john gibbon
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 Thinking about your career?
     -Consider the framework provided by "The Five Patterns of Extraordinary Career" discussed here.
     -Check out articles on Wall Street Journal's Career Guide (including those on job searches).

Making a transition?
     -Take some career interests and aptitude exercises
          -Helps you understand what you are most happiest and most successful doing
              -Check out career aptitude tests such as 123 Career Test, Princeton Review, or others listed here
              -Also try these major choice quizzes which are actually helpful: Goshen, Loyola, or BuzzFeed :)  
          -The key is to find something you are good at, you like to do, and people are hiring for              
      -Try the Pierson Method 
               -Get Ready: 
                    -What is your professional objective: what kind of work are you targeting?
                    -What is your pitch?
                         -First read ads for your target role
                         -Then create a few lines to describe why you'd be successful in the key activities described
                    -Where can you work? 
                          -Define your target company list based on industry, location, size, etc.
                          -This list of company lists may help
               -Get Moving:
                          -Network
                                -To learn more about opportunities in the market
                                -To meet decision makers in your target companies
                          -Search
                                -While it shouldn't be your focus, here is a list of job search sites.
                                -Reach out to recruiters as they often have unadvertised openings (Forbes Best Recruiters)  
               -Manage Your Search
                       
   -Track progress measurements
                           -Metrics could include hours/wk in job search, employer contacts, job search conversations 
     -Look at a few other job search checklists 
                           -TheMuse Job Search Guide
                           -Forbes' Job Search Checklist
                           -Campus Explorer's Job Search Checklist
     -Check out this list of a few other career resources
     -Enlist others to help and hold you accountable (and to help and network with)
                         -TheMuse says have an accountability buddy, Pierson says create a team
                         -Helping others is good karma; especially as we are asking others to help us

Networking? (Read this blog post)
     -Try to bring something to the table (provide information, listen to their story)
     -Make it easy for them to help you (ask for their advice, ask for a few introductions) 
     -and as stated in my current favorite blog post on networking (Harvard Business Review)
            -Don't misunderstand the peeking order
            -Don't ask to receive before you give
            -Don't fail to state your value proposition
     -Other tips from Forbes, Business Insider, and HelpGuide include:
            -Be interesting (expert or known in your field; or present some new ideas - consider your brand)
            -Be interested (more interested in the other person than yourself)
            -Help in your community, join professional organizations / online groups, attend workshops
            -Consider strong and weak ties 

Starting a new job?
     -Read "The First 90 Days" reviewed here.