Know your market worth and discuss precisely what you have to offer in
very specific terms. Do you know how to do this? The most common failure amongst
interview candidates is to believe that their track record "speaks for itself".
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Managing your career by pulling it all together and making it happen depends on your ability to:
Understand your contribution to previous and future employers based on
your achievements. Are you clearly able to quantify exactly what difference you made
in terms of added value, cost savings or extra revenue? It's too easy to think because
you were part of a successful business your contribution was automatically good.
Maintain your motivation and persistence which will pay off eventually. Even
though you consider yourself to be absolutely the right person for the job which has
"your name written all over it" you may still be turned down.
Do whats needed even if it doesn't work first time. Can you pick yourself up
and carry on, learning from your mistakes? Use the box guide above to sort it all out.
Support others so that you build your network of contacts. If you give
something of yourself to others while they are pushing ahead with their careers you
can be sure the compliment will be returned.
Negotiating Well
Negotiating when there seems to be a lot at stake can be daunting for the most
experienced people; when it comes to negotiating the salary and package for the job
you really want, it can seem impossible.
We have coached many people through this particular barrier, which
relies upon:
Confidence in yourself and what you "bring to the party"
Knowing what you want and need so you can focus on the job
Recognising the benefits of negotiating well
A win / win for both parties which brings lasting commitment
Getting what you both want and not feeling in any way "cheated"
Get all this right and you will be satisfied with the outcome. Get it wrong and you may
feel as if you have been taken advantage of; this is not the best way to start any new
job.
Networking for Results
All the statistics point to the fact that more than half of all job changes will occur
because of an informal contact. This means that more than half of your time spent
looking for career opportunities should be spent on this technique.
Too many people think that networking is just about swapping business cards at
conferences - WRONG.
What it really involves is the ability and commitment to talking
regularly with your contacts to keep abreast of news in "their" world.
If you don't already do this, you must put in some effort now and get back into the
swim. Career Design will guide you through what you must do to turn this skill to
your immediate advantage.
We will coach you thoroughly in:
How to network
What to say and do
Who to approach
How to build your network
Setting the agenda
Asking for a meeting
Don't miss out on the benefits of networking because you're not sure what to do or say
- we will help you all the way.
Getting Your Career Organised
1. Do you know where youre going?
2. Do you know how youll get there?
3. Are you making the most of your options?
4. Does anyone know about you?
5. What do others think about you?
6. How do you measure your impact?
1. Do you know where youre going?
I know what position I want next
I have a five-year plan for my career based on my own informal picture of
the market
I have long-range goals for my career
I have long-range goals for my personal life
I know what skills or new knowledge will be required to progress in my job
and my company
2. Do you know how youll get there?
I have the right education and experience for the job I may want next
I seek out individuals who have information and skills that I need to
understand
I have a role model, mentor or champion whom I can learn from
I regularly read journals, newspapers and books on management and
business in general
I take care of myself physically and am described as a person with a lot of
energy
I maintain balance between my work and my life outside work.
3. Are you making the most of your options?
I actively seek information about what is happening within the areas I work
I understand where and why work opportunities are increasing or declining
I am familiar with company policies and practices on career development
I use all available support (both formal and informal) to open up new options
for me.
4. Does anyone know about you?
My bosss boss and other senior managers know who I am
I develop contacts in areas that do not have regular dealings with me
I am energetic and enthusiastic about my company and job
I get involved in cross-departmental activities or problem solving groups
I am visibly involved in a professional organisation, preferably in a leadership
role
I keep in regular contact with colleagues I have met at events, conferences
and on courses
I network with people I have previously worked with
5. What do others think about you?
I feel I have a good relationship with my superiors
I feel I have a good relationship with people who work for me
I speak and listen to my customers regularly, and check that I understand
their needs
I am seen as a problem solver and committed to action
I take actions to enhance the quality of my companys products and
services.
6. How do you measure your impact?
I seek feedback regarding my performance
I embrace the feedback and aim to improve my performance
I maintain contact with professionals in my field to know the value of my
skills
My CV is kept up-to-date, well-organised and reflects the accomplishments
of my career
I have recent experience of how others might see me (via my network or job
application)
I am ready and prepared to negotiate a job move should I want to.
One of the best ways to make sure you are aware of how others might see you is to
circulate your CV to appropriate recruitment consultants. How do you do this easily
and quickly? Click on this link www.cvtrumpet.co.uk/go.htm?ID=PeterF&L=21 to find
out how CV Trumpet can help.
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