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A 12-month guide helps you prepare for new opportunity. (January 14, 2013) |
August
What does the future look like for your current employer? Read through industry publications to find out what others are saying. Have you noticed any red flags at work? Are employees from certain departments being phased out? Is management bringing in new clients to meet employees? Have you heard rumors of a prospective sale?
September
Thanks to fall sales, September is a good month to head out to the store for an interview suit. If you do purchase something, experts agree that an approach focused on the basics is best, meaning navy blue or gray suits. Take care of all the details as well, including shoes, ties, belt, attaché case and other accessories.
October
Take some time this month to practice your interviewing skills. Have a friend ask you some standard interview questions to see how you answer. It also helps to talk to yourself in front of a mirror so you can check out your body language and facial expressions. You should also record yourself answering questions — video and/or audio — so you can hear the pacing of your answers.
November
Give yourself a self-review. Which aspects of your job do you do well? Which areas do you need to work at? List your strengths and weaknesses and explain why you feel that way. Read through recent performance reviews and see if you've made any improvement in the areas that were marked as satisfactory or below.
December
Read that November review and put a new plan into action. Figure out what you need to do to be successful in your career and content with your life. Share your observations with a friend, co-worker, supervisor or network contact that you look up to. Perhaps he or she could offer some advice on how to give your career a short-term and long-term boost.
What does the future look like for your current employer? Read through industry publications to find out what others are saying. Have you noticed any red flags at work? Are employees from certain departments being phased out? Is management bringing in new clients to meet employees? Have you heard rumors of a prospective sale?
September
Thanks to fall sales, September is a good month to head out to the store for an interview suit. If you do purchase something, experts agree that an approach focused on the basics is best, meaning navy blue or gray suits. Take care of all the details as well, including shoes, ties, belt, attaché case and other accessories.
October
Take some time this month to practice your interviewing skills. Have a friend ask you some standard interview questions to see how you answer. It also helps to talk to yourself in front of a mirror so you can check out your body language and facial expressions. You should also record yourself answering questions — video and/or audio — so you can hear the pacing of your answers.
November
Give yourself a self-review. Which aspects of your job do you do well? Which areas do you need to work at? List your strengths and weaknesses and explain why you feel that way. Read through recent performance reviews and see if you've made any improvement in the areas that were marked as satisfactory or below.
December
Read that November review and put a new plan into action. Figure out what you need to do to be successful in your career and content with your life. Share your observations with a friend, co-worker, supervisor or network contact that you look up to. Perhaps he or she could offer some advice on how to give your career a short-term and long-term boost.
