BDPA Philadelphia is back-to-back defending Chapter of the Year. Perhaps it is time for the other 49 chapters to begin to recognize some of the best practices from Philadelphia chapter. For example, the chapter president, Monique Berry, communicates on a monthly basis with her stakeholders. Here is the message she shared with them for September 2008:
Why is it that after years as professionals many of us still don't understand that landing a new job is not an end result, but part of a larger career management process? A job search is not a binary transactional process; it's not a matter of "mission accomplished" and you now have the perfect job. Career success is a process and not an event, and I have yet to run into a job genie!
Most often people are surprised when they find out that there is no magic bullet; no job genie who gives them 3 wishes or delivers 50 perfect jobs every week to their e-mail box. There aren't 50 perfect jobs for every candidate, especially if you haven't done your homework. You have to know what the perfect job looks like for you! Most job seekers use a pinball strategy, bouncing from target to target until they score an offer. You can't rely on external forces to deliver when career management is really an internal process.
I read an article last week which discussed the need for career insurance. Unfortunately, I haven't run into anyone selling career insurance. And much like flood insurance; no one wants to worry about it until they need it. And when you hit a career road block, you get downsized, right sized, smart sized, or bored with your current job, then you pay attention to your career, and look for a quick fix to find a new position. It doesn't work that way! Your career insurance is to keep networking, keep talking to people about new opportunities, and continue to help others looking for career advancement.
Taking ownership of your career is like the deductable portion of you career insurance, You should start by looking inside yourself , do some serious soul-searching to understand your strengths and weaknesses, where you tend to succeed and fail, and how you can improve those skills that matter. Once you have a firm understanding of what motivates you and how you can succeed, you can take that knowledge and start building your career strategy.
Targeting companies to hire you is a similar process. Identify companies that you would like to work for, that can use your talents, and that will offer challenges and help you grow, save the list. Begin to cultivate your contacts within those companies, even if you aren't actively looking for a job. You should continue to make career contacts, just as you would continue to work with a client or customer. Those relationships will pay off over time as you create new career opportunities for yourself.
No one is going to hand you the perfect job, no matter how skilled you are. You are the one who needs to take charge of your career. So make sure that every move is part of a larger game plan, and stay in the game by staying connected with those who can help you along the way.
During our next program meeting, September 17th; Karen Hueller with demonstrate how to include LinkedIn in your game plan.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Monique F. Berry, President
BDPA Philadelphia
Vision: Partnering for Continued Growth!
Is your chapter president sending out similiar messages?
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