3 Tips For Re-Entering Workplace

Posted on by Denise Felder

This question was originally posted on the DeniseMpls Facebook page.

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QUESTION:
I am going to be looking for professional work for the first time in years. Any advice?

agendapeopleANSWER:
There is no one-size-fits-all career plan. What you do and with whom you connect can change depending on, among other things:

  • the type of job you are looking for
  • your career cluster or industry
  • location

The details change for each person with each job search. However, every job seeker and every employee planning his or her next career move should follow three steps:

  1. Know Yourself
  2. Be Yourself
  3. Express Yourself

Get a notebook or make a computer file for yourself to keep track of all your career information. Answer these questions or others like them before you start applying for jobs.

Know Yourself

  • What is the target job you want right now?
  • What is important to you? How will your target job help you get or keep what is important to you?
  • What are your long-term career goals?
  • What type of work environment fits you (schedule, setting, personal interactions)?
  • What skills and experiences will you bring to your new job?

Be Yourself

  • How does your work fit in with your personal goals or mission?
  • What teams or professional communities are you active in?
  • What groups of people do you want to help? How will you help these people in your job?
  • How will you help an employer to improve their business or make money?

Express Yourself

  • How can you share all or parts of your personality at work?
  • How do you communicate with others, share information?
  • How do you display your professional skills using social media?
  • What do you do that is better or different from other people? How will you show this at work?

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