Needs and wants are the foundations on which you set realistic and attainable goals. If the goals that you are setting are what you really want or need out of life, you are motivated, and therefore you are more likely to achieve them. However, if the goals you are setting are meeting someone else’s wants or needs, you will probably find it frustrating to try to attain them. It is extremely important that you take the time to explore and identify both your needs and your wants. Once you have identified these, you are now beginning to identify what it means to be successful by YOUR own personal standards!

When you are considering your needs and wants it is important not only to distinguish between the two, it is also imperative to examine how many times the “SHOULDS” in your life will get in your way. Every time you believe that you should do something, you are implying that you neither want nor need this, but somehow you feel required to do it. These “shoulds” will drain your energy and take your focus off of what is truly important. If you live your life being “guilted” by “shoulds,” you are limiting your opportunities as you make your career decisions. The goal is to eliminate as many “shoulds” as possible.

Your needs are the things that you truly need to survive. Your needs are anything which you perceive as necessary for your personal well-being. When your basic needs are met you feel secure. Your needs are usually your highest priority! Your needs are anything which you perceive to be necessary for your personal well-being. These items are all fundamental to the pursuit of happiness.

You wants are the items which you have s strong desire for, but may not be essential for your personal well-being. Your “WANTS” have more to do with enriching your life. Balance and common sense are necessary to make appropriate choices about your wants.

Pure logic or even common sense are not necessarily operative when considering your needs and wants. There are times when the desire for immediate gratification enters the picture causing wants to become a greater priority than needs. It is very important to clearly know what you need and what you can wait for, even though you want it. You must satisfy your basic needs and work calmly towards satisfying your wants.

USE THESE 3 SIMPLE GUIDELINES WHEN CONDUCTING YOUR SEARCH:
1. Formally write down what you NEED to live at “survival” level.
2. Clarify what you WANT and when you want it.
3. Sort out the SHOULDS that you have become “tied to.”

Good Luck in Your Job Search!

Nancy J. Phillips, CPC

Courtesy of: Good as Gold Training, Inc. (www.jobseekerinfo.com)

A well thought out, concise Marketing Plan is an essential part of your successful job search! A solid, detailed Plan forces you to focus and direct your job search; ensures that you are covering all methods; keeps you aware of how much work you have to do, and evaluates the quality of your efforts.

Your Marketing Plan is a dynamic, action oriented plan that helps you set realistic and meaningful daily, weekly and monthly goals. This plan is critical to your career management program.

Follow these STEPS when you are writing your Marketing Plan:

1. Define your target market by considering the following….
   1. Industry
   2. Corporations in the Industry
   3. Services / Products of the Corporations
   4. Number of Employees
   5. Geographic Locations
   6. Corporation’s Net Worth
2. Describe the job function you want.
3. Review classified ads for sample job descriptions.
4. Compare your skills, experience, education and background to the sample job descriptions to see if your background supports the positions you are interested in.
5. Map out your campaign strategy: RESEARCH
6. Compile your networking list.
7. Develop a list of recruiters/agencies that specialize in your area of expertise.
8. Organize your direct mail plans.
9. Tailor your resume and other marketing pieces.
10. Get interviews
11. Document the results
12. Follow-up

You have to think of yourself almost like a product you are selling to a prospective buyer – the HIRING AUTHORITY. Job Searches are difficult because you have to “sell yourself.” If you are not in the Sales Profession, it can be extremely uncomfortable – but it is necessary! If you were selling a product, you would identify “who” would be most likely to purchase your product. You must do that same type of methodical planning when you write the marketing plan for your job search. Compiling this plan will drastically REDUCE the time it will take you to find your next wonderful career opportunity!

Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Courtesy of: Good as Gold Training, Inc. (www.jobseekerinfo.com)

When you are job searching you are on a fact-finding mission! You must research and become an expert in the field you have targeted as your first career choice. I will give you sample questions that you must ask about your field or industry.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT A CAREER CHOICE OR INDUSTRY

1. What are the basic prerequisites for opportunities in the field?
2. What entry-level jobs qualify one for this field?
3. What types of training do companies give to people entering this field?
4. What are the average salary ranges for various levels of experience in this field?
5. What aspects of a career in this field do you consider particularly beneficial? Particularly bad?
6. Do you view this field as a growing one?
7. Is there currently a demand for individuals in this field?
8. What is the typical profile of a successful person in this field?
9. How do you see the opportunities in the field changing over the next ten years?
10. What is the best way to obtain a position which will start me on a career in this field?
11. What hours do successful people normally work?
12. May I review job descriptions for some of the positions in this field?
13. What, if any, are the positive as well as negative, issues facing this industry?
14. What kinds of technical skills will provide greater opportunities to advance in this industry?
15. Who are the respected individuals in this industry?
16. What government regulations affect this industry?
17. What are the main issues facing your industry?
18. Which other industries directly affect what happens in this industry?
19. Which kinds of companies are forming strategic alliances in this industry?
20. What do you see are the greatest opportunities in this industry within the next 3 to 5 years?

You need to become an expert in the field you have targeted as your first career choice! The more educated you become, the better you will sound during your interviews. Your knowledge will set you apart from your competition and will drastically increase your chances for becoming the candidate they select for their opportunity!

Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Courtesy of: Good as Gold Training, Inc. (www.jobseekerinfo.com)