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Career Change Checklist

If coming into work on Mondays makes you cringe, then it's definitely time for a career change. And if you're ready to make a career change into a new role, company, or industry then this article is for you. There are five critical steps on the "Career Change Checklist", and when you complete all of them, you're much more likely to experience a successful transition quickly and easily.

1. Define your career goals.

Is it fame? Money? Prestige? More free time? More responsibility? Bigger clients? Bigger title? Respect? You need to know what it is that will really make you happy BEFORE you go searching for another job. Otherwise, the grass won't be greener. It will just be more grass.

Let's say you know exactly what you want that will give you a richer career life. Now, I want you to think about the "conditions" of the work that you need to be satisfied. Do you need flexible hours? A 20-minute or less commute time? Stock? Bonuses? A great health plan? More creative projects? Highly valued projects? Highly visible projects? More prestigious clients? Bigger clients? Clients in a different industry?

The more clearly you can articulate what you ultimately want in your career, and the conditions of a job you need for you to be satisfied and more fulfilled, the more likely you are to achieve your dream job.

2. Create an integrated job search strategy.

Since applying on the Internet for job openings is so easy, everyone does it. So you must have an integrated ON-LINE and OFF-LINE job search strategy to achieve your dream job.

Apply on job search websites such as CareerBuilder.com, Jobing.com, etc., but also make a targeted list of companies and check out their website job postings. Also, research their blogs, Google them, and talk to employees.

Find out as much as you can about the positions for which they are hiring and the skills, experience, and training required for the position you want.

Also, check out job postings in your local newspaper, business journals, specialized trade publications, and industry magazines and websites. Not only could you find jobs that interest you, but you can also see patterns for what the "hot jobs" are, and which industries and companies are hiring.

Finally, make a plan to attend at least two professional functions each week such as industry conferences, trade shows, training seminars, association meetings, or business networking events. If networking makes you uncomfortable, here are a few questions you could ask someone to get the conversation rolling...

a. What line of work are you in?

b. Do you like your job?

c. How did you get your job?

In the FIRST conversation, the goal is to establish if there's a connection. Be natural and let the conversation flow naturally. Also, be prepared to give your elevator pitch which is a 30-45-second answer to the question, "What do you do for a living?" Make sure that you have a well prepared, specific, and results oriented response.

3. Network strategically.

Next, make a list of people, clients, or companies that you want to target. Many jobs are found through people so it really comes down to WHO YOU KNOW. If you know the company or client you want to work for, then try to work through your personal network of business associates, colleagues, past employers, friends, etc. to find a company contact. Try to get introduced through your professional connections, or try business networking sites such as LinkedIn.com, and business networking events.

If you know the person you'd like to meet, do some investigating and find out what he or she likes to do and community or industry events they attend. Try going to those same events or conferences, and be prepared to make a good first impression when you do meet. Make sure you can talk about their latest marketing campaign or product launch. Also, try to get their business card and then follow-up by sending them a link to an article or industry event you thought might interest them.

The goal is to create a connection or establish a relationship with them first, before you start asking about any job opportunities.

4. Develop a "Power Resume".

The goal of the resume is get your foot in the door by getting an interview. So, if your phone isn't ringing with invitations to interview then you need a stronger resume!

Customize your resume and cover letter for each position or company for which you are applying. Ideally, you want to match the job title with your "objective", required skills in a "key skills" section towards the top, and the major responsibilities listed in the job description in the "experience" section of your resume.

Show that, without a doubt, you have the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to perform the job successfully.

5. Interview smart by researching the company, being prepared, and asking great questions.

Make sure that you are mentally sharp, focused, and confident. Talk about your strengths and accomplishments. Pre-select career success stories and highlight what the situation was, what the expectations were, and what the result was. This shows that you are accountable and results-oriented, and that you take your career very seriously.

Be sure to research the company so that you are knowledgeable about their history, company culture, products and services, competition, and what's happening in their business. Research their website, read their blog, and Google them.

Ask what kinds of projects are a high priority, what the expectations would be for the first 3 months (and the first year), and what the employer see as the challenges that come with the job. Try to gain a clear understanding on whether the position meets your career goals and job conditions (that you listed in Step #1).

Finally, I've spoken with company Presidents and hiring managers across the United States and United Kingdom and I've asked them the same question, "What can someone say during an interview to make you really want to hire them?" And they've all said the same thing which is to be passionate about the job and the company.

So follow the Career Change Checklist, stay focused, and have confidence in yourself that your job is out there and that YOU WILL FIND IT. Changing careers is never easy, but trust me, the reward of having a gratifying and enriching career makes it all worthwhile.

Sherri Thomas is the author and President of Career Coaching 360 (http://www.CareerCoaching360.com). Sherri has successfully transitioned into the radio, television, advertising, finance, professional sports, and high tech industries, and now she teaches others how to do the same. Career Coaching 360 provides tools, resources, and personal coaching to help professionals take their career up to the next level.

Sherri Thomas is President of Career Coaching 360, author of "Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand", and international speaker on topics such as career development, leadership, and advanced marketing strategies.Sherri has successfully transitioned into the radio, television, advertising, finance, professional sports, and high tech industries, and now she teaches others how to do the same. Career Coaching 360 provides tools, resourc

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