GOAL SETTING
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Goal setting whilst look for a new job or if your looking to progress your career can be a daunting task. We are here to help with some handy guides and of course don’t forget our new ChatBot!
Tips on How to Do a Personal SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- What advantages do you have that others don’t have (for example, skills, certifications, education, or connections)?
- What do you do better than anyone else?
- What personal resources can you access?
- What do other people (and your boss, in particular) see as your strengths?
- Which of your achievements are you most proud of?
- What values do you believe in that others fail to exhibit?
- Are you part of a network that no one else is involved in? If so, what connections do you have with influential people?
Consider this from your own perspective, and from the point of view of the people around you. And don’t be modest or shy – be as objective as you can. Knowing and using your strengths can make you happier and more fulfilled at work.
And if you still have any difficulty identifying your strengths, write down a list of your personal characteristics. Some of these will hopefully be strengths!
Tip:
Think about your strengths in relation to the people around you. For example, if you’re a great mathematician and the people around you are also great at math, then this is not likely to be a strength in your current role – it may be a necessity.
Weaknesses
- What tasks do you usually avoid because you don’t feel confident doing them?
- What will the people around you see as your weaknesses?
- Are you completely confident in your education and skills training? If not, where are you weakest?
- What are your negative work habits (for example, are you often late, are you disorganized, do you have a short temper, or are you poor at handling stress)?
- Do you have personality traits that hold you back in your field? For instance, if you have to conduct meetings on a regular basis, a fear of public speaking would be a major weakness.
Again, consider this from a personal/internal perspective and an external perspective. Do other people see weaknesses that you don’t see? Do co-workers consistently outperform you in key areas? Be realistic – it’s best to face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.
Opportunities
- What new technology can help you? Or can you get help from others or from people via the internet?
- Is your industry growing? If so, how can you take advantage of the current market?
- Do you have a network of strategic contacts to help you, or offer good advice?
- What trends (management or otherwise) do you see in your company, and how can you take advantage of them?
- Are any of your competitors failing to do something important? If so, can you take advantage of their mistakes?
- Is there a need in your company or industry that no one is filling?
- Do your customers or vendors complain about something in your company? If so, could you create an opportunity by offering a solution?
You might find useful opportunities in the following:
- Networking events, educational classes, or conferences.
- A colleague going on an extended leave. Could you take on some of this person’s projects to gain experience?
- A new role or project that forces you to learn new skills, like public speaking or international relations.
- A company expansion or acquisition. Do you have specific skills (like a second language) that could help with the process?
Also, importantly, look at your strengths, and ask yourself whether these open up any opportunities – and look at your weaknesses, and ask yourself whether you could open up opportunities by eliminating those weaknesses.
Threats
- What obstacles do you currently face at work?
- Are any of your colleagues competing with you for projects or roles?
- Is your job (or the demand for the things you do) changing?
- Does changing technology threaten your position?
- Could any of your weaknesses lead to threats?
Performing this analysis will often provide key information – it can point out what needs to be done and put problems into perspective.
Personal SWOT Analysis Examples
What would a personal SWOT assessment look like? Review this SWOT analysis for Carol, an advertising manager.
Strengths
- I’m very creative. I often impress clients with a new perspective on their brands.
- I communicate well with my clients and team.
- I have the ability to ask key questions to find just the right marketing angle.
- I’m completely committed to the success of a client’s brand.
Weaknesses
- I have a strong, compulsive need to do things quickly and remove them from my “to do” list, and sometimes the quality of my work suffers as a result.
- This same need to get things done also causes me stress when I have too many tasks.
- I get nervous when presenting ideas to clients, and this fear of public speaking often takes the passion out of my presentations.
Opportunities
- One of our major competitors has developed a reputation for treating their smaller clients poorly.
- I’m attending a major marketing conference next month. This will allow for strategic networking, and also offer some great training seminars.
- Our art director will go on maternity leave soon. Covering her duties while she’s away would be a great career development opportunity for me.
Threats
- Simon, one of my colleagues, is a much stronger speaker than I am, and he’s competing with me for the art director position.
- Due to recent staff shortages, I’m often overworked, and this negatively impacts my creativity.
- The current economic climate has resulted in slow growth for the marketing industry. Many firms have laid off staff members, and our company is considering further cutbacks.
As a result of performing this analysis, Carol takes the bold step of approaching her colleague Simon about the art director’s maternity leave. Carol proposes both she and Simon cover the job’s duties, working together and each using their strengths.
To her surprise, Simon likes the idea. He knows he presents very well, but he admits that he’s usually impressed by Carol’s creative ideas, which he feels are far better than most of his.
By working as a team, they have a chance to make their smaller clients feel even better about the service they’re getting. This takes advantage of their competitor’s weakness in this area.
What makes SWOT especially powerful is that, with a little thought, it can help you uncover opportunities that you would not otherwise have spotted. And by understanding your weaknesses, you can manage and eliminate threats that might otherwise hurt your ability to move forward.
If you look at yourself using the SWOT framework, you can start to separate yourself from your peers, and further develop the specialized talents and abilities you need to advance your career and help you achieve your personal goals.
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WOOP PLAN GUIDE:
Creating a WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) plan is a powerful approach to achieving your work goals. This method is grounded in psychological research and can help you identify and overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of your success. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a WOOP plan for your work goals.
Step 1: Wish
Start by defining a clear and attainable wish or goal related to your work. This should be something important to you that you’re motivated to achieve within a specific timeframe (ideally, the next few weeks or months).
Example: “I wish to improve my public speaking skills within the next three months.”
Step 2: Outcome
Visualize the best possible outcome that would result from accomplishing your wish. Think about how achieving this goal will make you feel, the benefits it will bring to your professional life, and why it’s meaningful to you. This step is crucial for increasing your motivation.
Example: “Successfully delivering presentations will boost my confidence, make me a more valuable team member, and open up opportunities for career advancement.”
Step 3: Obstacle
Identify the internal obstacles that could prevent you from achieving your wish. These are personal challenges such as fears, habits, or emotions that could hold you back. Being honest and realistic in this step is key to finding effective solutions.
Example: “I get extremely nervous before public speaking, which affects my ability to communicate clearly.”
Step 4: Plan
For each obstacle you’ve identified, create an if-then plan. This means you’ll specify what you will do if the obstacle arises. It’s a way of pre-empting challenges and deciding on a course of action in advance, making you more likely to overcome the obstacle.
Example Plan: “If I start feeling nervous before a presentation, then I will take deep breaths and remind myself of the times I have successfully spoken in front of others.”
Implementing Your WOOP Plan
- Write It Down: Documenting your WOOP plan can make it more tangible and easier to follow.
- Review Regularly: Revisit your WOOP plan often to remind yourself of your commitment and make any necessary adjustments.
- Be Flexible: If you encounter unforeseen obstacles or if your situation changes, be prepared to adapt your plan.
- Celebrate Progress: Recognize and reward yourself for the progress you make towards your goal, no matter how small.
Additional Tips
- Specificity is Key: The more specific your wish, outcome, obstacle, and plan, the better. Vague goals are harder to achieve because they don’t provide a clear direction.
- Keep It Realistic: Ensure your wish is achievable within your current circumstances and timeframe to avoid setting yourself up for disappointment.
- Share Your Plan: Consider sharing your WOOP plan with a colleague, friend, or mentor who can provide support and accountability.
The WOOP method is a practical and evidence-based tool that can enhance your motivation and ability to achieve your work goals. By clearly identifying your wishes, outcomes, obstacles, and plans, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenges and make your aspirations a reality.
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WOOP Plan
Creating and tracking SMART goals is an effective way to streamline your job search process, ensuring it is purposeful and productive. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying the SMART framework to your job search goals.
Define Specific Goals
Start by defining clear and specific goals. Vague objectives can lead to confusion and lack of focus. A specific goal should detail what you want to achieve, including the who, what, when, where, and why.
Example: Instead of saying, “I want a new job,” specify, “I want to secure a mid-level graphic design position in a creative agency in London that values innovation and creativity, within the next six months.”
Ensure Goals are Measurable
Include precise amounts, deadlines, or other indicators to measure progress towards the achievement of each goal. This will help you stay on track and meet deadlines.
Example: “I will apply to at least three relevant job openings per week and follow up on applications within two weeks of submission.”
Set Achievable Goals
Your goals should stretch your abilities but remain possible. Consider your current situation and the resources available to you. Setting an unachievable goal can lead to disappointment and decrease your motivation.
Example: “I will network with two professionals from the creative industry each week to build connections that could lead to job opportunities.”
Ensure Goals are Relevant
Your goals should align with your broader career objectives. Ask yourself how the goal will help advance your career and whether it is the right time to pursue it.
Example: “I will complete a course on advanced Photoshop techniques in the next three months to enhance my design skills and increase my job prospects.”
Make Goals Time-bound
Every goal needs a deadline to provide a sense of urgency and prompt action. Without a time frame, there’s no sense of urgency, and it’s easy to put off tasks.
Example: “I aim to secure a new position within the next six months.”
Tracking Your SMART Goals
Create a Goal-Tracking Sheet:
- Use a spreadsheet or a journal to list down each of your SMART goals and their details.
- Include columns for actions taken, progress made, and a target completion date.
Regularly Review Your Goals:
- Set aside a regular time each week to review your goals and progress. This could be a brief 30-minute session where you assess what actions you’ve taken towards your goals and plan steps for the coming week.
Adjust as Necessary:
- If you find you are consistently not meeting your goals, reassess and adjust them. They might not be as achievable as you first thought, or circumstances may have changed.
Celebrate Achievements:
- Recognize when you achieve each goal, no matter how small. Celebrating success is crucial for maintaining motivation.
Use Digital Tools:
- Consider using digital tools or apps designed for goal setting and tracking, such as Trello, Asana, or Todoist. These can help keep your job search organized and ensure you’re making progress on your SMART goals.
By setting SMART goals for your job search, you’re more likely to be focused, efficient, and successful in finding a position that aligns with your career aspirations. Remember to be flexible and adjust your goals as needed based on your experiences and the changing job market.
Objective and Key Results (OKR) is a goal-setting framework that helps create clear, ambitious goals with measurable results. Applying OKRs to your job search can sharpen your focus, boost your productivity, and clarify what success looks like. Here’s a guide on how to use OKRs effectively for organizing and tracking your job search goals.
Step 1: Define Your Objective
Your Objective should be a clearly defined goal, qualitative, and inspirational. It describes what you want to achieve by the end of a specific period, usually a quarter. For a job search, the objective should encapsulate your main career aspiration or what you aim to achieve in your job search journey.
Example Objective: Secure a challenging and rewarding position as a Software Developer with a focus on AI technologies in a forward-thinking company that offers opportunities for growth.
Step 2: Set Your Key Results
Key Results are the milestones or metrics that will prove you’ve achieved your objective. They should be quantifiable, achievable, and difficult, but not impossible. For a job search, these could include specific actions that bring you closer to your job offer.
Example Key Results:
- Apply to at least 40 job openings in AI development within the next 3 months.
- Network with at least 15 industry professionals in the AI space by attending virtual conferences or local meetups.
- Complete two new AI development courses to enhance my skills and add them to my CV.
- Secure at least 5 job interviews with tech companies that are leaders in AI development.
Step 3: Plan Your Initiatives
Initiatives are the tasks or projects you will undertake to achieve your Key Results. They detail “how” you plan to achieve your Key Results and, ultimately, your Objective. This is where you break down your Key Results into actionable steps.
Example Initiatives:
- Update my CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight my experience and skills in AI development.
- Research and make a list of top tech companies and startups in the AI development space.
- Register for and attend two AI-focused webinars or conferences each month to network and learn about industry trends.
- Dedicate two hours a day to job searching and application submissions.
- Enroll in AI programming courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
Step 4: Track and Review Your OKRs
Regularly tracking your progress against your OKRs is crucial. Set a schedule for reviewing your OKRs—weekly or bi-weekly can work well. During these reviews, assess your progress on Initiatives and how they are impacting your Key Results.
Tracking Tips:
- Use a spreadsheet or OKR tracking tool to list your Objective, Key Results, and Initiates, and update it regularly.
- Mark Initiatives as “In Progress,” “Completed,” or “Blocked,” and note any adjustments needed to stay on track.
- For Key Results, quantify your progress (e.g., 10/40 applications sent, 2/5 interviews secured) to see how close you are to your goal.
- Reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Be prepared to pivot or adjust your plan based on what you learn.
Step 5: Reflect and Reset
At the end of your OKR cycle, take time to reflect on your achievements and the lessons learned. Celebrate the progress you’ve made towards your Objective, even if you haven’t fully achieved it. Then, set new OKRs for the next cycle, using your insights to refine your approach.
Using OKRs in your job search not only helps you stay organized and motivated but also ensures that your efforts are directed towards meaningful and achievable goals. This structured approach allows you to track your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ultimately, enhance your chances of landing your ideal job.
Tips for better job hunting
Follow these tips to increase your chances of getting a job offer:
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Update your resume. Having a solid resume is one of the most important parts of finding a job because it’s an employer’s first impression of you. Make sure all of your information is current and accurate. Double-check for any grammar or formatting errors and have another person look it over, too.
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Tailor your resume and cover letter. These materials should always be specific to the job you’re applying to. You can save generalized copies of each and then tweak them to better fit the specific responsibilities and qualifications of the job you want. Search a job posting for keywords that you can add to your resume. This can help you get past any applicant tracking systems.
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Be prepared for anything. Throughout your job search, you may be surprised by what can happen. For example, if a company is urgently hiring, they may ask for an interview right away. Likewise, a company may get back to you with a job offer months later. Being flexible and ready for the unexpected can help you improve your chances of getting a job.
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Act kindly to everyone. When entering a business, be kind to everyone you interact with. You never know if they will have input on an employer’s hiring decision.
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Apply to jobs you are under-qualified for. Although you should direct your focus on jobs you’re qualified for, still feel free to apply to jobs where you may not check off every single requirement. If you think you are a good fit for the job, the employer may decide to give you a chance. You’ll never know if you refrain from applying.
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Send follow-up emails. After talking to a recruiter or having an initial interview, always send a follow-up thank-you email the next day. Explain that you are still interested in the position and enjoyed speaking with them. This shows employers that you are courteous and professional.
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Keep track of the jobs you apply to. When you’re actively looking for a new job, you may send in dozens of applications. In an Excel sheet, write down which jobs you applied to and when. This way, you won’t accidentally apply to a job twice and you can remember when to follow up with an employer. If you apply for a job and don’t hear back from an employer a few weeks past the job application‘s deadline, you can send them an email inquiring about their hiring timeline.
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Learn job keywords. Since search engines and career websites use keywords to help you find jobs, learn which keywords are applicable to the kind of job you want. Play around with different job titles that are similar to find a wider range of job postings.
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Ask for informational interviews. Reaching out to companies for informational interviews is a great way to show your interest and get to know more about their organization. By making a good impression during this meeting, they may remember you when they have a job opening.
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Be mindful of your online presence. Some hiring managers look at an applicant’s social media to learn more about them. Always be mindful of the type of content you share on social media. Keep it courteous and professional. If you don’t want an employer to see your postings, make sure to set your profiles to private.
11 strategies for better job hunting
Use these strategies to find a new job sooner:
Networking
By expanding your professional network, you are opening yourself up to new career opportunities. You may find that when you have more professional connections, more people can recommend you to a new position. Even using your professional network for career advice can help you become a more qualified candidate. Use your connections as a resource to further develop as a professional.
Related: Professional Networking: What It Is and How To Master It
Online job boards
What was once a corkboard in your local library has expanded to a vast network of job opportunities. Now that most job postings are digital, it’s much easier to find the type of job you’re looking for. You can use keywords to search for your intended job title. Likewise, many online job boards allow you to share your resume and cover letter directly with an employer.
Recruiters
Many companies use staffing agencies to fill their vacant positions. That’s why working with a recruiter or headhunter can be quite helpful for your job search. After you have an initial meeting with them, they connect you to jobs within your purview. Keep in mind that recruiters work on a commission, so make sure you can negotiate a fair wage and benefits plan before accepting a job offer.
Referrals
Some companies use employee referrals to hire new staff. That’s because they trust their own employees’ opinions, and it can help streamline the hiring process. Although employee referrals aren’t all that common, it may be worth asking a trusted friend if their company has any opportunities. If you both think you’d be a good fit for a position at their place of employment, they could recommend you. Along with helping a friend out, employees who give good referrals tend to get a nice finder’s fee.
Job fairs
Job fairs are an excellent way to learn about many companies at once. Colleges, universities and companies often host job fairs. They are often organized by industry, although some have companies across many job sectors. Prior to attending a job fair, research the employers that will be there. Learn about what kind of candidates they are looking for and what job openings they have. Bring a bunch of printed resumes and business cards to hand out. Be prepared to have a mini-interview with every recruiter you speak with. Afterward, follow up with an email.
Related: The New Graduate’s Guide To Job Search
Company websites
Some companies choose to keep their job postings on their website. It’s worth doing an internet search of companies within your industry to begin looking at their websites. Before filling out your application, get to know who they are, what they do, and who their clients are. Knowing all of this information shows you’re serious about wanting a job opportunity from them.
Cold calling
Although this method tends to be less effective, you could choose to reach out to a company directly even if they have no current job postings. You could either call directly or send an email inquiring about any possible positions they may have. As email continues to become a common form of communication, this tends to be the more appropriate option. In your email, share a little bit about yourself and why you are interested in their company. Attach an updated version of your resume and a link to your portfolio, if applicable.
Related: How To Write a Job Inquiry Email: Steps, Template and Example
Internships
If you are inexperienced, starting with an internship is a great way to build your resume and create professional connections. With some internships, you may have the opportunity to transition into a full-time role. If this is the case, make sure to put in your best effort through the course of your internship. Try to prove that you are the right person for a full-time job offer. You can do this by asking smart questions, offering to take on a new project and taking on more responsibilities as you get more comfortable with your work.
Related: How To Find a Summer Internship
Walking in
Walking into a business and asking for an application is another possibly effective way to find a job. This job-hunting strategy is only appropriate for certain jobs, such as retail, restaurant, hospitality and other service jobs. When you go into a business, make sure you look presentable and ask for the application politely. If a business is urgently hiring, they may decide to interview you on the spot, so come prepared for that chance.
Newspapers
Previously, most job postings were in the local newspaper. Although this is less common, you can still find many jobs in the job opening section of a newspaper. Check out the newspapers in your town to see different opportunities. Many of these publications have online versions too.
Volunteering
Volunteering at an organization is one way to increase your chances of getting a job there. This is especially true for nonprofits that may not currently have the funds to hire you right now. If they see you as a hard worker and someone integral to the organization, you may be more qualified when a paying job does open up. Even if you can’t get a job there, having volunteer experience looks good on a resume, expands your network and helps you learn more about roles you may want to pursue.
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