter if it's the right
move for their career. Sometimes, sadly, these people have financial
realities have forced this situation as a surprise to them. So many
others, however, have simply not taken positive corrective career action
in a timely manner and are suffering the consequences.
Who's "just right"? The professional who carefully evaluates the ongoing
situation for their career. They are watchful of trends in their industry,
and are alert to changes that may mean that that industry is going to be
no longer viable for them. They take steps to know which of their skills
are transferable to other industries. They nurture strong networking
relationships, including those perhaps of a personal nature, but outside
their industry. They know their strengths and have a resume that
effectively communicates those strengths. They know their financial value
and how to negotiate from a position of strength, for a position of
strength.
So which description describes YOUR career situation?
Susan Reynolds is a senior partner at Newmarket Careers in Santa Clarita,
a job search and career strategy firm geared toward managerial, executive,
and senior level professional careers. She can be reached at
sreynolds@newmarketcareers.com or 661-702-1345.
© Copyright NewMarket Careers LLC.
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