Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Changing career direction
There was a recent piece in The Australian newspaper written by Deborah Barit that I've been meaning to comment on. She sets out the steps to finding a new career, by 'thinking outside the square'. I've summarised her points below but the premise is that all workers should be on the front foot at the moment rater than assume a new job would be easy to land.
She argus that "the real danger is in doing nothing. Now is the time to take control, review career goals and personal values, and re-invent yourself to match the changing job market." Easier said than done? Well maybe, especially since she believes that in this climate "a mere addition to experience or another qualification will not necessarily guarantee a job".
Step 1. Relax and create some quiet time to get started.
Step 2. Ask probing questions designed to uncover a brutal honesty in yourself. Questions like: What do I enjoy doing? What are my strengths, weaknesses and greatest achievements professional and personal? What motivates me? What would be my ideal job?
Step 3. Talk to three close friends who will be honest and ask them: What do you like and admire about me? What do you see as my strengths and weaknesses? Take notes and don't get defensive! Then sort and prioritise the comments in order of personal values, interests, skills, experience, attributes and weaknesses.
Step 4. Compare and contrast lists from Step 2 and 3. Match your interests and values with your skills, personal attributes and experience. Identify any gaps in your knowledge or experience.
Step 5. Spot trends and gaps. Research the market. Which industries are hiring? Which industries are in line for government assistance? As the economy improves, which sectors will be the first to expand?
Step 6. Assess your resume. Does it reflect the relevant skills and experience? Do you need additional training or professional guidance? Are you openly considering sectors outside of your direct experience?
These steps seem logical enough and the sentiment of being prepared is hard to argue with. Retrenchments are escalating in all markets around the world and this is a situation in which virtually anyone could find themselves in with very little notice.
How are you preparing? Do you see it as preparing for the worst or taking control of your destiny before decisions are made for you?
