GOALS
May 2nd, 2007
As you conduct your job search you must have GOALS! Without Goals you lack direction. Without direction you lack action. You must take aggressive action in order to move your search through the necessary steps of ultimately receiving and accepting a Job Offer!
The following are some Basic Guidelines for Goal Setting:
1. GOALS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FORMALLY WRITTEN: The reason you need to write your Goals is because it moves them from a passive wish into an active target. Put your Goals where they are visible to you at all times. (Bathroom mirror, closet door, car visor, telephones at home and at work, computer screen, laptop, etc.) You need to place them where you can see and read them every single day! This will be a constant reminder of where you are going and where you want to be!
2. GOALS SHOULD BE SPECIFIC: When you have a specific Goal you need a clear picture and must stay focused on a specific idea. This way the idea takes on more significance. Goals should be so specific that there can be no room for error. The more specific your Goal, the more likely you will achieve it!
3. GOALS SHOULD BE MEASURABLE: You need to keep track of your progress. Make sure you can measure exactly where you are in the process. This typically means that there are specific numbers involved. Always know your numbers and where those numbers fit in, in order to attain your set Goals.
4. GOALS SHOULD BE ATTAINABLE: It can be counter-productive to set Goals that you are unable to attain. You will only feel frustrated in the attempt to reach unrealistic Goals. Your Goals should be challenging but definitely attainable as well! To ensure your success, it’s important that your Goals are within your reach.
5. GOALS SHOULD HAVE A DEADLINE: Set the actual date that your Goal is to be reached. By doing this, you are forcing yourself to take action. Keep in mind that there may be times when you might need to reevaluate the progress you are making and adjust a date. This is acceptable IF you are making progress and not just procrastinating.
6. GOALS SHOULD BE STATED POSITIVELY: You can form a clear picture of yourself doing something but you can’t visualize “not” doing something. You must be able to see yourself taking action on the goal. Your Goal will work better when stated positively and concretely.
These are some helpful hints to assist you with your Goals! Make sure you have both Personal and Professional Goals. As you attain one, cross it off and set another one. This process will keep you moving forward and keep you challenged!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC