From a distance is doesn’t seem like a lot has changed in job search. Some job search coaches talk about resumes sprinkled with key words and accomplishments, others preach the wonders of networking. Highly coached job seekers are finding themselves branded, packaged and search engine optimized. All this may be very new to someone who hasn’t looked for a job in the last decade. However many professionals in the last 10 years have launched 2-3 job searches, so it begs the question – what’s new in job search?
What’s new is that professionals are slowly but surely coming around to realize that the new job is not the goal, the end point, or the destination. It is just a temporary stop in between job searches. The secret to a successful job search is the ground work laid prior to needing to job search. It comes with a high sense of self awareness, a constant assessment of life and career goals, the building and nurturing of relationships and a vigilant eye on opportunity.
The question isn’t what’s new in job search, it is what’s new in ongoing career management? Proactive career management starts the first day of the new job. It is an open and honest dialogue between employees and managers about goals and aspirations on an ongoing basis. It an action oriented sustainable plan that best positions you for future opportunities.
So the best job search advice is having a good career management plan.
