|
Once you get hired, the real work begins. That's Step Six (or Zero,
depending on how you look at it). Even if you like your new job, you
need to prepare for your next job hunt and the future course of your
career. Be STRATEGIC as you make your plans.
|
| S - |
Seek Advice
Continue to connect with people. Ask those you know
or meet for career advice. Read career management books. Go to a
career counselor. Visit a Workforce Center and ask for assistance
(page 27). Learn what works and then do it!
|
| T - |
Take Risks
Step outside your routine. Ask for new assignments
that will stretch your skills and raise your profile. Research and
request equipment that will help you do your job better. Do work
that may earn you a promotion. Consider changing fields.
|
| R - |
Conduct Research
Assess yourself: identify and study your interests
in depth. Read about other companies and occupations, the economy
and trends in your field. Research gives you an edge; if your circumstances
change or you change, you'll be ready.
|
| A - |
Form Alliances
Develop relationships with people in your organization,
profession, industry and community. They may bring you opportunities
and information. Volunteer and share your time and talents with
others. Give back the help you received when you were job hunting.
|
| T - |
Engage in Training and Development
Your success depends on lifelong learning. Increasing
your knowledge and skills makes you more flexible, able to take
on different types of work when your first choice isn't available.
Read about your field, attend conferences and workshops. Take courses
at your local college. Go back to school. Your employer might pay
for some of this training, so investigate it!
|
"When you start a new job, think of it as a temporary place
on your career path instead of a permanent one. Work for the
company but also work on your own career."
Stacy Kravetz,
Welcome to the Real World
|
|
| E - |
Stay Energetic
Take care of yourself. Eat well and exercise regularly.
Surround yourself with upbeat, supportive people. Stay positive;
it's the best energizer of all. It helps you attract healthy people
and get more done.
|
| G - |
Set Goals
Establish goals that reflect your purpose or mission
in life. Visualize yourself in your ideal job. What do you do? Who's
with you? What's the environment? Develop and implement the steps
needed to achieve your vision.
|
| I - |
Be Innovative
Try something new so you can do your work better,
faster, cheaper. Innovation combines creativity with common sense
and requires you to turn your ideas into reality. Suggest ways to
improve operations!
|
| C - |
Make a Commitment
Commit to guiding your career's future. Plan your
life-don't just react to events. Then implement your ideas. Invest
in yourself and your future the way any entrepreneur would. Remember,
you run Me, Inc.
|
| |
|
And keep track of your achievements, education and training, and contacts!
You'll need them for your next hunt!
CDR PRODUCTS
Being an excellent employee is the best way to job hunt. Succeed
at Work, published by CDR, explains how to achieve excellence.
In just sixty information-packed pages, it describes your first
day on the job, making plans to leave and everything in between.
Topics include a good work ethic, communication, customer service
skills and more. In addition, it describes how to live a balanced
life that supports your work success. It even suggests how you
can enjoy any type of job-even one you think you hate!
For more information or to order, visit www.cdr.state.tx.us
or call
1-800-822-PLAN.
|
|
Step Zero / Six: Work