Have you worked out a plan to lead you in your chosen career destination or are you putting your trust in luck to get you there? Having a career strategy prepared can help you work towards the job you really want so that you could be the ideal candidate, ready and waiting when the position becomes available.

What is a career strategy?

A career strategy is a structured plan which aligns your potential with the role you ultimately want to achieve and maps out the things you need to do to get there. From a professional point of view, the strategy ensures that you gain the skills and experience you need for your ideal job. From a personal point of view, the strategy will give you the confidence to sail through your interviews and accept the right job offers which come along.

Five stages of a career strategy

Stage 1: Know yourself: strengths, values, motivators.

By definition, a career is something long lasting so it needs to be based on the things you enjoy and believe in, and based on your personal strengths. After all, there’s no point in planning a career as a sailor if you are seasick at the sight of a wave. Before you do anything else, get to know yourself and what drives you. What are you good at? What do you do that makes you stand out from others?  What do you enjoy? What is important to you?

Stage 2: Look for the kind of roles which are the best fit for your strengths and values.

The perfect job is one that meets all your needs. You believe in what the job does, it energises and motivates you, and you have the skills to do well. No one can tell you what your perfect job is. You will know it when you see it. It feels right, and you know you will enjoy the work for a long time to come.

Stage 3: Choose where you want to be in 5 years’ time.

Set a specific goal to aim for. Where do you want to be in 12 months’ time? 3 years? 5 years?  Like a roadmap, work out the most likely route to your ideal job.

Stage 4: What do you need to do to get there?

In most cases, there are skills you will need to acquire and perhaps some experience you need to have to make you eligible for your ideal job.  Ask yourself what kind of work experience would be helpful to you and how you can get it. Will you need new qualifications or could you find a mentor to guide you in your professional development?

Stage 5: Repeat!

Your career will move upwards in a series of steps and it’s inevitable that you will need to return to your plan and rework it. That’s a sign of your growth and career development.  Congratulations.

A career strategy is a vital part of building a successful career but it’s surprising how many people don’t have one.  The Career Consultants at Resumes for Results are highly experienced in coaching clients on creating a rewarding and sustainable way forward. Our career coaching is suitable for everyone, no matter where they are in their careers.