New Year, New Career? Explore "You" Fully Before Job Hunting!

So 2012 is well under way... The advent of a new year is traditionally a time for reflection, and some long put off naval gazing. Many people at this time of the year come to the conclusion that it's time for a new career, or a time to revisit job hunting strategies. The New Year gives us all the chance for a fresh start; the right time to get into "action mode" again.

From my experience in my coaching practice, it is equally important to reflect on exactly why you want a change, and to consider that you're not jumping from the frying pan to the fire (That feeling of 'pastures new' won't last long if you fail to take stock….It's new year after all, isn't it? A perfect time to consider what you really want, and to ensure that any previous negative behaviours are locked down, ready for the new job!). You may even be totally at a loss as to what career to go for. I suggest you start with a good dollop of exploring you! This applies equally whether you are changing career, or currently not working and looking to re-launch yourself into the jobs market.

This process of reflection should begin with a full and thorough stock take. It's sometimes difficult with a client who's champing at the bit to get on to exploring career ideas, but I would urge you to take a step back and take a good long look at who you are in detail; Research shows that those who are most satisfied and motivated by their work are in careers which reflect who they really are; careers which reflect their true nature and their real passions; careers which draw on their innate strengths and employ their favourite skills; careers which allow them to honour their deeply-held values.

Any soul searching, brainstorming, or plain vanilla job hunting that you're doing should include a sizeable chunk of looking at the issues in the preceding paragraph. I use a variety of tools to bring out all of these factors, and clients are always happy that they took the time out to look fully at themselves, when initially they may be champing at the bit to get onto the job hunting and action planning stages!

So, what next? You've taken a full inventory of yourself, and are ready to take steps toward your ideal career. Now is the time for you to dream a little. We want to get as many ideas on paper as we can; write ideas down, create a collage, whatever floats your boat, but at this stage don't edit yourself! This should be a stage of getting any and all ideas recorded (Calling all pragmatists: We'll start to narrow things down later!). The idea here is to be expansive, to think outside the box, not to be constrained at this stage by traditional notions of what's possible. In truth, almost anything is possible if it's right for you. And we will deal with making it possible next.

Through various exercises, discussions and processes we narrow your ideas down from three to one agreed goal. One idea. One new career! This is the point where we investigate the top possibility that was generated in the previous stage. We will use a creative process which lets you turn your vision for an exciting career that's right for you into a soundly based action plan to make it happen. Then it's over to you to make it happen, although of course I will support you through the entire process. Engaging the services of a Career Coach is not the point here though, and I hope that's clear. It's about you as an individual taking a step back and ensuring, as far as possible, that your new career is right for you.

I hope that you take the time to fully consider everything that I've mentioned, particularly regarding full exploration of "you" being a vital part of the picture. Doing so will put you in an excellent position by ensuring that your chosen career matches your values, strengths, and passions, and will help you to be happy and fulfilled in your career. After all, we all want that, don't we? I wish you a happy and successful 2012.


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We offer a professional, friendly Career Coaching service for people looking to kick-start or change their career! You may be looking for a new career idea, be fed up in your current job, or been made redundant and looking to launch a brand new career. We can also advise on the following: CV's, Job Application Forms, Interview Skills

http://www.stevenichollscareercoaching.co.uk