how to create a career plan that really works
TRANSCRIPT
HOW TO CREATE A
CAREER PLAN THAT REALLY WORKS
If you are a recent college
graduate, or if you are looking to
make a career transition, the most
effective way to proceed is by
creating a career plan.
Rather than formulating an idea in
your head, write it out and keep a
copy readily available to check your
progress or to make adjustments
along the way.
The following tips can help you
develop a logical plan for pursuing
your career goals.
TARGET YOUR
DREAM JOB
Decide what you want to do for the
rest of your life. The ideal position may
morph over time.
For example, you could begin your
career as a general practice nurse and
eventually specialize to become a
nurse anesthetist.
Choose a career area, field, or industry
where you would like to focus your
professional efforts.
INVENTORY YOUR
CREDENTIALS
Take stock of your achievements so
far. Include:
College degrees
Certifications and licenses
Extended learning, meritorious
service as an employee or volunteer
Job skills mastered to date
You may be able to see patterns that
will help you recognize your interests
and strengths.
There's a good chance you would
likely excel in a career that utilizes
those qualities.
ACKNOWLEDGE ANY
WEAKNESSES
Conversely, note any
lacks or weaknesses in
your professional
development to date.
For example, if you would like to
work as a foreign language
interpreter but have not yet
mastered any languages, you will
have to address that need.
SET SPECIFIC GOALS
Instead of writing that you
want to have a career
position within six months,
for example, indicate which
career field interests you, and
what type of position you
would like to have.
List steps you will take to reach your goal, such as:
Applying for twenty jobs each week
Posting a job-related blog on social media
Volunteering in your chosen career field to learn
new skills and meet relevant professionals.
ESTABLISH A
TIMELINE
Your timeline should be based on
weekly and monthly career-oriented
activities, not just long-term goals.
For example, you could tweet or
blog three days weekly about an
area of expertise, or you could apply
for ten jobs a week.
You can also join a business group and
attend monthly luncheons. You might
plan to contribute an article to a trade
publication every three months.
Make good use of your skill set to
set and meet career objectives.
IDENTIFY RELATED NEEDS
Be realistic about monetary or
time-related needs to address
so that you can meet your goals.
If you join a local business
group, you might have to buy a
professional outfit to wear.
Blogging or applying to jobs weekly
might require ten hours or more of
your time.
In addition, consider other reasonable needs that can
help you meet your goals, such as seeking out a mentor
or hiring a career coach for a few sessions.
PERSEVERE
The important thing is to keep
working at your job goals.
You may get frustrated or
prospects may appear slim,
but don't give up.
Success might be just around
the corner when you send out
that next batch of applications
or schedule another interview.
Sometimes the best solution is to contact a
recruiter and let them steer you to the
perfect job.
Rhino Search Group is a financial advisor
recruiting firm that has relationships with
all the top firms.
Contact our financial advisor recruiters if
you are looking to make a move, or buy/sell
a book of business.
Rhino Search Group
8970 E Raintree Drive
Suite #300
Scottsdale AZ 85260
480-361-9415