Brad Taft
Chief Career Strategist
Testimonials:
"Brad Taft was extremely helpful in assisting me to focus on my business strengths and passions. Since I was changing industries, Brad was instrumental in supporting me in networking into related organizations and groups within the industry I was pursuing. He helped me develop a results oriented resume and fine tune my interviewing skills. He is very professional and accomplished at his work."
- Bennett B.
Financial Services Professional
"I have worked with Brad Taft on several projects. I have found him to be very knowledgeable and professional. He literally "wrote the book" on mid life career transition. His insights and recommendations were right on the mark. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him, and I would recommend him to anyone serious about his/her career."
- Ralph S.
Executive Director,
Non−Profit Organization
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Is Hunting for a Dream Job Dead?
With the challenging economy come the doomsayers who state that since companies are laying off thousands of workers, people should cast aside their career aspirations and give up their goal of finding that dream job.
While the job market is difficult these days, the fact is that while layoffs make headlines, hiring people doesn't. Companies continue to fill jobs. In fact, while an organization is eliminating positions in some departments, it may well be hiring in others.
The point is that a job seeker should not be discouraged from striving to find the job that matches their talents and interests. After all, that is what companies are looking for: the person whose skills, knowledge and experience fit the needs of their open positions. It may take longer, require a greater effort and a lot more creativity, but if one has passion for the type of work they are seeking, then they will have the energy and perseverance to strive for success in locating the jobs of their dreams.
Prepare for that successful transition with these 5 Strategic Steps:
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(1) Assess Your Career
Is your current job meeting your expectations? Is it time to look at new opportunities
that are a better fit with your interests, values and priorities? Analyze your current
situation and determine if the job/function/company are meeting your needs. If not, what needs to change?
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(2) Restate your Objectives and Goals
What are your short-term objectives and long-term career goals? These can change
as we think about new directions and priorities, so always be thinking about revising
your roadmap to success.
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(3) Explore the Market for Your Talents and Interests
With your goals in mind, put on your detective's cap and investigate the potential
opportunities out in the career marketplace. What trends are affecting your function
and/or industry? What companies are on top of their competitive game and could use your talents? ID the organizations you want to target. If you are looking for part-time or temporary assignments, the Fall is a great time to be looking as companies, especially retailers and the firms that provide them with products are gearing up for the holiday season.
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(4) Conduct a Personal Marketing Makeover
You have one chance to make a good first impression. Revise your resume to be an
effective sales tool to communicate your background and interests to prospective
employers. Brush up on your interviewing techniques and negotiating strategies.
Develop an extensive plan to ID jobs that interest you, and work hard to increase
your visibility in the job marketplace through networking (social networking on the
Internet as well as face to face) and following up with referrals.
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(5) Implement a Strategy to Success
Take that plan and make it work for you by setting weekly goals for yourself in
utilizing all the avenues available for developing job leads including networking, searching job boards, contacting recruiters and introducing yourself directly to
decision-makers in companies that interest you. Build and maintain the momentum necessary to successfully reach your career goals!
February 25, 2009
Working My Way
6520 East Cholla Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254−5038
© 2008 Taft Resource Group • All Rights Reserved • APP. PD. SVC
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