Determining Goals

Determining Your Goals

One of the most critical pieces of information we collect from prospective candidates when we interview them is what has value to them in their search, in their next position, and what overall direction they want to pursue in their career. All of our efforts will then focus on achieving these goals. Where those goals may be uncertain at times for some people, we offer assistance in helping to determine these goals. We want to have a positive impact on people’s careers, not just arbitrarily place them into jobs.

Sadly, too many people begin a search without much consideration to the impact the results of the search may have on their career progression and resume strength.  All too often, a single (often emotional) issue drives the entire search process and can drive your career right into the ground!

Before you begin your search, sit down and write out for yourself a clear understanding of objectives, desired outcomes, and things that are of high value to you in your new position.  Be certain to look for a balance of tactical career objective against quality of life decisions.  Look at your career like a game of pool.  If you are a skilled player, you are strategically thinking two and three shots ahead.  Make sure your next move looks logical on your resume and moves you forward in some fashion – position, quality of  life, income, product or knowledge skill, etc.

The better you understand what has value to you and what you are looking for in a new position, the easier it will be for you to recognize it when it comes along!

A few things to consider:

• Company Culture – what values, morals, ethics, business practices, and approach do you want to see in a new employer.  In short, what kind of a company do you want to be associated with?

• Quality of life – How much and what kind of travel do you want to engage in?  Do you want flex-time or a flexible schedule?  Home office?  How far or arduous of a commute are you willing to make?  No matter how good you or your company is, if your quality of life is affected by your work, your probabilities of success go south.

• Money – This is often pursued so fervently, that people take jobs as mercenaries only to find that the pursuit of money alone can shipwreck a career.  yet, money is a primary motivator for everyone when it comes to employment.  Understand your financial needs, wants, goals and objectives and then plumb that against a position’s total intrinsic value.  Look at the obvious components:  Salary, commissions, bonus, overtime.  But also look for soft-dollars: benefits, expense reimbursements, car or car allowance, education reimbursement, continuing skills training, technology provision (laptops, etc).  All of these save you money (which is like making money!)

• Where are you most valued – In a competitive job market, it’s important for you to know what your greatest and unique skills and abilities are.  Is it product knowledge?  Team building?  A certain software or motor skill?  Perhaps you innately know them, but it’s a great idea to jot them down and know what your primary weapon’s arsenal looks like.   In so doing, you can then identify companies that will gain the most value from your employment.