Got Goals? How To Walk The Talk In 2011!

Image Credit Nikola Hartmann

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a million times: “I hate my job, but I’m stuck.” Welcome to the club. Truth is there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of worker bees humming the same tune. In fact, it seems that job dissatisfaction has become the norm. And, well, frankly it’s so ’90s!

Part of the problem is that too many folks are functioning on auto pilot and fail to devise a game plan to get out of their 9 to 5 hell. Perhaps it’s even you. If so, take heed.

You need to get some goal planning going. 

Goals serve like a road map to navigate your path on the road to success.  How can you go the distance if you don’t even know your direction?

With this in mind, here’s how to walk the talk.

1. Bust a move! Stop dreaming and start doing. Identify the obstacles to career success. Do you need to go back to college? Become more computer literate? Blackmail your boss? Decide and then deliver.
2. Establish a deadline. To quote a popular expression, “a goal without a deadline is just a dream.” For example, where would you like to see yourself next summer, (besides the beach)?
3. Write your goals down. Studies show that individuals that commit their goals to paper are much more likely to see them manifest.
4. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach. Ask them to keep you accountable.

And remember my sage words of advice, “He who creates goals creates gold!”

Follow these four tips in 2011 and “resolve” to have the career you’ve always wanted and deserve!  Live well with less stress.

Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger.  You can find her work at  Pen and Prosper, Coffeehouse for Writer’s and Technorati.com

Photo:  Please feel free to use the image on your blog or in any commercial use.  The download is available for free here, at stock.xchange . 

How to Prepare for the Blind Date from Hell

 

The mere thought of going on a job interview can strike fear in the strongest of hearts. Nearly every person who has ventured into the job pool has had or can tell a horror story. But, if you prepare yourself for what might happen and follow these 10 strategies, you could find yourself landing your dream job.

Acing the Interview

1. Dress the Part – Be tidy, smart and reasonably conservative.  A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above company culture.
2. Imagine Everyone You Meet is Interviewing You – The people you meet, including the secretary, are part of the informal interview process – make a great impression on everyone.
3. Tell me about yourself –Your response to this question sets the tone for the remainder of the interview. Don’t ramble, and keep your response under 2 minutes!  List strengths (skills, experience, qualities) that are relevant to the job. The key is to come prepared. 
4. What kind of salary do your require? – Know the market value of the job. Research the company’s profile and compare it to similar firms and your current salary.  Ask your interviewer the range for this position and have a specific range in mind when you respond.
5. What do you know about our company? – You wouldn’t go on a blind date without first knowing something about the person; apply this same principle to your interview. Visit the company website to learn about any recent developments.  Know the company’s  history, philosophy, image, goals, reputation, problems, management style, products, and size. Don’t show surprise if the interviewer shares something that was recently announced by the company.
6. What major challenges have you encountered and how did you respond? – Come prepared with a minimum of three challenges that relate to the job you are applying for.  Your challenges should reflect characteristics you think the company respects.
7. What can you do for our company that someone else can’t? – Expand your response to question 3. Focus on 4 to 6 skills that show you are the right candidate for this position. Highlight your proven record of providing solutions, your ability to bring fresh perspectives to the company and recent experiences that show success in working for past employers. This is also your opportunity to clarify any mistakes made during your interview. Your goal is to focus on your strengths and how they will benefit this company.
8. Concluding the interview – If asked if you have anything else to add, the best response is to thank the interviewer for their time, briefly summarize your qualifications and restate your interest in the position.
9. After the interview – Do a personal assessment. Jot down the names of everyone you met, information you learned about the company, and the questions you were asked, highlight any you found difficult,.  Even if you’re not hired for this job, a “personal debriefing “will help on future interviews.
10. Follow up – Write a thank you letter to everyone involved with your interview.  This shows you understand business etiquette.

 Good luck at your next interview!

 Resources

100 Best Companies to Work For in 2010

Career Builder – Online employment website 

Monster – Online employment website

 USA Jobs – The Federal Government’s official job list