Monday, May 10, 2010

Right Where You Are





“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
― Theodore Roosevelt


Transition is a slippery state. When the main thing I want to be true is not yet true, it is easy to focus on what isn’t possible, what I don’t have and where I wish I were. But then what happens to my power to accomplish anything? Simple – it doesn’t show up at all!
Looking for a job, career transition, and uncertain employment situations require us to walk in “trusting the process” and follow Teddy R’s advice.
Do what you can …
  1. 1.     Study the various styles and their application so you can create resumes that are effective.
  2. 2.     Use the job boards every day – but not ALL day. Learn all the tricks of keywords, refreshing resumes, and searching by keyword vs. job title. (There is a trick to this!) Internet job search activities should comprise about 20-30% of your activity.
  3. 3.     NETWORK! 70-80% of your efforts should be directed toward building relationships with people who know people who know people …. Networking is a skill/art that needs to be developed and practiced daily, even after you are employed.

With what you have …
  1. 1.     Time. You have a lot of time when you are in transition. Plan and schedule and organize your activities so that your most productive hours are invested in the most important activities.
  2. 2.     Relationships. Nurture the ones you have, create new ones, be a resource to others in the process.
  3. 3.     Focus, intention, purpose   - no matter what the situation details, you must have these.

Where you are …
  1. 1.     Where are you in your career path? Whether just out of school or on the last stop before retirement, where you are is where you ARE. Find ways to tell your story that turns “where you are” into an advantage for the hiring company.
  2. 2.     Geography. Will you to consider a relocation? Where do you really want to live? How long a commute could you tolerate for a year or two for the sake of a really great job?
  3. 3.     Where are you in your professional and personal development? This is an area that can be addressed during times of transition. By setting up a learning program, you enhance the story to tell during conversations and interviews. You haven’t just stood still during this gap in employment; you have been developing skills and understanding to take forward into your next challenge.
Take Charge -- Get Moving!

Love and light,
Diane
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