Sylvia Wende Employment Consultant

The new year traditionally represents a new start and an opportunity to re-examine our lives and set goals for the coming year, to increase our chances of experiencing events wed like to see unfold in our lives. This includes looking for work or moving towards a new kind of work.

Take some time in the new year to re-evaluate your work life. Create a list/write a paragraph about your ideal job. Sit down and write down all the words you can think of that represent what you're looking for. If you find this challenging, try an alternative approach - write down what you do not want focus on what you're looking to change in your work situation.

Identify realistic work goals. We often have short and long-term goals simultaneously. Separate them by identifying what your goals are for the next 3-6 months and then do a separate list for 12+ months. Identify your skills and abilities. If you are uncertain how to go about this and feel you would benefit from some assistance, visit a Career Library and ask for suggestions on career assessments.

Once you've determined your objective and transferable skills, develop a networking list. The good news is that we all know many more people than we think thanks to our networking circle. Include associates past and present from work, volunteering, sports, book clubs, and wherever else you meet people. Practice what you'll say when you call them. Practice again and again. Write it down if that helps. Then call them. Let them know what you're looking for, what kind of work environment you enjoy and why. Mention the skills you have for this position. Ask if they are aware of anyone in the industry who may be of assistance to you. Your chances of learning of a contact in a particular field increase dramatically the more clear you are as to what you are looking for. People better understand how they can help you. And it constantly amazes me, who knows who!

Keep track of your efforts. Record how many calls you make per week. Set goals and keep them. Acknowledge yourself regularly by doing a special something after a milestone has been reached, particularly as you complete your networking goals. Enjoy a walk on the beach or meet friends for coffee. Get a new book. Lastly, treat your job search as a full-time job. Remember, your success directly correlates to the number of contacts you make. Its not "who you know," but who knows you.

Micki McCartney Employment Consultant

You just want to get a job; it seems ridiculous to think about goal setting. Yet it is an important first step when looking for employment. When we are unclear about what it is we want in terms of employment, we end up in jobs we don't like, are unfulfilling or that challenge our value system. When you set goals before starting your job search, you will begin to feel confident and your goals will actualize - it really works!

Let's get started. First of all do you really want this particular job, position or type of employment? Have you researched the company and know its guiding principles and vision to ensure they fit your value system? When you go about your day do you find yourself thinking about that particular place of employment and if you do, can you actually see yourself working there? If it is yes, yes, yes! Then you are ready to begin writing down your goal. It is true that hand written, not typed goals work better on your subconscious mind, something about the act of actually putting pen/pencil to paper. Be very clear, a vague goal is just that vague. Break your goal down into workable sizes, write out your steps in either paragraph or point form, whatever works best for you. Set a time and date for completion, i.e. on January 7, 2002 at 4:30 pm. Write down what you will reward yourself with when you have met your goal, lunch out with a family member or friend to celebrate! Keep your goal in your mind, visualize it, and think about it before you go to sleep or upon waking. Do something everyday towards your goal. Put your goal out where you can see it everyday until you feel it has been internalized and then put it away until you have accomplished it and you will be so surprised at how accurate you were at targeting and reaching your goal. Finally, stay focused, positive and determined to be successful. Remember what ever you choose to focus on becomes real. Make your employment goal a reality by writing down your goal. If you need support to get started make an appointment with an Employment Consultant we can help you get started you just have to stay focused and committed to your goal. You can do it, believe in yourself.

Janet Kimmel - Employment Consultant

Does the thought of making New Years resolutions stir up feelings of pressure and inevitable failure, or does it create positive excitement and motivation in you? If you answered yes to the second part of the question, it is likely that you have worked through the process of goal setting. People who take the time to work through the process feel inspired and motivated at the thought of their resolutions or goals. There are a few steps that are helpful in goal setting.

It is well known that wise leaders advise us to think about our goals and then take it a step further and write them down on paper. Writing them changes them from lofty dreams and intentions to real, concrete goals by creating set out instructions for our subconscious to carry out. To make concrete goals, you should write specific, clear goals with a deadline. Another important consideration is to make them attainable and realistic so you don't set yourself up for failure if you don't reach them. There is a question that some workshop leaders ask in goal setting workshops. What is the best way to eat an elephant? The answer is: One bite at a time! For example, you may set a goal to contact forty prospective employers in a week. This is an overwhelming thought for many people, which could create enough fear to talk a job seeker out of doing anything at all that week. Change the goal to a realistic expectation such as saying you will contact six employers that week. Begin by researching the job market carefully to narrow down those employers that could use your skills and who may offer work you would enjoy. Call to arrange a meeting to meet with the person who has the power to hire you, or if that is not possible, send him or her a letter introducing yourself. This type of action could lead to positive job results and even if it doesn't produce immediate results, it will motivate you to take more action. Remember to check off another step taken in your plan of action on your goal list and you will feel a sense of satisfaction at your achievement.

Take action every day towards your goals. Learn the art of perseverance. It will reward you. I have read that Charles Schultz had personal struggles throughout his youth and early career years. But his love for drawing gave him the drive to persist despite numerous rejections. He persisted, enduring the rejections, until success finally came to him and he reached his goal to bring entertainment and humour to the world. My final advice is to be gentle with yourself when you set goals or resolutions. You don't have to figure out the plan for the rest of your life. The plan for the coming year is enough.

Happiness it lies in the joy of achievement and in the thrill of creative effort. Franklin D. Roosevelt.