Yesterday we introduced our 10 day special: How to make 2013 your career year. Day One was all about setting goals to determine exactly what you want from your career and personal life in 2013. Today we focus on researching and equipping yourself with all the information you need to take your career where you want it to be.
You know where you want to take your career in 2013, but which company will help you get there? Who do you want to work for? And who with?
If you’re looking to switch jobs, transfer industries or change careers completely, it’s time to do some solid research and work out which companies or roles you should target in your New Year job search.
Having established your vision and goals for 2013, now you need to narrow down the type of company you want to work for, the exact role you want, the type of people you would like to work with, where you’re willing to work geographically and how all these elements will align with your interests and values.
Career Edge coach and brand consultant Gillian Kelly says to take the time to do as much research as possible and to talk to as many people in the industry as you can.
“Career development is about taking control and making sure you’re moving in the direction that you want to go,” says Gillian Kelly, career coach and brand consultant from Career Edge.
“The way to do that is to take the time to build an understanding of yourself but also the employment market and the opportunities and companies so that you’re moving towards the right type of role.
“The clearer you are [about the company/industry], the better you can market yourself to that company and the better you can position yourself as a solution to that company.”
Similarly, psychologist and career expert Suzie Plush says talking to people who are already in the role or industry that you want is the best research you can do.
“It’s great to read job descriptions, and I do advise that, but it’s about getting around people that are doing what you want to do and asking them questions like, ‘What do you love about your job?’ ‘What do you struggle with?’ ‘What are some of the things you wish you knew before moving into your role?'” she says.
To really expand your research and get even more information, Plush also suggests scheduling some time off – just half a day – to do some work experience, if it’s feasible.
Setting up work experience with someone who’s already where you want to be will help you gain a better insight into the day-to-day aspects of that role or industry and allow you to make a more informed decision before you make the move.
HOMEWORK: What you need to do today:
- Research: Take some time to evaluate the types of companies you would love to work for. Also ask yourself what kind of work culture and people will make you happy. Write a shortlist of the companies that fit these criteria.
- Get talking: Reach out to your contacts and friends and set up meetings with people working within the industry. Ask them what they like and dislike about their role and industry.
- Work experience: Set up a coffee meeting with a contact in the industry to ask their advice. Ask them if you could join them for half a day in their office to observe/shadow them.