Chapter 9: Career planning

  • You plan or just go with the flow
  • Identify your personal qualities, skills and interests.

Career planning guidelines

  • Identify strengths and interest
  • Future market demands
  • Identify the industry you wish to enter
  • List top organizations in the industry
  • Identify requirements and criteria needed
  • Focus on your strengths and work on them

9.2 Job searching

Job search trend has changed from a simple network and newspaper advertisement to a completely different level of job searching strategy.

Ways to find job openings

Networking

Internet job boards

University career centre

Headhunters

Government agencies

Internship programmes

Cold calls

9.3 Getting the Job

Background check on the organization which you are interested in.

  • The norms and culture practiced
  • The career path offered to its current employees
  • Covering letter and a resume or CV

Job Interview

  • One foot in and one foot out.
  • A get-to-know session between both parties.
  • Evaluation session therefore need to know what to evaluate.
    -Abilities, competencies, teamwork behaviour, norms, culture
    -Rewards, career path, extra-mile behaviour
  • Candidates need to show plus points
  • Careful with the body language
  • 1st impression – dress professionally
  • Jewellery – less is more

Main reasons candidates fail at interview

  • Do not show up on time
  • No enthusiasm
  • Lack of preparation
  • Unable to give positive vibes
  • Fail to control facial expression
  • Do not show appreciation to previous employer
  • Fail to dress professionally
  • Too transparent and show weaknesses

Follow up

  • It is a chance to maximize the possibility of getting the job by sending a thank-you note or an email to the panel of interviewers.
  • Recap on what has been discussed during the interview.
  • It shows your keen interest.
  • Send it within a week.

9.4 Starting a new Job

The first days allows you to create a permanent impression that people in the organization will have of you and your capabilities.

Making the first impression

Learning the ropes

Showing teamwork

Showing commitment

Displaying positive attitude

9.5 Switching Jobs

Things to evaluate on the cost and effect of the new job.

  • Willing to face new challenges?
  • Is the new company stable in terms of funds and business?
  • How stable is your position?
  • Is there a guarantee on opportunities for advancement?
  • Promotion opportunities?

Before you leave

Check on the following:

  • Outstanding incomplete assignment ,
    do an official handover
  • Assist in training your successor
  • Leave or any bills outstanding
  • Leave in style and do it professionally
  • Meet up with all your colleagues and managers to say goodbye.
  • Thank them for all the support as well and guidance given during your tenure in the office.