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New Year’s Resolutions and Your Career
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Have you been putting off making a career change or improvement? It’s easy to get comfortable in our routines and schedules and avoid making a move toward the position, job, degree or certification we really want. If you are ready to make a plan and set a goal to improve your current job status or education level, you will want to read the following tips. Remember, breaking down your plan into manageable steps will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Getting a Promotion
1. Do your research! Make sure you fully understand the job description of the position you want, and the salary range.
2. Consult with management and find out the next step for consideration.
3. Make sure you have all the requirements for the position. If you don’t, find out how to get them and get rolling.
4. Talk to everyone involved in the promotion process and let them know you’re interested.
5. Be persistent.
6. If you determine your chances are not good, consider a lateral move in the company to a department with more opportunities. (Upward movement is rarely straight up; there are many zigzags.)
7. Improving Your Skills or Advancing Your Education Level
Many employers would rather spend money on retraining or upgrading a current employee in good standing than risk hiring a new employee.
1. Begin your research by talking with someone in your personnel or human resources department and ask about their education benefits for employees. Many employers provide reimbursement for employees taking college coursework relating to their job positions. Vocational training in the trades may be reimbursable if your company has a need in one of these areas. Also, employers may reimburse employees who pursue education and training for hard to fill positions. For example,. many hospitals are willing to pay for accepted employees to attend nursing school due to the extreme nursing shortage.
2. Consider taking an interest inventory, personality assessment or aptitude test to get ideas on what kind of training may best suit your strengths and personality.
3. If there are no opportunities to further your education with your current company, it’s time to go directly to the colleges or trade schools and inquire about their programs and related grants and scholarships. You will also want to ask if any organizations, companies or government agencies are affiliated with their programs. This could mean a future job lead if these groups hire from the school’s graduates. (You will be able to do a lot of this research on the Internet.)
4. If you have determined you are going to make a more drastic career change and there is little hope of financial aid or organizational assistance, you will need to meet with an advisor at your school of choice and determine whether you are going to hit the coursework intensely, full-tim, or go part-time and maintain full-time employment. You will also want to consult with family members during this process to discuss possible changes and expectations.
5. Meet with a financial advisor or counselor as you prepare for your educational commitment.
Getting a New Job
1. Get your resume together! A great resume and great references are basic requirements to find a new job. Take your time and be sure you are including all your skills and experience. You may want several versions of your resume highlighting different aspects of your experience. If writing or typing is not your thing, hire someone to do it. There are many ads in the paper and on the Internet for such services. Maybe a friend or relative can get this done for you.
2. Build a network! Let everyone know what you are looking for, including your friends, family, business associates, old workmates, alumni groups and your church organization.
3. Stay organized. Keep documentation and notes regarding contacts, interviews, follow-up calls or letters of appreciation.
4. Broadcast your resume. There are many, many places to post your resume on the Internet. It can be posted with international, national or local companies. Also, don’t forget governmental institutions and the armed services civilian job sites.
5. For some, a professional job finding company (headhunter) may be the answer. Make sure they are reputable and ask about all associated fees. Most often the hiring company will pay the job finder.
6. Be persistent and patient. You will receive many “no” answers before getting a “yes.”
By Rebecca R. Mild
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Employee Assistance Professional
INTEGRIS Corporate Assistance Program
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INTEGRIS Corporate Assistance Program
4900 N. Portland, Suite 111
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405.947.2688Toll Free
800.677.2729 |
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