Goal Setting

The Next Step

Once you have identified your skills and focus, you should be able to answer these questions:

	What skills and abilities do I bring to a job?
	What am I looking for in a job?
	What is my ideal work environment?
	What is the goal of my resume and my job search?

Have the answers to these questions in front of you when you sit down to set your goals. 

Write Down Your Goals

After you have identified your skills, needs, and focus, you are ready to write out your goals.

Writing down your goals has been shown to be more effective in achieving them than just thinking them.  If you are having a hard time weeding out the non-important stuff, just write EVERYTHING down and then prioritize the items later.  You will find it a relief to set down on paper all of those little things which have been nagging away at the corners of your mind, and it will assist you in clearing your mind to focus on larger items.

If you're having a hard time coming up with your goals, try the technique of mind mapping.

Set Goals Which Make Sense

Set SMART goals.  Make your goals Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

Example:

Goals for Week One - redo resume, post on 10 job boards, call all references (want list of at least 10), join networking group, send out 50 resumes.

Are these goals specific and measurable?  Yes.

Are these goals achievable, realistic and timely?  No.

Given a one week timeframe with 40 hours of that week spent on job search, redoing a resume may take the entire week, in fact it may take longer to put together a really good resume.  However, say this resume just needs a few updates - allow at least one day.  posting on 10 job boards - allow at least 1/2 hour per board (some will take longer), another day, calling all references - 1 to 2 days depending on how many you are able to reach on the first call, join a networking group - allow some time to locate one, then time for the meeting - perhaps 6 hours.  Picking out 50 postings which are pertinent to your job search, writing cover letters for each, and submitting them (a process which can sometimes take a couple of hours for each) will take about two weeks.

Am I overestimating the time involved in each of these?  Not at all.  You will find as you conduct your search that I have UNDER-estimated the time involved to achieve most of these.  Break your goals into smaller, achievable chunks.  That way you will stand a better chance of achieving them.

Once You've Set Your Goals, Determine Which are Negotiable

Once you've set your goals ask yourself the following questions.  Which items on your list are negotiable?  Which ones are non-negotiable?  How important is each of the attributes of an ideal job to you?  What about your work environment?  Are you willing to give up a week's vacation but not that extra $10,000 a year?  It's important to be clear on the answers to these questions BEFORE you enter into ANY type of negotiation.  In fact, it's best to be clear on this before your FIRST interview. 

Set Up a Plan to Achieve Your Goals

Now it's time to begin organizing your job search.  It's important to make the setting of daily, weekly and monthly goals a part of your regular routine.  

What steps will you need to take to achieve your goals?  Will you need to upgrade your skills, return to school, or obtain an industry certification?  Will it be helpful to join a professional organization in your chosen industry?   Are you interested in working for yourself?  Will conducting informational interviews assist you?  What type of research do you need to do?   Which skills and accomplishments need to be emphasized on your resume?  What type of job search fears will you need to address in order to achieve your goals?  How will you go about addressing them?  Do you need to practice phone skills?  Networking skills?   Do you need emotional support from others?  Ask for it!

Upgrade Your Technical Skills

If you need to upgrade your skills in order to reach your goals, investigate whether there is are state or federal programs which can assist you.

In California, the Regional Occupational Program assists people in upgrading computer applications skills, developing web design skills, and various other vocational skills.  Many other states have job training programs of various types.  Ask your One-Stop Career Center about financial assistance programs (this will depend on current funding) to upgrade your skills.

Community and junior colleges are excellent sources of education, often at far more reasonable prices than conventional four-year colleges.  Pell Grants are federally funded grants which may be available to you if you do not already have a Bachelor's degree.

Is your chosen career path one which is desperately needed right now?  For instance, in California both nurses and teachers are in short supply, so there are some programs in combination with the state and employers to assist job seekers in obtaining schooling while working.

Can you go to school and work part-time?  Will an internship in your area be productive?  (Note: internships are often good opportunities to build your skills while getting a foot in the door at a prospective employer.  Since they are usually unpaid, you will need the financial resources to carry you through until you are offered paid work).  Ask your state employment or labor department about training benefits when you file your unemployment claim (in California, ask about California Training Benefits).

Can you volunteer with a non-profit agency in order to build your skills and practical work experience?  A friend of mine followed this route and within three months was offered a paid part-time position.

Interested in Working for Yourself?

Starting your own business is a choice which thousands of people make each year.  If this is an option you would like to explore, you will need to set your goals, do your research, conduct informational interviews, and network just as much as if you are applying for a job with an employer.  What skills, abilities, background, or training will you need to establish yourself in the business you have chosen?  What is the competition?  Who will be your customers?  How will you fund your business?

Lenders will ask for a business plan, whether you have done a market study of your intended customers, and whether you are prepared for contingencies.

The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) provides counseling services, workshops, and advice on establishing your own business.  Their services are made available for a minimal fee.  They also provide access to business software, a great help when preparing your business and financial plans.

The Small Business Administration, which provides low-cost loans for small businesses is another important source of information for the small business owner.

Other resources for the small business owner can be found on the Links2 and Books pages.

Achieving your Goals - Summary

	Write them down.
	Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely goals.
	Break your goals down into manageable chunks.
	Determine which goals are negotiable.  Set your bottom line and stick to it.
	Set up a plan for achieving your goals.  Include all of the steps you will need to take to achieve your goals.
	Ask for support from friends, family or your support team in achieving your goals.

Why Set Goals?

Remember it is YOUR responsibility to sell yourself to prospective employers.  Knowing your goals will make it easier to focus your search and your efforts.