The Search begins!
So you've decided to take those next steps on your career path and find a new job. Are you wondering what that process should look like for you?
Like grains of sand on the beach, everyone is different.
Some people like to take the leap into the unknown and go for whatever interests them at that moment in time. Others are very methodical, planning their path carefully, moving strategically towards their ultimate goal, their dream job.
Whichever option is right for you, here are some steps, which I hope will serve you in your journey:
- If you’ve decided to take the leap into the unknown, pick an area of passion/interest to focus your search within. If you are following your career path you are ready to start!
- Define your values (deeply held beliefs of what is important to you; they act as guiding principles your life).
- Do your research - find out more about the organization(s) that you are interested in working with. What are their values, mission/mandate, vision, goals, and strategic plan? Compare: how do they align with your values, beliefs, career plans? Are they a match or a clash?
Analyze and reflect upon:
- What do you like about your current work that you want to keep doing?
- What don’t you like in your current work that you are happy to leave behind?
- Do you want to work for a large or small organization?
- What type of people do you like to work with?
- What type of work environment do you prefer: one that is a structured 9 am - 5 pm punch the clock, filled with routine, or one that allows you flexibility and creativity in completing your work at your own pace?
- What types of hours suit you, fit with your family needs?
- Do want an office to go to every day, or a virtual one that allows you to work from home?
Once you have answered those questions in addition to your own, design a strategy to plan your steps and keep you on track. An efficient and fun way to do this is through the use of a mind-map. For those of you who are totally electronic there are some great free apps to choose from which you can find through your favorite search engine, or, pen & paper work just as well!
Set SMART goals to keep you focused and on task:
S: specific,
M: measurable,
A: attainable
R: realistic
T: timely.
As you work through the SMART process, ask yourself the “W” questions to guide you: Who, What, Where, When, Which, and Why.
Coaching questions to get you started:
What opportunity is in front of you right now?
What do you need to create what you want?
What next steps will you take today?
