Instead of thinking so long-term about your career aspirations, —as in “if I only had my RN degree”—think in shorter time frames. What can you do next week, or start next week to get you a new job, eventually? Here is my list for you to consider.
1. Re -write your resume. Create your resume from the employer’s perspective. If you were the employer, why would you hire you? Chances are, you would eliminate a lot of it and concentrate on discussing how you would solve a specific problem for the employer. This naturally leads, then, to a process where you must find the company, understand their issues, and needs. Soon, you will determine that the old kind of resume is broken…and your new one will set you apart from other applicants.
2. Find and start two new classes, typically available from your Community Ed department. The first, is a speed reading course. There is nothing more valuable than increasing your reading speed and skills. The abiliity to read lots of materials will help you in numerous ways. The faster you read, the more you like to read. The more you read, the more you understand and the more you can do. The second class would be an accounting class. The language of business is accounting—understanding some basics will help you. Trust me.
3. Enhance your current job. The absolute best place to get a better job is simply to do better at your current one. Most jobs are bigger than the people who have them…what can you do yourself, to enhance your current job?
4. Spend some time thinking about your own personal elevator pitch or story. Learn how to best present yourself to others. Nearly every day, we are presented with an opportunity to share with someone…make yours memorable. A few days ago, I was in a business meeting with two people I knew, but they did not know each other. Near the end of the meeting, one of them said to the other…this was completely out of the blue…I know now about your business…tell me who you are, he asked. It was a revealing question and he got a surprising, insightful answer.
5. Do something for someone else. Get out of yourself a little. Your CAREER can be an overwhelming and all-encompassing issue. Maybe you can give someone else a bit of help too? We all need help and advice.
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Some good points in your list. I especially like the elevator pitch preparation idea. Many people are uncomfortable and unsure when asked about their profession, which should usually be a pretty easy answer. When asked unexpectedly about their personal lives, most people can offer very little in the way of a response. Engaging people throughout our daily routines is a great way to uncover new opportunities.
I like these GL, and I think number four & five can change your life.
Not only does it help others, but the perspective is eye opening, and makes us feel less like an island.
Are we afraid to listen?
Mick—I have seen this to be completely true…when asked to tell something about themselves, ‘most’ people go into mumble-mumble mode. Some careful thought would really pay dividends and set one apart.
Mike…I had not realized that 4 and 5 can be life changing. How so do you think?
OK—#4) First–I need to be the one asking the question-(great question by the way) –and I need to listen more.
I have been put on the elevator spot more than a few times—and I always walk away saying I should have said this or that.
I try to have a personal response ready filled mostly with how others have touched my life. -
Example: my own father never gave up even when faced with a debilitating disease, and he will always be an example to rise above.
#5 —serve at a food kitchen–don’t just pour milk—ask them about their day. Then go home and have a glass of humility.