Making The Most Of The New Year
by Debra Wheatman Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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With 20+ years as a strategic career advisor, Debra helps clients obtain highly desired interviews for competitive positions, including preparing results-oriented resumes, and providing guidance centered around interview preparation, salary negotiations, and overall career management.
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The New Year is a time of hope. Many of us make resolutions and look forward to starting fresh. I always think of it as a time to plan ahead and consider the positive things that the future holds. For those of you in job search mode or transitioning from one career to something new, this time can be filled with uncertainty, and dare I say it – dread; it need not be though. Here are some (hopefully) uplifting thoughts and tips to keep you engaged, positive, and proactive where your career and job search are concerned:
Out with the old and in with the new
Just because you are in transition mode does not mean the situation should be perceived in a negative manner. Take this time to reflect on your past experiences and how you can leverage your skills in a new role. If you were previously in a position for many years, take the time to explore new things. Conduct some research to uncover things that might hold promise for the future. Use the time you have wisely; you should be taking some time to learn new things about yourself. Interact with friends and family; join a new group; speak to people at your alma mater. You might discover something that will lead you down a completely new path – something that you previously did not consider. When you open your mind to new possibilities you will find that the possibilities are really endless.
Evaluate new fields
One of the best things you can do during a transition is to conduct research. Once you have identified one or two new fields you would like to pursue, you will then need to dive into really uncovering information to help you understand the industry and positions where you can add value. We all have transferrable skills; make a full list of the things you can offer a potential employer. Cross reference your list with that of job descriptions you uncover to see where a potential fit exists.
Volunteer your time
I have always said (and will continue to promote volunteering) as a means to uncovering opportunities and meeting new and interesting people. Working collaboratively with others toward a shared goal for a common good is very gratifying. During this time you might discover new things about yourself as well as potentially identify ways that you and the people you meet to help each other.
Freelance or temp
If you are really uncertain as to a path you should take, consider freelancing or temping. This ‘try before you buy’ approach will allow both you and a potential employer to test the waters before you take the plunge. Temp work is a great way to experience new environments (albeit for a short time) but this might be all that you need to help you uncover a new path. In some instances, a temporary assignment can become full-time.
Develop new skills
One of the ways in which you can use your time is through advancing your competencies through education. Consider going back to school on a full- or part-time basis. You can take classes (online or in a traditional classroom setting). This will facilitate your self-exploration and also allow you to sharpen your newly developed competencies as you embark on what might be an exciting new path.
Don’t rush into something out of desperation. Take the time to consider what you have done and where you might like to go. Explore your options to help determine a new situation that could be the right fit for you.
With 20+ years as a strategic career advisor, Debra helps clients obtain highly desired interviews for competitive positions, including preparing results-oriented resumes, and providing guidance centered around interview preparation, salary negotiations, and overall career management.
Out with the old and in with the new
Just because you are in transition mode does not mean the situation should be perceived in a negative manner. Take this time to reflect on your past experiences and how you can leverage your skills in a new role. If you were previously in a position for many years, take the time to explore new things. Conduct some research to uncover things that might hold promise for the future. Use the time you have wisely; you should be taking some time to learn new things about yourself. Interact with friends and family; join a new group; speak to people at your alma mater. You might discover something that will lead you down a completely new path – something that you previously did not consider. When you open your mind to new possibilities you will find that the possibilities are really endless.
Evaluate new fields
One of the best things you can do during a transition is to conduct research. Once you have identified one or two new fields you would like to pursue, you will then need to dive into really uncovering information to help you understand the industry and positions where you can add value. We all have transferrable skills; make a full list of the things you can offer a potential employer. Cross reference your list with that of job descriptions you uncover to see where a potential fit exists.
Volunteer your time
I have always said (and will continue to promote volunteering) as a means to uncovering opportunities and meeting new and interesting people. Working collaboratively with others toward a shared goal for a common good is very gratifying. During this time you might discover new things about yourself as well as potentially identify ways that you and the people you meet to help each other.
Freelance or temp
If you are really uncertain as to a path you should take, consider freelancing or temping. This ‘try before you buy’ approach will allow both you and a potential employer to test the waters before you take the plunge. Temp work is a great way to experience new environments (albeit for a short time) but this might be all that you need to help you uncover a new path. In some instances, a temporary assignment can become full-time.
Develop new skills
One of the ways in which you can use your time is through advancing your competencies through education. Consider going back to school on a full- or part-time basis. You can take classes (online or in a traditional classroom setting). This will facilitate your self-exploration and also allow you to sharpen your newly developed competencies as you embark on what might be an exciting new path.
Don’t rush into something out of desperation. Take the time to consider what you have done and where you might like to go. Explore your options to help determine a new situation that could be the right fit for you.
With 20+ years as a strategic career advisor, Debra helps clients obtain highly desired interviews for competitive positions, including preparing results-oriented resumes, and providing guidance centered around interview preparation, salary negotiations, and overall career management.