By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
In today’s ever-changing job market, the concept of job security has become a myth. Gone are the days of being employed by one company for life. It is critical to embrace the need for self-reliance and adaptability in your career.
Develop self-awareness and focus on your unique value
When making a career change, it’s important to realize that the career you want is not necessarily listed on job boards or job descriptions. Rather, it is already within you. As you gain experience and skills, you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, preferences, and what truly motivates you. This self-awareness is key to identifying your unique value and shaping your career path.
internal reflection and self-expression
Take some time to reflect on your skills, strengths, and what truly brings you fulfillment in your career. Consider tasks and responsibilities that motivate you and make you feel engaged. By internalizing this knowledge, you can articulate your value proposition with confidence and clarity to differentiate yourself in the job market.
Avoid the pitfalls of relying on hiring committees
Many people fall into the trap of relying solely on job boards to guide their career transition. However, this approach often ignores the unique value and expertise that individuals possess. Job board browsing can result in a mismatch between your true abilities and available opportunities, which can lead to unsatisfactory and unsatisfactory career choices.
A hiring manager’s perspective
Having been involved in recruiting many times, I can attest that developing a job description is often a tedious and overlooked task. Hiring managers often resort to outdated job descriptions without truly updating or customizing them to reflect the changing needs of the role. This disconnect emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-expression as it allows individuals to transcend the limitations of general job descriptions and demonstrate their unique value.
The power of journaling for self-reflection and uncovering limiting beliefs
Journaling every day can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth, especially during career transitions or times of uncertainty. This practice goes beyond the traditional journal format to capture your inner conversations, fears, anxieties, and desires as a stream of consciousness. By engaging in this reflective process, you can gain clarity, process incompleteness, and face limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.
Lighten your mental load with handwritten reflections
There’s something uniquely powerful about putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper rather than typing on a keyboard. This handwritten reflection creates a deeper connection between your inner awareness and your conscious mind, allowing your thoughts and emotions to become more deeply unburdened. By handwriting just one page a day in your journal, you can facilitate this transformative process and gain valuable insights into your inner world.
Develop self-awareness and embrace uncertainty
Journaling provides an opportunity to reconcile the past, process uncertainty, and find inner direction. It allows you to explore your fears, anxieties and questions about your career, as well as your wishes and ambitions. Embracing the uncertainty of the future and letting your thoughts flow freely across the pages can lead to profound self-discovery and personal growth.
Three principles to apply when considering a career change
Overcome limiting beliefs and embrace possibilities
Through the process of journaling, you can face and challenge limiting beliefs that may be hindering your professional and personal growth. By exploring the questions and ideas that emerge from reflective practice, you can unlock new possibilities and envision a future that is free from self-limitations. This open and exploratory journaling style encourages a mindset of growth and possibility.
Build your personal brand and network with LinkedIn
As the job market undergoes rapid transformation, it’s critical to proactively manage your career trajectory and make yourself a valuable asset. Leveraging LinkedIn as a strategic tool can significantly impact your career transition, allowing you to build your personal brand, expand your network, and create career development opportunities.
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile
Authenticity and personal connection are key when optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Rather than resorting to generic corporate speak, incorporate a high-concept approach into your “About” section that conveys your true values, motivations, and unique qualities. Emphasize why you do what you do rather than focusing solely on your professional achievements.
Express your value proposition
Articulate a clear and compelling value proposition that incorporates the unique combination of skills, expertise and influence you bring to the table. Your LinkedIn profile should serve as a platform to showcase your unique value and position yourself as a popular, trustworthy entity in the eyes of potential employers, recruiters, and connections.
Build a strong professional network
Use LinkedIn to expand your professional network and connect with individuals who align with your career aspirations and interests. Actively engage with industry peers, thought leaders, and potential collaborators to cultivate meaningful relationships and gain access to valuable opportunities in your field.
Engage in thoughtful content creation
Showcase your expertise and thought leadership by sharing insightful content, industry updates, and thought-provoking perspectives on LinkedIn. By consistently contributing valuable insights and engaging in meaningful discussions, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and influential voice in the professional community.
seek and provide advice
Asking for and providing authentic recommendations on LinkedIn can increase your credibility and solidify your professional reputation. Positive recognition from colleagues, mentors, and clients can serve as a powerful endorsement of your skills, character, and contributions, thereby enhancing your overall professional profile.
Leverage LinkedIn Groups and Communities
Join relevant LinkedIn groups and communities to participate in discussions, share insights, and connect with like-minded professionals. Participation in these professional communities can expand your visibility, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and create opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
Organize and activate your network for long-term career success
Building a strong and effective network is critical to long-term career success. It’s not just about collecting contacts, it’s about organizing and activating your network to create meaningful connections and opportunities.
Segment your network: Silver, Gold and Platinum
Divide your contacts into three subgroups: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver Group consists of potential contacts who may provide support in the future. The Gold Group is made up of colleagues, colleagues, and friends with whom you have rapport and connection. The Platinum Group includes key individuals who are instrumental in your career development and success.
Actively network and provide value
Networking is more than just a helping hand when you need something. This is about continuing to provide value to your relationship. Apply the 80/20 rule, where 80% of networking involves offering and providing support to others, and 20% involves receiving help and opportunities in return.
Build momentum and manage expectations
Building a network takes time and patience. It can take at least six months to build momentum and build a strong network to serve your needs. As you transition through your career, be prepared for both positive and disappointing reactions from your network.
Leverage LinkedIn and other resources
Platforms like LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for organizing and activating your network. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile, interact with industry peers, and join targeted groups to expand your visibility and create opportunities for collaboration and career growth.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2024
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About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
People hire “Big Game Hunter” Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense job coaching and career advice around the world because he excels at job hunting And get ahead in your career more easily.
Career Coach Office Hours: May 7, 2024
You’ll find a wealth of information and job search guidance to help you find a job at JobSearch.Community
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Schedule a discovery call to discuss one-on-one or group coaching with me during your job search: www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
career reinvention
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,000 episodes over 13 years.
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