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Thursday, January 05, 2006
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Here are some New Year's resolutions for your career BY WILLIAM WERKSMAN
2006 is shaping up to be the “Year of the Candidate.” Hiring for all levels of employees - from those seeking their first jobs to senior executives will be rising across the board.
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While certain industries remain hotter “hires” than others, by following these career resolutions, the New Year will bring an excellent opportunity to change jobs. 1. Critically evaluate your current position: We consistently counsel candidates that every job has a “life cycle.” In other words, there is only so much career potential available in any given job. Once that potential has been fulfilled, it's time to move onward and upward. Most candidates, however, have difficulty realizing when they have reached the end of this life cycle. Some questions to ask yourself: Is the path for promotion clear in my current position? Does my current supervisor serve as a mentor or as a career obstacle? Has my compensation peaked based upon internal constraints and against external competitive market salaries? Am I growing in my current role? 2. Understand your market value: A common complaint among job seekers is that they are underpaid. But are they really? Do they know their current market value? What is the source of their information? Often, candidates are simply making this assertion as a fallback to their overall unhappiness in their current position. As part of your overall evaluation process, be certain to verify the compensation data available to
http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2006/01/05/news/news09.txt
1/5/2006
Las Vegas Business Press
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you. Specific factors you should include in your market value assessment are: your current compensation vs. peers in your organization; your current compensation vs. readily available market data for your industry, specific position and company size; projected compensation level you could be at in a future role. 3. Get prepared and be prepared: No matter how secure you are in your current job, it is important to keep your resume updated. By keeping this material current, you help yourself by being prepared to pursue future opportunities that may come your way. Additionally, create a target list of people who would be willing to serve as references in the hiring process. There's no need to call them immediately; just be certain you are aware of who you can call in the event you choose to. Do not forget about networking as well. 4. Resolve to build new contacts: The new year is an excellent time to touch base with network contacts. Call them to wish them a happy and prosperous New Year. At the very least, your name will stay on their radar. Finally, commit yourself to continue building an improved network of business contacts. Resolve to join three new business- or career-related groups in the next year. You can never have too many contacts in your network. If hiring trends from the third and fourth quarter are any indication, 2006 promises to be an excellent year to advance your career. Follow through with these New Year's career resolutions and make this your year. William (Bill) Werksman is managing partner and principal shareholder in Resource Partners (www.careerinsider.com). He can be contacted at 702248-1028.
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http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2006/01/05/news/news09.txt
1/5/2006