Six ways to create a 'new you' before getting that new job -- Career Center Blog

January 4, 2010

Six ways to create a 'new you' before getting that new job

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

The recession of 2008-2009 left a lot of workers depressed and upset about the external economic forces that have made their job searches so difficult. But with the dawn of 2010, perhaps it's time to start looking inward to discover new paths to employment. Job opportunities are obviously scarce, but are you looking in the right places? Are you really advertising your unique skills? Do you even know what kind of career you want?

This kind of self-analysis lies at the heart of a new career advice book by Alexandra Levit, an employment expert and columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Over the past two years, Levit spoke with more than 100 workers in their 20s and 30s who had switched jobs and careers for various reasons. From these discussions, Levit wrote "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career," a narrative-driven manual that provides practical advice and inspiring examples of how to survive and embrace change--whether the change is voluntary or unexpected.

"A lot of other career-advice books about reinvention are celebrity stories," Levit says. "They're based mostly on unusual circumstances, where luck is a big part of their success, so I don't find them inspiring. I wanted to write something that could apply to the average person."

To find a new job in today's challenging climate, Levit says, candidates must not only stand out from the crowd, they must also determine which crowd they should be part of. For each chapter of "New Job, New You," she includes self-assessment quizzes and activity-based exercises to help readers discover their true passions and strengths. Here are some tips she provides for those wishing to start a new career.

Learn about yourself. Take a step back, Levit says, and ask what you would be compelled to do, even if you never got paid. "Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests," she says. "That way you can find out whether you're really unhappy in your job or only have a temporary problem."

Research your chosen field. "Talk to friends you may have in the industry, or join networking events and start talking to people who are a couple of years ahead of you," she says. "If possible, set up some informational interviews and maybe go on site for a day."

Don't be deterred by a lack of experience. "Think about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," she says. Knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology and sales can be applied across many types of jobs.

Enter a new career gradually. Try to start out with some part-time work, first, Levit suggests. "Learn what life is like in the job," she says. "You may find out that it's not always what it's cracked up to be. I've heard so many stories about people who've spent fortunes going to law school only to discover that they don't like it."

Follow through on promises. After going on informational interviews, don't just sit back and wait for the phone to ring. "Job searching is all about building relationships," Levit says. "You've got to follow up with people, chat with them on Facebook and comment on pictures of their kids. Make sure that they know you're interested and want to meet again soon."

Never stop networking. Most people, Levit says, make the fatal mistake of joining networking groups only when they're out of work. "You have to really bust your butt and pound the pavement if you want have a job you really love," she says. "Even if you have a job now and may not be looking, make sure you maintain your relationships. If you wait until you need to get another job, you'll seem more desperate, which turns people off."

Note: As a bonus, Levit is offering a free 60-minute webinar on career advancement and transformation with every purchase of "New Job, New You." See Levit's Web site for more details.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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Dan | January 14, 2010 9:29 AM | Reply

“ Job hunting is all about building relationships. You’ve got to follow up with people, chat with them on Facebook and comment on pictures of their kids.”

Seriously? If someone I had met one time through work started commenting on my family vacation pictures, it would seem stalkerish to me. Is it that I’m past 40? Is there not a line between one’s personal and professional (LinkedIn or business website) online presence?

Creer Advice | January 15, 2010 1:40 AM | Reply

Ahh! What a beautiful things! I'll definitely check this work and I am sure it will be awesome!

Regards.
http://www.autocareerz.com