How to Perform a 10-Step Career Tune-Up

The job market is rapidly changing. For example, a March 2008 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) claims that 63,000 non-farm jobs vanished from the American economy in February 2008. Some industries have been hit especially hard, such as manufacturing, retail, and construction. Other fields, however, continue to blossom, including health care and food service. Has today's shifting economy prompted you to rethink your job? Whether you have been laid off or you are just interested in exploring new career choices, you should perform a career tune-up to widen your job prospects. Let's examine ten great ways to whip your professional credentials into tip-top shape.

Step One: Analyze Your Current Job
You may justify an unattractive career situation by ignoring your low pay, nasty boss, or bleak advancement prospects. However, if you really want to find a secure, satisfying job, you need to be totally honest about your current position. Consider these questions:

• What exactly do you like and dislike about your job? A written list of pros and cons can help you learn your true feelings about your profession.
• Which parts of your job are you good at? When you recognize your professional talents, it is easier to know whether your job utilizes your skills.
• Is a career change necessary or not? For example, if you simply dislike your coworkers or your benefits package, you might be happier with another company. On the other hand, if you are fed up with the whole industry, it may be time for a more dramatic career shift.

Step Two: Create Reachable Goals
You can set two types of career goals: long-term goals and short-term goals. For instance, if you work in an office, you might set the short-term goal of mastering Microsoft Excel and the long-term goal of becoming office manager. When creating your goals, remember:

• Record your goals and check them off when you meet them
• You may have dozens of long-term and short-term career goals--that's okay
• You should always strive to set new and challenging goals in order to stay motivated
  

Step Three: Expand Your Network
It's no secret that good relationships with your boss and co-workers can further your career. Additionally, your personal network can prove invaluable during a search for a new job. So how can you put together your network? Use these ideas:

• Talk to people in your life who may have helpful connections--you might contact your friends, family members, doctors, lawyers, and former employers
• Browse online discussion forums related to your job
• Conduct informational interviews with people working in your desired field

Try not to directly request a job from any potential employers. Instead, ask for referrals, hints, advice, and information. A subtle approach to networking is frequently more successful than an aggressive, demanding method.

Step Four: Identify Any Job Skills You Need to Remain Competitive
Many employment sectors should have strong growth within the next decade. For example, the BLS reports that jobs in scientific, professional, and technical services should increase nearly thirty percent by 2016. However, even if an industry has amazing growth prospects, the best career opportunities are usually awarded to employees who keep pace with their industries' changing technologies and job requirements. To stay competitive in your chosen field, you should first determine the skills you still need to work on. Next, you can find a training program that meets your needs. Many employers cover tuition for training programs directly related to your job duties--see if yours is one of them.

Step Five: Advance Your Education
Investigate the following educational options for improving your job skills: 

• Master's degree programs
• Vocational certificates
• Distance education

Step Six: Rework Your Resume
If you are hunting for a new job, do not send out the same generic resume to multiple employers. Instead, you should tailor your resume for each company you apply to. Other helpful resume hints include:

• Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes
• Never lie or exaggerate on your resume; if you are hired, false biographical information could cause you to be fired or even sued
• Make sure you format your resume properly--to help you figure out standard resume formatting, you can use an online guide, such as Purdue University's OWL resource

Step Seven: Take Your Job Search Online
Although most people still find jobs through traditional means, you can also use the Internet as a helpful supplement to your search. Many useful career-oriented search engines exist to help you track down jobs. Also, more and more companies post available jobs on their Web sites' online career centers.

Step Eight: Prepare for Interviews
You can practice for job interviews by composing thoughtful answers for common interview questions, which might include:

• What can you tell me about yourself?
• Why are you the right person for this job?
• What do you know about our company?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your career goals?

Step Nine: Assess Your Market Value
Remember, when you are searching for a job, you are marketing yourself as a valuable product. To enlarge your desirability for employers, you need to know how to promote yourself correctly. This may include dressing professionally, carefully researching your possible employers, and showcasing your unique professional talents.

Step Ten: Move Up in Your Current Career
Rather than uprooting yourself for a different job with new co-workers, you might just consider seeking a higher position at your current workplace. Not only can your salary rise and your responsibilities increase, you may boost your chances of hire if you eventually choose to reenter the job market.

If you decide that you need help rethinking your career, you should seek out a qualified career counselor. Make sure your counselor is certified by an official organization such as the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Sources:
"Interview Preparation," Western State College of Colorado
"Introduction to Resumes," The OWL at Purdue University
"Employment Situation Summary," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
"Tomorrow's Jobs," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics