Comments on: Job Search: Define Your Goals

By: JessieX

JessieX — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:38:01 +0000

‘Tis me and “My Ideal Job” mentioned here in Aaron’s post. One of the surprising benefits to creating this document is that it made it easy for me to reach out to my network and let them know I was transitioning from full-time consulting, to FT work … and, yes, some PT consulting, too.

By contacting folk in my network and sending them “My Ideal Job,” I was able to invite them in to my vision. Sending people a resume, when they may be in my network of contacts, but not necessarily in my field of work, was a bit too direct for me and, imo, not my style. I mean, what is someone going to do with my resume in their email inbox? Now, sometimes, after getting “My Ideal Job,” people would ask for my resume, but I didn’t lead with it.

Also, I was able to be very clear with my future employer. I know where I’m headed, at least from the vantage point I hold today. The job I accepted is not “My Ideal Job,” but I believe it is the “ideal job” to get to “my ideal job.” That job may be inside my current company; it may not. I don’t know. But I was clear and upfront. I even handed the doc to my boss and said, “I think it’s important for you to know where I’m headed. I’m looking for an environment that will provide me the career I want. It’ll be helpful if you know what I want.” He was cool with that. And to his credit, in my first week, when I walked in his office with an idea that was a bit wild and out-of-the-zone for their prior comfort levels, he said, “Do what you want. Go for it.”

So, it’s an odd thing and a good thing. I didn’t get “My ideal job” as I defined, but I created a direction and trajectory and held nothing back in the interview process. I walked in the first day, remarkably comfortable and confident because I know where I’m headed. It’s up to me to stay on course, and I can be transparent and direct about my vision, allowing others to come with me and support me; rather than feeling, as I often have, thwarted by others.

I’m feeling optimistic, confident and happy.

Rock on.

By: Dawn Johnson

Dawn Johnson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:22:39 +0000

I was an IT Recruiter for 8 years and this is great advice. While we start our careers throwing a resume out there and waiting to see what sticks, there comes a time when we cross over and become professionals. As professionals it’s not about quantity, it’s about applying for the right jobs. Just like a recruiter’s job is to bring in the fewest but best fit candidates and save hiring managers’ time and effort, it’s your job to be equally as specific about your needs/wants – not only to yourself but also to those you are interested in working for/with. It really does make a difference.

By: Adam Zand

Adam Zand — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:16:01 +0000

Given the wonderful world of LinkedIn and social/job networking sites, I’ve found that jobs are searching for me. I have not done any proactive job outreach.

Still, your friend makes some great points about what you really want and some issues to fact check – passion and purpose seem to be a key, right?

For me it’s simple. On leaving Topaz Partners (June 30 meant I was done after close to six years) and previous PR/Marcom/Biz Dev stops at Schwartz Communications, FOX Sports, Piers Park Sailing and NU’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, my goals are clear …

I want to work with people I like on projects that are interesting. Oh yeah, I want to be paid too much.

Search me (@NoOneYouKnow) or LinkedIn and if you feel the same way – let’s talk.