How to Hire Yourself and Create Career Success in 10 ACCELERATED Steps!

In this competitive job market, it's crucial to have a comprehensive strategy in place to not only secure your dream job but also pave the way for a successful career. Even in the event that you work for yourself, to have an accelerated view is to always have an exit plan. In this article I will outline 10 essential steps that will set you on the path to success.

Step 1: Think Beyond the Salary

Before diving headfirst into the job hunt, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to gain beyond the salary. No matter how beloved, every job, business, or career move should come with an exit plan. Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years? Having a clear vision of your long-term goals will guide your decisions along the way. If you work a 9-5 but hope to be an owner, think of your job as capital and firsthand training. What can you learn beyond what they pay you for? Even if it’s just an understanding of how business is being well conducted (or not) every position is a prime opportunity to learn if you’re willing to ask questions.

Step 2: Learn Before You Earn

No offer? No worries! Don't wait for a job offer to start learning the ropes. Proactively seek out resources, whether it's books, videos, or mentorship opportunities, to understand the intricacies of your desired field. The more you know, the more valuable you become to potential employers and more importantly enrich yourself. The skills and knowledge you accumulate will help you to properly evaluate your fees and/or salary.

Step 3: Create Your Undeniable Stack of Proof.

Start building a Portfolio of Success to house all of your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Document accolades, emails, and letters of recommendation in an organized file system. This portfolio will serve as a compelling testament to your skills and accomplishments when the time comes to impress recruiters. The first person to hire you is you! Many employers are more interested in application than they are education. Don’t wait until a position becomes available to compile your undeniable stack of proof showing you know your stuff and know it well.

Step 4: Go Beyond the Classroom

While formal education is valuable, go beyond the classroom by researching the industry's top professionals. How might your personal interests align outside of the industry? Are they available to speak with about their experience or expertise? Consider how mentorship might play a role in your mastery. The classroom may provide foundational knowledge but if you don’t have a clear plan for how you will make your degree work for you, you will work for it for your entire career. It’s important to focus on how you can make your education work for you personally and contribute to your success in the job market.

Step 5: Apply Knowledge Actively

Degrees and certifications can validate your knowledge, but the real value lies in your ability to apply what you've learned. Focus on how you can make your education work for you personally and contribute to your success in the job market.

Step 6: Define Your Brand of Success

Set clear benchmarks for success and celebrate milestone moments along your career journey, even if they may seem insignificant to others. Success is truly what you make of it, and there’s no such thing as failure until you fail to try. Your brand of success will never look like anyone else’s no matter how well you employ their plans. Why? Because what’s for you in purpose and position will always be just that, for you. Recognizing your achievements will boost your confidence and motivation.

Step 7: Prepare for Success

You will have any number of people tell you to prepare for all the NOs. But just as you prepare for potential challenges and failures, it's equally important to prepare for success. Anticipate the hurdles that may arise when you actually achieve your goals and strategize how to overcome them. If you’re preparing a promotion, project, or a whole new field, decide now what you’re going to do when you land it. Don’t go crazy with the spreadsheets but try writing it down daily: When I land the _______{promotion, project, job} I’m going to call my mom, take myself out for a pedicure, and implement the following plan for my first week….

Step 8: Cultivate Your Network

Networking is a crucial part of career growth. Invest time in building relationships within your professional network. Attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and nurture these connections as you progress in your career. Many new business owners wait to focus on this step until year 3, which in my humble opinion is why we see many businesses fail by year 5. Don’t wait to plant the seeds, some relationships won’t net you a job right away, but we’ve all seen these connections become a powerful tool when it comes down to the wire. Much like a garden needs cultivating is key in networking to optimize retention and penetrate ever changing job and business markets.

Step 9: Embrace Lifelong Learning

In today's fast-paced world, industries are constantly evolving. To remain competitive and continue climbing the corporate ladder, commit to lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities for professional development, attend workshops, earn additional certifications, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Your dedication to staying relevant will impress potential employers and make you a valuable asset to any team.

Step 10: Craft a Compelling Personal Brand

In the digital age, your online presence is a critical aspect of your professional identity. Craft a compelling personal brand that reflects your skills, values, and aspirations. Optimize your LinkedIn profile, create a personal website or digital portfolio to showcase your expertise, and engage in thought leadership within your industry. A strong personal brand not only attracts recruiters but also positions you as a top candidate for your dream role on any project.

By incorporating these final two steps into your career strategy, you'll be well-prepared to pursue and secure any position or project you aspire to. Remember, success is a journey, and each step you take brings you closer to achieving your career goals.

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