CareerFit #1

Bee CareerFit!

After spending 15 years in the Human Resources profession, I've seen it all. And now that the economy has dropped a big "noogie" on all of us, nothing is the same. The game has been changed!!! Everyone is looking at and re-evaluating who they are, and what they do. And most importantly, what they want to do. If you haven't been doing so yourself, you should be!

This is what I suggest everyone do in the near future, even if you're gainfully employed- be proactive. Here's how to start:

• Update your resume! Pull out whatever you have and spiff it up. Most importantly, add your most current experience, and focus on your problem solving skills. It's more important now than ever to prove your worth to a perspective employer. Don't just tell them your job history. A great resource for resume ideas is a book called "Knock 'em Dead Resumes" by Martin Yates. He just published an updated edition- you can look for it on amazon.com
  
  
• Social networking- whether it's Facebook or Linkedin, you need to be out there. If for no other reason, because everyone else is! It's also a great way to do a self-assessment of who you are and what you're looking for.
  

• Personal networking- a new book called "Highly Effective Networking" just hit the bookshelves. It's by Orville Pierson. Because it's so new, I would love for you to share any comments/feedback you might have with fellow readers! You can do it by adding a comment at the bottom of this post...now that's what I call NETWORKING! Become a member of your industries associations. The best way to become known and loved is to volunteer for a project. Fellow members will get to see what you do firsthand- how you make decisions and problem solve.
  

• Stay ahead of the curve regarding changes in your line of work or industry. This will not only impress your current employer, but will show potential employers that you have the initiative and desire to stay on top of best practices. You need to set yourself apart!
  

• One last thing. Get a reference list started. Call past employers, co-workers, customers/clients. Nothing says more about a person than what another person who has experienced your work ethic, problem solving, and decision making skills can... all of which are mucho-importante!
  

So how's that for an assignment?! The time you put in now will pay off in the future, and it's always better to be prepared or as I like to say, CareerFit!

TO CONTACT SONIA, email her at: sm.mott@ymail.com