Whether you are looking to make a career change or out of work, there are things you can do each day to help in your search, believe it or not. Some of these tips deal with organisation and some with mental state of mind, but each, in its way makes the process easier and in the end more productive and satisfying. Take a moment to review the following motivational tips and incorporate them into your routine to maximise your outlook and results.
1. Look The Part
You may have heard it said you ‘should dress for success’, or possibly, ‘dress for the job you want’, and in essence these adages are true. Your clothes afford you two opportunities when seeking a job and both are extremely important to you, whether you know it or not. Your dress has a direct effect on your outlook mentally, helping create either a positive or negative attitude. When looking for work, making a first impression is of the utmost importance as you literally have only the one opportunity. Dress to set your mindset and always be prepared to make the first impression.
2. Be Creative In Your Search
Finding happiness in your career is just as important as happiness in your personal and social lives, so look at your options from all angles. Make a list of your assets, likes, dislikes, and interests, for example, and begin to make a list of career choices which would be fulfilling and explore your options.
3. Make a List
Be sure to make a list, on paper, of not only the career fields which may be suitable, but also resources for finding continued education if necessary, but also assistance in gaining access to the field which interest you. By putting on paper these resources, complete with contact information and any notes which you may have taken reduces time and stress. Be sure to keep notes of conversations and pertinent information for quick reference later.
4. Do Your Research
Be sure to do your research as it will save lots of time, mistakes, and errors. Discover all you can about any fields of interest, including certification requirements or educational requirements, or resources to assist you in your job search. By becoming as acquainted as possible with the ins and outs of both these will reduce the likelihood of any surprises in the future and better prepare you for the challenges ahead. Education will reduce time and make it possible to increase the effectiveness of your own efforts as well as those of any outside resources you may be employing.
5. Get Organised
Create organisation in all areas of your job search or career change. Copious notes, calendars of appointments, accurate records, lists of references and pertinent information, accurate and updated resume, and a file for any certifications or accreditations should be in order and easily accessible. Organisation such as this will make your search easier and much more successful, especially when considering reaching a set goal. Instead of time searching for information a little time spent proactively means more time to explore your career options.
6. Define Goals
Make a list of your career goals and keep them where they may be seen to serve as a reminder. No one achieves anything without a clearly defined set of goals and your career is no different. If the effort is haphazard the results will be as well.
7. Solicit Advice
Don’t be afraid to see the advice of your peers or those whose opinion you have a respect for. Many times those around us know us better than we know ourselves and reaching out to them for advice or encouragement is not a bad thing. While having this encouragement or the opinion of others is important, don’t lose sight of the fact ultimately the decisions to be made are your own and should be based on your own goals and desires.
8. Be Open To Change
For a large percentage of people, change is a difficult thing to come to terms with, but when it comes to your satisfaction with your career and professional life, you should be open to change. People are most comfortable with what they are familiar with but if what is most familiar to you has been less than satisfying, change may be a necessity. Be open to change as it could give you a new lease on your professional life.
9. Get Professional Help
Asking for help is difficult, but when you are discussing your career difficult should never stop you. There is professional help available whether it is in the form of professional resume services or professional recruiting services and utilising them is not a sign of weakness but strength. By using a professional to fill in the gaps of your search it is nothing more than maximising your effort in the pursuit of maximised return. Take a moment to do your own search for professionals in your area to lend a hand in polishing your presentation or honing your search and ask questions.
10. Play To Your Strengths
Letting go of control with something as personal as career could be difficult, but it is increasingly helpful to learn to delegate some of the responsibility, especially in areas of weakness. Whether it is organisation, research, compiling available opportunities, or collecting lists of prospective employers does not matter as long as the job is done well. Play to your strengths and allow others to assist by bringing their strengths to the table.
Making a career change is exciting but often a scary time as well and utilising some of, if not all, of the tips above should improve not only the experience but the outcome as well.
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