W – Work on your Energy
Work on Your Energy:
In January this year, we were recruiting for a particular open position and had just finished chatting with a very bubbly candidate that gave us very positive vibes and we were a still very high in the energy she left behind…… then the next candidate walked in, sat down, we introduced ourselves and dived right into the conversation.
U – Understand Your Career Goals
Understanding Your Career Goals:
Remember the proverb “if you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything? That’s literally what not having career goals means.
Your career goals will determine your trajectory/path because they are the things, positions, situations and environments related to the professional life that you desire to achieve and they can be both short term and long term.
A – Articulate your skills
Articulate your Skills:
Last week we talked about crafting your story and in order for you to do that correctly, you must understand the skills that you have.
Below are 2 of the many questions I always ask my coaching clients regarding this particular topic during our sessions :
C – Craft your story
Craft your Story:
The opening question for most recruiters is “Tell us about yourself” I was in an interview panel some good years ago when a candidate interviewing for an Engineering role was asked to tell us about himself…… he started off with… my name is ABCD, a graduate of EFGH, I’m married with 4 Children, I live in Benin City and have worked for IJKL company for 5 years.
Career advancement and development
A few weeks ago during the Employability Fitness Program by @yewandejinadu, as part of the volunteer panelists, I had mock interviews with some participants and had the following feedback for each of them that I thought to share with you as well because there’s a lesson here for us all.
Motivational quote
“All you have to do is unite mentally and emotionally with the good you wish to embody. The creative powers of your subconscious will respond”
– Joseph Murphy
B-R-A-C-E yourself (E – Educate yourself)
E – Educate Yourself:
This is not an option; I addressed this extensively in Chapter 2 of my book What’s Next? Career Advancement Strategies for Young Professionals.
You must take personal development seriously…….
B-R-A-C-E yourself (C – Consistency)
C – Consistency:
You must be consistent in delivering excellent work.
Flashes of brilliance cannot distinguish you from the lot because that is exactly what the regular person brings to the table.
B-R-A-C-E yourself (A – Authenticity)
A – Authenticity:
Be original. Stay true to yourself. A quote I love so much says, ‘Be yourself; every other person is taken’.
There is a peculiar thing about you that the world needs. I call it your super-power. Flaunt it; let people know you for that.
No matter how inconsequential it may seem, the right people will value it.
B-R-A-C-E yourself (R – Relationship building)
R – Relationship building:
You must continually build meaningful relationships within and outside your work environment and industry.