Jul

23

Job Change - are you focused and prepared?

Posted by Dan

July 23, 2007 |

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day that has just made a job change.  I’ll call her Sally.  Sally had a job that she really did like.  She enjoyed the Company, liked what they stood for and could see where she could apply herself in several different areas in the future. 

It seemed like a recipe for success, so why did Sally make a change? Sally told me that when she began at the Company she decided that she was not going to fall into the “autopilot” career trap.  She set quarterly career goals and kept track of her successes, communicating frequently with her manager about areas of new responsibility she would like to take on.  She was rated as a top performer on her performance review, but of course was not happy with level of increase that was distributed (and who is these days…).   She made sure she had a solid year with the firm before she began pursuing other job opportunities.  She did not want to look like a job-hopper, or someone who just could not be pleased.   Along the way she kept her resume tuned-up with new accomplishments, etc.  In other words, Sally really took charge of her career and remained focused on her career goals.  When Sally got a call from another employer with a possible opportunity she was prepared to meet with them immediately.  After several interviews with the firm, and a few well-planned salary negotiations, Sally received an offer – and what a great offer it was!   When I asked Sally what her new plan was, she said that she would take the same steps with the new employer: 

  1. Set quarterly career goals and review them
  2. Keep track of new responsibilities/opportunities that she can take on
  3. Stay market ready at all times. 

Sally is keeping her eyes wide open and making sure she gets the success she deserves in her career!  How about you??  Are you staying focused and prepared?  If not, it’s never too late… start writing your goals down today – after all, you know the old saying “unwritten goals are just pie in the sky”.  Remember it’s ‘your car(eer)’ and ‘you are the driver’.

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

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