What are Some of the Goals You Achieved in 2008?

I am looking through the goal list I made last December, and am pleasantly surprised to see the number of goals I achieved. Some were little goals that were more like tasks I needed to complete while others were six month processes; like completing my career coaching certification. I’ve been coaching for several years but always wanted to go through the process of becoming certified to make sure I wasn’t missing any key points to offer my clients. It was a thrill and relief to complete the course.

The class was a refresher for many areas but I did learn effective techniques to improve client communication. It enabled me to uncover client facts and achievements quicker and improved my ability to dig deeper using key questions and improved listening skills. So, in 2008 I put it on my goal list, in February, started in March and went through into July before I had completed everything and was certified!! It felt great to have earned the certification and to have completed such a large undertaking.

Now, once again I am going through my business and personal life and writing down anything I can think of that I want to do, even if it seems very impractical or impossible. I usually do this for the better part of December. Once I develop a good list, I take some time and go through each item. Here I determine what I want to accomplish, when I want to accomplish it and how I should go about accomplishing the goal. Detail is key in taking action on an idea.

So, what are some of your achievements you are most proud of? Whether professionally or in your personal life – if you have achieved goals in 2008 you want to share…let us know about them.

Happy Goal Setting!

Christmas Is Almost Here – What Are You Asking For?

I have a feeling many will be asking or wishing for a new job to be wrapped up neatly under their tree this year. As lovely as that sounds what you should really be asking for are running shoes, to help you move quicker in your job search. I read a quote last week that said, “If you take action you will succeed”. It really struck a cord with me. I see all kinds of job seekers looking for different levels of support in their search. The ones that are successful soonest are those that have their hi-tops on and are ready to get in the game.

Pursuing your job search is often uncomfortable, and can be very tiring and even scary. Many aren’t sure how or where to get started, how to build momentum or how to move forward in an aggressive job search. Rest assured, most job seekers feel the same way you do but are moving forward anyway. Along the way they are making mistakes, but they are also learning from their mistakes and making worthwhile contacts, searches and networking steps that can be very useful. Sometimes the bumps and bruises you get along the way are what you learn the most from.

So be curious, ask questions, do your research and get in the game! The more you search for ways to job search the more opportunities you’ll have!

Wishing you and your families a Blessed Christmas!

Holiday Job Search Strategies: Step on the Brakes or Gas?

Now that the holiday season is officially here, a common question keeps coming up with my clients; “should I take a brake from my job search since it is so close to the holidays and end of the year?” My answer is always, “No – just the opposite, now is when you need to step on the gas!” Since so many job seekers are getting busy with the holidays coming, decorating, making travel plans, visiting, attending or have parties and lots and lots of shopping; now is when you should take advantage of the season and press on in your job search.

A few reasons why you should kick up your search a notch include as mentioned, the crowds will be less, and will get noticed faster. There will be less resumes to filter through, less interviews to conduct, and less choices, making for happier employers going through the hiring process.

Also, some companies add new employees or even new positions at the end of the year when they still have money in the budget. Especially with times so tight right now, if they squeeze in new employees now, they won’t have to add those expenses to next year’s budget and will help them look very efficient and thrifty.

Finally, if the first of the year is a cut-off or start-up date for a hiring process, it is important to be the face, name, or resume they see when looking for new hires. Those in the middle usually fall through the cracks and must work harder to stay noticed. You’ll stand out much more at the front or end of the line.

So, keep pounding the pavement and the keyboard this Christmas season and use the Spirit of the Season to win a new job!