Step 1 - Set Goals

I don’t know about you but I’ve found that the older I get the more I need to write things down. If I don’t do this I find that my thoughts and activities are scattered. Every January when I worked in corporate America, I got used to writing formal annual goal statements. It was part of the culture and while I (and everyone else) was never in the mood to do it, we put aside the time to design a specific road map for the year ahead. I even taught a class about it.

Even now when no one is looking over my shoulder, I actually look forward to getting my 2012 goals down on paper and starting the year with a fresh direction. It’s not too difficult if you make your goals SMART. SMART is the acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Let's say that I want to clean out my hall closet; instead of saying that, I would make a SMART goal by writing:

Clean out and organize the hall coat closet by January 31, 2012. This includes:
1. Sort coats, gloves/mittens and hats by size by Friday January 1, 2012
2. Organize coats, gloves/mittens and hats to donate or throw away by January 17, 2012.
3. Donate usable coats, mittens or hats to church by January 20, 2012. Toss remaining items into receptacle in the Pep Boys parking lot on the same day.
4. Clean, sweep and paint closet by January 25, 2012.

Setting goals for your job search is important in that it will help you visualize your future, clarify your steps, and focus on dates. Within this context, your goals should be written in specific terms, they should have precise time frames, and they should be measurable. A specific goal tells you exactly what you want to accomplish. It's helpful to break each broad goal statement into manageable smaller statements. This step not only keeps you on track, but it allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment when each step is achieved. A time oriented goal statement should include specific target dates and the approximate time you will need to complete each of the steps. Here’s a sample that breaks down the steps needed to write a resume.

Prepare final version of resume by January 25, 2012.

1. Identify areas of expertise by January 9, 2012.
2. Choose resume template by January 10, 2012.
3. Identify job specific key words by January 10, 2012.
4. Create career history using key words by January 10, 2012.
5. Create summary statement using key words/phrases by January 11, 2012.
6. Type first draft using selected template by January 11, 2012.
7. Review and get objective feedback from contact A, B and C by January 20, 2012.
8. Type final version by January 23, 2012.

This example is for one step of the job search process - writing the resume. You might want to go through the same steps for career assessment, networking or planning for your interview.

If you have any questions on using goal setting for your job search, please let me know. Happy New Year!