Add your promotional text...

Job Search Plan

Mindset is Everything

Mindset is everything because it fundamentally shapes how we perceive and respond to challenges, opportunities, and setbacks in our personal and professional lives. Here are several reasons why mindset is crucial:

Influences Attitude:
- Positive Outlook: A positive mindset encourages an optimistic approach to life, helping individuals see opportunities where others might see obstacles.
- Resilience: A growth mindset fosters resilience, enabling individuals to bounce back from failures and keep moving forward.
Drives Behavior:
- Proactivity: With the right mindset, individuals are more likely to take initiative and pursue their goals with determination.
- Perseverance: A strong mindset supports perseverance, helping individuals stay committed to their long-term objectives despite difficulties.
Enhances Problem-Solving:
- Creativity: An open and adaptive mindset allows for creative thinking and innovative solutions to problems.
- Resourcefulness: Individuals with a growth mindset are more resourceful, finding ways to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Boosts Learning and Development:
- Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards growth encourages continuous learning and self-improvement.
- Adaptability: Being open to new experiences and feedback helps individuals adapt to changing circumstances and evolving challenges.
Shapes Interpersonal Relationships:
- Collaboration: A collaborative mindset fosters better teamwork and cooperation, enhancing collective success.
- Empathy: An empathetic mindset improves communication and relationships, both personally and professionally.
Impacts Health and Well-being:
- Stress Management: A positive mindset helps manage stress and maintain mental health.
- Overall Well-being: A healthy mindset contributes to overall well-being, promoting a balanced and fulfilling life.
Determines Success:
- Goal Achievement: A focused and determined mindset is essential for setting and achieving ambitious goals.
- Sustained Motivation: Maintaining a positive mindset ensures sustained motivation and drive, even when faced with challenges.

In essence, mindset is the foundation upon which success, resilience, and personal growth are built. It shapes our perceptions, influences our actions, and ultimately determines our outcomes.

Career Transitions and Mindset

The Career Path Masterclass begins with a discussion on mindset for two important reasons. First, whether you are transitioning your career or implementing a substantial change, there are natural mindset shifts you will experience. Recognizing and understanding these shifts is essential. By acknowledging these changes, you can better understand your evolving behaviors, recognize them for what they are, and take proactive steps to reframe your mindset.

Second, your mindset significantly influences how you perceive and talk about yourself. When we're in a negative headspace, it can be incredibly difficult to highlight our strengths and accomplishments with confidence. A critical skill for a successful career transition.

We will talk about this in detail in the next two sections.

Change

Stages of Change

You may be familiar with the 5 Stages of grief. While a person deals with loss they work through five different stages - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not linear. A person can move between the stages in a random order and even return to a stage. They can also get stuck within certain stages.

There is a similar model called the Kubler-Ross. While a person deals with a change in their life, such as changing careers, they also work through five different stages - shock, denial, frustration, depression, experiment, decision, and integration. Again, a person can move between stages in random order, taking different times before transitioning. They can, and do, return to a stage.

Stage 1

Shock and denial. This is the stage where you need time to adjust to the fact that you should undergo a change and adapt to something new.

Stage 2

Fear, frustration, and anger. You have your vision and your goal, but now you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. A natural reactions to being uncomfortable is fear. For some fear can turn into anger and frustration. Remember, these are natural reactions and can pass with time. If you find yourself at this stage, don't let it stop you.

Stage 3

Start to adapt. You have passed the uncomfortable stage and look for ways to fit in and adapt. You start to experiment. How will this change work best for you.

Stage 4

Learning phase. You are now immersed in your new learning. It can feel overwhelming and daunting. In Stage 4, you are not happy or comfortable and experience low energies, low morale, and low excitement. This is a stage where you need to buckle down and push through.

Stage 5

Embrace the change. You are in full acceptance of your career change and can now really build on hopes and aspirations.

The Messy Middle

Each person's journey through career transition stages is indeed unique, shaped by individual circumstances, goals, and personal attributes. The path from deciding to make a change to achieving the desired outcome is rarely linear or smooth. This challenging stretch, often characterized by discomfort, overwhelm, and frustration, is what we refer to as the "Messy Middle."

Understanding the Messy Middle

Characteristics of the Messy Middle:
- Uncertainty about the future
- Doubts about decision-making
- Feelings of inadequacy or impostor syndrome
- Frustration with the pace of progress
- Overwhelm from new information or skills to learn
- Financial stress or concerns
- Balancing current responsibilities with transition goals
Why It's Challenging:
The Messy Middle is particularly difficult because it's the point where initial excitement has worn off, but the end goal still seems distant. This is when reality sets in, and the hard work of transition becomes apparent.
Impact on Mindset:
During this phase, maintaining a positive growth mindset can be extremely challenging. The constant push outside one's comfort zone can lead to mental fatigue and self-doubt.

Struggles in the Messy Middle

Losing Sight of the Goal:
As challenges mount, it's easy to lose focus on the ultimate objective, leading to decreased motivation.
Reverting to Fixed Mindset Patterns:
Stress and setbacks can trigger a retreat to fixed mindset thinking, where challenges are seen as insurmountable rather than opportunities for growth.
Comparison Trap:
Individuals may compare their progress unfavorably to others, not realizing that everyone's journey is unique.
Burnout Risk:
The constant push for growth and change can lead to burnout if not balanced with self-care and reflection.

Strategies for Navigating the Messy Middle

Acknowledge the Process:
Recognize that the Messy Middle is a normal and necessary part of significant change. This awareness can help normalize the experience.
Break Down Goals:
Divide the larger transition goal into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrating these small wins can help maintain motivation.
Cultivate Resilience:
Develop coping strategies for setbacks. This might include mindfulness practices, journaling, or seeking support from mentors or peers.
Flexible Planning:
Be prepared to adjust your plans as you learn and grow. Flexibility is key to navigating unexpected challenges.
Reflect and Learn:
Regularly reflect on your progress and lessons learned. This can help reinforce the growth mindset and provide valuable insights.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Be kind to yourself during this challenging phase. Recognize that struggle is part of growth, not a sign of failure.

Overcoming the Urge to Give Up

Some individuals may find themselves stuck in the Messy Middle, contemplating giving up on their goals. This is often due to:

Prolonged discomfort with uncertainty
Repeated setbacks without visible progress
Loss of confidence in the chosen path

To overcome this:

Revisit Your 'Why': Reconnect with the reasons you started this transition.
Reframe Setbacks: View challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Adjust Expectations: Recognize that significant changes take time and rarely follow a straight path.
Seek Inspiration: Look to others who have successfully navigated similar transitions for motivation and strategies.

Remember, the Messy Middle is where true growth and transformation occur. By understanding this phase and developing strategies to navigate it, individuals can maintain a growth mindset and push through to achieve their career transition goals. The key is to embrace the messiness as part of the journey, rather than seeing it as an obstacle to success.

Nerve, Grit, and Tenacity

These three traits form the backbone of resilience during challenging phases of career transitions. They enable individuals to maintain focus on their goals despite the discomfort and uncertainty of the Messy Middle.

Nurturing Your Nerve

Nerve is about courage and the willingness to face discomfort head-on. It's the inner strength that propels you forward when everything feels uncertain.

Embracing Discomfort:
- Recognize that discomfort is a sign of growth, not a signal to retreat.
- Practice stepping out of your comfort zone regularly in small ways to build your tolerance for discomfort.
Maintaining Clarity of Purpose:
- Regularly revisit and reaffirm why this career change is important to you.
- Create a vision board or written statement of your goals to keep your purpose visible and tangible.
Developing Emotional Intelligence:
- Learn to recognize and manage your emotional responses to challenges.
- Use mindfulness techniques to stay grounded when facing nerve-wracking situations.
Building a Support Network:
- Surround yourself with people who believe in your goals and can offer encouragement.
- Seek out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance and perspective during tough times.

Growing Your Grit

Grit is about passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It's the determination to keep pushing forward, even when motivation wanes.

Cultivating Passion:
- Connect your career transition goals to your core values and long-term vision.
- Find ways to inject excitement into your journey by setting engaging challenges for yourself.
Developing Perseverance:
- Break down your larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain a sense of progress.
- Celebrate small wins along the way to boost motivation.
Building Knowledge and Skills:
- Commit to continuous learning relevant to your new career path.
- Set aside dedicated time for skill development, even when you're feeling low on energy.
Practicing Deliberate Effort:
- Establish a routine that prioritizes actions towards your goal, regardless of how you feel on a given day.
- Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus during low-energy periods.

Training Your Tenacity

Tenacity is about holding fast to your goal, refusing to give up despite setbacks or slow progress. It's the stubborn determination that keeps you moving forward.

Acknowledging Natural Feelings:
- Recognize that feelings of doubt, frustration, or fatigue are normal parts of any significant change.
- Practice self-compassion and avoid self-criticism for experiencing these emotions.
Maintaining Goal Focus:
- Regularly visualize your end goal and the benefits it will bring.
- Create a mantra or affirmation that reinforces your commitment to your goal.
Developing Resilience:
- Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.
- Keep a "lessons learned" journal to track your growth and insights gained from challenges.
Building Mental Toughness:
- Practice positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts.
- Set progressively challenging goals to build confidence in your ability to overcome obstacles.

Integrating Nerve, Grit, and Tenacity

To effectively leverage these traits during your career transition:

Self-Awareness:
- Regularly assess which of these areas you need to focus on developing.
- Recognize when you're relying too heavily on one trait and need to engage the others.
Balanced Approach:
- Use nerve to face new challenges, grit to consistently work towards your goals, and tenacity to persist through setbacks.
- Rotate your focus between these traits as needed throughout your journey.
Continuous Development:
- Seek out experiences and challenges that help strengthen these traits.
- Reflect on how you've used nerve, grit, and tenacity in past successes to build confidence in your abilities.
Supportive Practices:
- Engage in activities that reinforce these traits, such as physical exercise, meditation, or journaling.
- Share your journey with others to gain external perspective and encouragement.

By consciously nurturing your nerve, growing your grit, and training your tenacity, you equip yourself with the mental and emotional tools necessary to navigate the Messy Middle of career transitions.

Steps to Create a Positive Mindset

You can consciously work toward a positive mindset. As a matter of fact, even if you feel you are in a Positive Mindset taking steps to maintain and continuously improve the positivity can only benefit you further. Bring awareness to what you do.

Make it a habit to acknowledge something positive or something you are thankful for each day. Write them down and keep a journal.
Think about the way you talk about yourself. Replace negative self-criticism with positive affirmations about your worth and capabilities.
Spend time with people who are positive. Limit your exposure to negativity and focus time on inspiring books, movies, or podcasts that promote this.
Train yourself to look for solutions instead of dwelling on your problems. How can you make it better?
Take the time to celebrate the small wins. Reinforcing your achievements helps to motivate you.
Take care of yourself. A healthy lifestyle can lead to reduced stress, improved resilience and give you an overall positive outlook about yourself.

Assessing your Skills and Interest

To this point we talked about how our mindset plays a huge role in how we perceive and talk about ourselves. When we're in a negative headspace, it can be incredibly difficult to highlight our strengths and accomplishments with confidence. Bring awareness to the mental narratives holding you back from confident self-promotion. Are you fixating on past failures instead of learning experiences? Comparing yourself unfavorably to others? Letting imposter syndrome cast doubt on your capabilities? Once you pinpoint these negative thought patterns, you can begin to reframe them in a more constructive light.

Let's start by acknowledging where you are on the change scale and reminding yourself of your goal.

Building the Foundation

The foundation of the Career Pathways Mastermind is the development of the ability to talk about yourself in a way that is engaging. Self-presentation is used in so many different ways from networking, interviewing, and career advancement to developing your elevator pitch, resume professional summary, personal band, and Linkedin profiles to name a few.

We are going to divide self-presentation into two sections which are descriptives and storytelling.

Descriptives

How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? When you are introducing yourself, you have precious seconds to make a good first impression. If you are at a networking event, you want to be introducing yourself in a consistent manner. We will be completing a couple of assessment and self-clarity exercises that will enable you to introduce and describe yourself confidently.

In today's competitive job market, simply listing your qualifications is no longer enough. When talking with Employers a compelling narrative that highlights unique strengths, experiences, and potential contributions will gain their attention. Some refer to this as the "elevator pitch."

Mastering the Art of Storytelling

How can you add detail to your descriptives? By perfecting your storytelling skills you can greatly enhance your ability to engage listeners during interviews and networking events. Storytelling allows you to weave your experiences into a narrative that promotes engagement with your audience. By incorporating storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions, emotional connections, and relatable anecdotes, you can effectively communicate your qualifications and make a lasting impact on potential employers.

A Comprehensive Approach

By incorporating these strategies into your job search plan, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for confident and compelling self-presentation. From crafting a personal brand that sets you apart, to mastering the art of storytelling, you'll have the skills to captivate potential employers and leave a lasting impact. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-promotion that will position you as a standout candidate in your desired field. With our guidance and your dedication, you'll be well on your way to launching the career of your dreams.

Project title

What is in a Descriptive

When you are thinking of how to describe yourself, think about what your values are. What kind of skills and experience do you bring to the table? Can you remember and list your best accomplishments? Can you describe your passion and your interests? What about the things you are curious about and want to know more about? Do you have ideas to share? Depending on the type of job, are you prepared to identify your vulnerabilities?

The more you know yourself, the more you can self-market. Get your pencil and paper ready for notes, and let's go down the list.

Values

When it comes to personal values, discovering what truly resonates with us can be an enlightening journey allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what matters most to us. Read over this list and select five.

As you review the list, take your time and listen to your intuition. Pay attention to the values that evoke a strong emotional response within you. These values are the ones that align with your core beliefs and identity. They are the pillars that guide your decision-making, actions, and relationships.

After you select your five, rank them from one to five with one being the most important. Add a sentence to each to define what these values mean to you. When prioritizing, it is crucial to assign significance to each item in your list. By assigning a numerical value, you are able to establish a clear hierarchy and determine what holds the greatest importance to you. This ranking system allows you to gain insight into your personal values and what truly matters in your life. It provides a framework for decision-making and helps you make choices aligned with your core beliefs and principles.

Once you have ranked your items, it is also important to define what these values mean to you. Each value carries its own significance and understanding what they represent can enhance your self-awareness. By attaching a sentence to each item, you can articulate your personal interpretation and deepen your connection to these values. This exercise allows you to reflect on the meaning and impact they have on your life, providing clarity and guiding your actions toward a more fulfilled existence.

Value 1: _____________________________

Value 2: ______________________________

Value 3: ______________________________

Value 4: ______________________________

Value 5: ______________________________

Example:

Value 1: Creativity. Creativity and the ability to create, plan or develop is one of the most important values for me. This is something that I love to do in a job. To not have the ability to be creative in my day to day activities will leave me feeling stifled.

In summary, the process of ranking values and adding definitions to each item is a powerful practice that allows you to identify what truly matters to you and gain a deeper understanding of their meaning. By doing so, you can align your choices with your personal beliefs, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Workplace Values Exercise

Let's expand the values list by considering Workplace values. Review this list of workplace values and identify your top three. The value is listed in the left column. The right column contains a definition to help understand what the value is.

Workplace values are crucial in determining job satisfaction. They serve as a compass, guiding individuals toward fulfilling careers that align with their personal beliefs and principles. When one's values are in sync with those of their workplace, it creates a supportive and motivating environment that enhances productivity and engagement.

Identifying your workplace values allows you to prioritize what matters most to you. It enables you to make informed decisions about job opportunities, ensuring that you find positions that are not only financially rewarding but also emotionally fulfilling. By recognizing your values, you can enhance your work-life balance and overall well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and a higher quality of life.

Furthermore, when individuals are aligned with their workplace values, they are more likely to experience a sense of purpose in their roles. This sense of purpose fuels intrinsic motivation, making work feel less like a chore and more like a meaningful endeavor. Consequently, when employees feel connected to their work on a deeper level, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks, go the extra mile, and contribute positively to their organization's success.

You should now have a list of eight values. The next component on the list of what defines your unique self is skills and experience.

Descriptives - Skills and Experience

Skills mapping might seem like a lot of extra work, but it is worth the effort. It becomes the tool that you can use to evaluate job descriptions, battle imposter syndrome, make cover letters easy, and prepare for interviews. By taking the time to map out your skills, you can gain a clearer picture of what you bring to the table and how you can excel in your career. This process allows you to identify any gaps in your skillset and take steps to fill them, ultimately making you a stronger candidate for future opportunities.

Furthermore, skills mapping empowers you to confidently navigate your career path and make informed decisions. It helps you gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas where you can truly shine. Through this self-reflection, you can align your skills with your career goals and make strategic choices that will lead to long-term success.

Skills mapping also opens doors for personal growth and development. As you assess your current abilities and identify areas for improvement, you can take proactive steps to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. This not only enhances your professional value but also paves the way for exciting new challenges and opportunities. By continuously updating your skills map, you can stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in today's ever-evolving job market.

Use either the NGT skills list or the list of skills you included on your resume. List the skills on the left side then add a definition in your own words. Next, add an example of how it would be applied - either a general example or if it is one used in one of the Program Projects. Lastly, if you have your notes organized, make a note of where this particular topic is discussed.

In conclusion, while skills mapping may require some initial effort, it is a worthwhile investment in your future success. It allows you to evaluate job descriptions, boost your confidence, effectively communicate your abilities in cover letters, and excel in interviews. Moreover, it empowers you to make informed career decisions, cultivates personal growth, and keeps you adaptable in an increasingly competitive job market. Take the time to map your skills and watch your professional journey flourish.

Of the skills you listed, what do you consider your top five? Add these to the list under your written goal.

Descriptives - Experience

Experience, or accomplishments are a reflection of your skills, expertise, and dedication. They are the tangible evidence of your hard work and achievements. When you discuss your accomplishments, you showcase your potential and highlight your capabilities to potential employers.

Effectively sharing your accomplishments demonstrates your ability to set goals and meet them. It showcases your determination, problem-solving skills, and ability to overcome challenges. By discussing your accomplishments, you prove that you are not only capable but also driven and results-oriented.

Understanding the significance of stating your accomplishments is crucial. It allows you to present a compelling narrative of your professional journey, demonstrating your value to employers. Remember, your accomplishments are the solid proof of your capabilities and deserve to be proudly shared during interviews.

It's pen and paper time. The following is an exercise you can do to help create a list of accomplishments.

Step one: Brainstorm some times that you have been proud and make a list. It doesn't have to be dedicated to IT, these are accomplishments we are going to showcase. Try to think of four or five times you have been really proud of what you have done.

Step two: Now add to this list what your exact contributions to these accomplishments were. For example, one of my proudest accomplishments was being awarded Best Career Services of the Year. I feel my biggest contribution to achieving this recognition was to always do my best for the students I work with each day. In particular making sure they knew that they mattered.

Step three: This part of the exercise helps you to formulate your accomplishments into a narrative format. Storytelling is going to be the next step we talk about after we finish the Descriptives. We are taking these accomplishments and outlining them into a story.

Step Four: Summarize the outcome. Are you seeing any patterns? Common tasks that you did for the accomplishments you can count as strengths? Common titles? You can use these predominant themes as your descriptives.

A simple piece of advice I picked up from a book I was recently reading about presenting with confidence, was to plan how to begin and how to end your story. It saves us from floundering near the end and allows us to finish with a flourish.

How did you do? Here is what you should have in your notes so far:

Mindset Checkin and NGT Factor
List of five values
List of three workplace values
A List of your top skills
A skills map
Your top four to five accomplishments with the beginnings of a story and common themes

Accomplishments

Descriptives - Interests

Interests are important to identify. An Employer wants to know what drives you and how dedicated you are. Being able to articulate this works in your favor and makes you unique and memorable.

By showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm during the interview process, you not only separate yourself from other candidates, but you also demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in Information Technology.

By being able to clearly articulate your motivations and the reasons for your career change, you showcase your self-awareness and readiness for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field.

You may already know what yours are. If you do, go ahead and list them out. If you would like to explore further, here is a list of assessments that you can take. There are a few free online assessments, a few that an NGT Career Success Coach can administer during a one-on-one, and some comprehensive but purchase-required assessments.

Choose an assessment from the list and take the test. Document your results alongside the rest of the information we are gathering. Make a note of the assessment that you used.

Your outcome might surprise you. As long as you take the assessment honestly and with an open mind, the results will be pretty accurate. There will be adjectives you can use to describe yourself that you haven't thought of.

We are going to end this section on Interests with one more interactive exercise. Start by naming three to four role models. They can be ones you admired as a child, cartoons, favorite movie characters, teacher, etc.

For each role model list as many things as you can think of that you like best about them.

Read through the list and divide your answers into two categories:

I am like my role model in these ways - these represent qualities and competencies you find meaningful and are important to you.

I am different from my role model in these ways - these represent your emerging strengths, things you find important that you would love to focus and grow on.

Add this to your growing Career Success Mastermind list and we will go over Curiosities, Ideas, and Vulnerabilities.

Storytelling

A story or narrative forges a connection with the audience. By sharing personal experiences, anecdotes, and relatable scenarios, your stories resonate on a human level allowing the listener to see something of themselves in the narrative.

This is the connection we want to build when we are networking, or talking with an Employer. You are capturing attention and keeping them engaged. The more the engagement, the more attention is given during an interview or a networking event. The more attention and interaction you garner, the more enduring the impact you make.

At this point in your notes you have:

Mindset Checkin and NGT Factor
List of five values
List of three workplace values
A list of your top skills
A skills map
Your top four to five accomplishments with recurring themes and narrative outline
Your completed assessments with skills and interests
Role Model Summary - qualities and competencies you find meaningful, emerging strengths, and areas you might want to focus on
Curiosities, Ideas and Vulnerabilities

Review the information that you have. What stands out to you? From this list, what do you want someone to know about you the most? What elements do you think describes you the best?

Try putting a narrative together. Later on in the Career Path Masterclass, we will talk about how exactly to put together the elevator pitch so the narrative you try doesn't have to be perfect. What is important here is to start to get comfortable describing yourself in different positive and professional ways.

As you are doing this remember to decide how you are going to end your narrative. It makes it less daunting a task when you plan how you are going to start and how you are going to end.

Research

This section will provide instruction on items to be considered for your Job Search Plan. It is the who, what, where, and when of your plan and helps identify focus, method, and goals.

Career Path research involves:

What kind of Companies

What Kind of Jobs

Where to Job Search

By researching and journaling these components, you can create a detailed and effective Job Search Plan tailored to your career goals in Information Technology. This focused approach will help you identify the right opportunities and navigate your job search with confidence.

What Kind of Companies

Let's start by brainstorming a list of companies that we want to investigate if they are hiring, and/or keep an eye out for when they are hiring. These will be company sites you can focus on with networking and routinely check for openings.

Brainstorm a List

Who are the big companies around you?

Which companies have values that resonate with you?

Who are the companies you have always wanted to work for?

What companies are in a similar industry in common with your background?

Add your current company

Let's ask AI

Create a list with short descriptions of the top [industry] companies in [geographic area]. (Bing or ChatGPT)

Create a list with short descriptions of remote-first or distributed companies in [industry]. (Bing or ChatGPT, may want to ask for citations)

What are the latest job openings for [position and industry] in [geographic area]? (Bing)

Create a numbered list with short descriptions of the top 5 [industry type] companies in [geographic location] using [year] data.

How does [company] compare to their top competitors [company names] on key metrics like growth, profitability, innovation, culture. (ChatGPT - best if you have prioritized what matters to you)

When you are brainstorming these company names target at least twenty five different companies. Some recommend up to fifty. Use Google or other search tools as needed to find more options. If you are comfortable with start ups and emerging companies add these types of companies to your list.

Next to each company name, identify what about the company in your target list is important.Now rank the companies in the list, or at minimum identify which are your top ten where your extra focus will be. When you have identified at least twenty five company names, proceed to the next Research step.

What Kind of Jobs

Why take the time initially to identify job titles you would like to target? There are multiple reasons for this. One of them is the fact that the more focused your job search, the better the results. This does not preclude you from expanding the search at any point, rather it provides structure for the process.

Firstly, when you have a clear job title in mind, you can tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that specific role. This can greatly increase your chances of standing out to potential employers and securing interviews.

Secondly, by targeting specific job titles, you can also narrow down your search

to industries or companies that align with your career goals and interests. This not only helps you focus your efforts but can also lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying job in the long run.

Lastly, identifying specific job titles can also help you set realistic expectations and goals for your job search. By understanding the qualifications and requirements for your desired roles, you can better assess your own skills and experiences, and determine any gaps that may need to be filled.

Later in the lesson I will be covering how to create specific search strings and having these titles identified ahead of time will make that step easier. For now, let's look at some methods that will help create your job title list.

When you are thinking about job titles, keep in mind that most jobs have different levels. Depending on the level you target, think about also identifying your title by level. Most different levels are identified in the following ways:

Levels 1, 2, 4
Junior, (title), Senior
Entry, Mid, Senior

Network Engineer Titles

In IT, the job titles in the network engineer area are divided by the focus area that part of the IT department has.

Here are some sample job titles divided by focus area:

Cyber Security Job Titles

For Cyber Security, most of the different job titles are defined by which domain they are in as defined in the NICCS Framework.

Let's Brainstorm Again

Write down a list of job titles you have heard of, been considering, or are your ultimate target.
Log into Indeed, Zip Recruiter, LinkedIn Jobs, or the site of your choice and start a search using a job on your brainstorm list. Take a look at the different actual job titles that show up and add them to the list.
Ask Perplexity.ai. Be as specific as possible and list the job you are interested in, and some of the alternative titles you have on your list, and ask Perplexity for additional suggestions.
Go to https://linkedin.github.io/career-explorer/. and page down to the middle where you see the words Job Transitions.

Start by putting in your nearest metro location. On the left side where it says Enter a Job, put in one of the job titles that you are interested in and enter. The tool will return a list of different job titles to consider that you can add to the list of potential job titles. You will see that there is also a 'find jobs' on LinkedIn for each, we will be using this tool again when we start our search.

Let's AI

Here are some suggestions on what to ask your preferred AI program:

List 10 jobs that are similar to [current job or future job idea]. Include brief descriptions. (ChatGPT)

What are nontraditional jobs for (insert field: teacher/attorney/doctor)? (ChatGPT or Bing)

What job titles or roles are there in [target industry]?

Make sure to record your answers. Let's move on to the next section.

Where to Search

Where do you search for jobs?

1. Job Boards

Let's start with the obvious - job boards.

2. GitHub Career Explorer Tool

Other than job boards, there is also the GitHub Career Explorer Tool we used in the prior lesson which can be found at https://linkedin.github.io/career-explorer/. For each of the job title lists you receive after you enter your area and potential job there is a check LinkedIn for jobs button that will produce a list of the latest postings for jobs matching that job title.

Directly on Company Websites

Recent data gathered from HR and Hiring Representatives of companies by the US Dept of Labor indicate that the favorite place to post jobs is their own website. It saves them time and money. Applying directly to a company's website is advantageous for you, as well, since most job seekers tend to stay on the job boards, and you have the added advantage of sending the resume more directly to the Hiring Manager. Earlier we made a list of potential companies to work for. Plan to visit each of these sites frequently, for your top five companies set up a Google alert to save time.

Step one: Go to the career section of one of the companies on your list
Step two: Copy the URL address

Step Three: Head to Google Alerts

https://www.google.com/alerts

Step Four: Paste in the company URL

Step Five: Replace the internet address portion of https:// with the word site and
a colon: Site://careers.codesta.io/jobs/careers

Step Six: Select the Options dropdown appearing below the address

Step Seven: Set Frequency to "As it Happens"

This will send you an alert every time a job is added to the page. As a bonus step, you can get specific and add in a target job title in quotes. "network_anaylst".

Make a practice of double-checking job listings on the company website. If the jobs are posted on the company website, apply directly. This helps substantiate the job and avoid any scam listings.

4. Google Doping

Google doping is a fancy name for a method to get very specific with Google as to what you want to find. It's more complicated than entering a phrase on the Google search page. In this instance, we are going to tell Google we want to look at a specific site for a specific thing.

Open Google and in the search string start with site:
Add in the site name that you want to look at - example: linkedin (site:linkedin.com/jobs)
Add in the site name that you want to look at - example: linkedin (site:linkedin.com/jobs)
Now you can add a list of the job names you created in the brainstorming session

Example: site:linkedin.com/jobs ("Server" OR "Network" OR "SOC")

Now on the far-right side of the Google Page, you will see the words All Filters and Tools. Select Tools.

And you can set the frequency that you want Google to search for these roles.

Experiment with it and build Your own -

Use quotes to search for an exact phrase
Use asterisk within quotes for variable words
Use a minus sign to eliminate results
Site: to only search particular website
Use Search Tools to filter your search
Tilt your screen by searching “tilt". (that's to see if you are paying attention though it really works)

5. AI Searches

AI searches can save tons of time. There are many different systems available. The one important thing you need to know about AI - well two things:

1. Your results are always only going to be as good as how you ask it for information, making how you word the prompts important.

2. Protect your privacy, please. Be careful not to include too much personal information. AI searches are learning tools and information that you put in propagates across the internet.

Here are some suggested inputs:

Create a list with short descriptions of the top [industry] companies in [geographic area]. (Bing or ChatGPT)

Create a list with short descriptions of remote-first or distributed companies in

[industry]. (Bing or ChatGPT, may want to ask for citations)

What are the latest job openings for [position and industry] in [geographic area]? (Bing)

What networking events in the [geographic location] would be good for a [target role or industry] to attend? (Bing)

What professional organizations or associations are there for [target industry or role]? (ChatGPT or Bing)

What are some ways I can network and connect with professionals in my industry using AI tools? (ChatGPT gives very generic answers)

Pretend you are a job seeker. Write an outreach email to a hiring manager explaining that you are a [insert your field] excited about the [insert job] position and ask [insert relevant question like if they are the right person to contact]. (ChatGPT)

Create a numbered list with short descriptions of the top 5 [industry type] companies in [geographic location] using [year] data.

How does [company] compare to their top competitors [company names] on key metrics like growth, profitability, innovation, culture. (ChatGPT - best if you have prioritized what matters to you)

6. Networking

Attend Networking events and put the word out that you are looking for a job. There are some names of professional associations in the next section. Check for any events that they have scheduled on their website.

Attend Linkedin Events and make notes of names and connect with other attendees.

Network with others on LinkedIn or in other Social Media groups. The more networking you do the larger the area your request is sent.

Check Eventbrite, Meetup, and other similar sites for events near you that you can attend.

7. Professional Associations

Professional Associations Web sites and Local Chapter of Professional Associations websites also have job boards. Keep your eye on these sites as well.

ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)

AIIP (Association of Independent Information ProfessionalsHDC (Help Desk Chapters)

IEEE Computer Society

ISSA (Information Systems Security Association)

NPA (Network Professional Association)

Identify your method, or use all methods. Make sure to record in your journal.

Let's take a moment to check in

Self-Marketing

There are multiple ways to self-market. The most popular are the Elevator Pitch, Personal Brand, Project Portfolios and Social Media Marketing. We will go over what each of these elements are and how to create them. As we progress, add your information to your journal.

Elevator Pitch

In the bustling city of New York in the 1950s, there was a young, ambitious advertising executive named Max Daniels. Max had an idea that he believed could revolutionize the industry, but as a junior at the prestigious ad agency, Sterling & Co., he struggled to get his voice heard amidst the sea of seasoned executives.

One crisp autumn morning, as Max hurried into the office building, he saw the company's founder and CEO, Mr. Sterling, stepping into the elevator. This was the moment Max had been waiting for. With a quickened pace, he slipped into the elevator just before the doors closed.

Max took a deep breath. He had less than a minute to pitch his idea before Mr. Sterling reached the top floor. "Good morning, Mr. Sterling," Max began, trying to steady his voice.

Mr. Sterling looked up from his newspaper, slightly surprised. "Morning," he replied, giving Max a polite nod.

"Sir, I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point. I've been working on a new concept that I believe could set us apart from our competitors. Imagine a campaign that doesn't just sell a product but tells a story, creating an emotional connection with the audience. Instead of just showcasing features, we highlight the experiences and benefits that resonate with people's lives."

Mr. Sterling raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. "And how do you propose we do that, young man?"

Max continued, feeling a surge of confidence. "We focus on the narrative. Take, for example, a family car commercial. We don't just show the car driving; we show the car as a part of family adventures, road trips, and cherished memories. We sell the lifestyle, not just the product. This approach could revolutionize our campaigns and make our clients' brands unforgettable."

The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival at the top floor. Mr. Sterling paused before stepping out. He turned to Max, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You've got my attention, Daniels. Come by my office this afternoon, and let's discuss this further."

Max could hardly believe it. He had done it. In just under a minute, he had managed to capture the interest of one of the most influential men in the industry.

That afternoon, Max presented his idea in more detail. Mr. Sterling was impressed with the depth and creativity behind the concept. The new storytelling approach was soon implemented in several campaigns, leading to unprecedented success for Sterling & Co. Max's "elevator pitch" had not only catapulted his career but also transformed the agency's approach to advertising.

The term "elevator pitch" quickly caught on, symbolizing the power of a brief, impactful presentation that could open doors to endless opportunities. And so, in the heart of New York City, within the walls of a high-rise elevator, a new era of communication was born.

What is a good way to make your statement impactful? It's right here:

"Imagine a campaign that doesn't just sell a product but tells a story, creating an emotional connection with the audience. Instead of just showcasing features, we highlight the experiences and benefits that resonate with people's lives."

Simon Sinek calls this the "Power of Why." The "Power of Why" is about tapping into the fundamental reasons behind actions to foster motivation and meaningful connections. In the Descriptives section of the Career Path Mastermind we touched on Storytelling and how creating and presenting yourself through a narrative fosters a better connection with who you are talking with. We are going to start fitting everything together.

We are going to work with the Golden Circle Structure. According to Simon, most companies can make a better connection with consumers when the consumer understands the WHY before they start talking about what the product is and how it benefits them.

Starting with WHY when introducing yourself builds a more memorable connection and engages your audience more. Let's start structuring our pitch.

The big question to answer is Why IT? Dig deep to answer this. You need to be able to say more than it's a lucrative career. Refer to your descriptives and review your self-assessment answers and apply them to IT. What were your values or motivations?

Next let's talk HOW. The first part of the answer is NGT Academy. Add in any other projects you've taken on, associates you've joined.

And finish with WHAT. What was your goal you started with? What were your workplace values?

WHY _________________________________________

HOW _________________________________________

WHAT. _________________________________________

Example:

WHY Nurturer by nature, Need to be creative and innovative

HOW Studied Career Coaching courses and obtained three industry certifications

WHAT. My goal is to lead a Career Success Team that supports Technical students in successfully transitioning into their new career.

Work to put this together into an introduction and practice so that it comes natural when when you pitch it.

"Hello, my name is Karen Parker. I am a creative and innovative thinker with a nurturing nature. I love the concept of Career Coaching and completed the National Career Development Association's training program and I've been able to prove that I can apply this training by obtaining three highly recognized industry certifications. My goal is to lead a Career Success Team that supports Technical students in successfully transitioning into their new career."

It can feel tricky putting it together at first but it is worth the effort. A good elevator pitch and personal brand put together is a great way to stand out and present yourself as unique.

When you read it, you become interested and start wanting to learn more about him. If he was sitting with a Recruiter, he has engaged that person who is now not only going to be more attentive to answers during the interview. He's made himself memorable.

Project Portfolios

The Project Portfolio is another digital presence that you can use to market yourself. This time we are going to stress your new technical skills.

A Project Portfolio is a visual representation of the projects and labs you performed here at NGT Academy, and any additional incidental projects that you've worked on. It demonstrates not only your skills but also your capacity to apply the IT concepts that you learned in a "real-world" context. It is also a great tool that you can use during interviews to discuss the experience you gained from the projects with Recruiters and Employers.

Project work is a big part of the NGT Program. A Project Portfolio showcases your hard work, in a manner that reflects you are because you created it. You can carry some of your personal branding into your Portfolio, in an introduction section or in discussing why you enjoyed working on the project. You can describe the projects that you did verbally during an interview, but imagine how much more powerfully you can describe it when you have a visual. How much

more detail you will remember to discuss. You might even strike an interest with the Employer when talking about the project on other skillsets that you are demonstrating.

There are many different platforms available to choose from to build your portfolio online. Github, Strikingly, Wordpress, Behance, and Fabrik are some. You can even showcase it on Linkedin or a professional Facebook profile. Clippings.me is the one I used for the example since it offers the ability to add ten projects for free. You can google for other platforms that may be available.

When creating the project, combine both text and visual representations to make it appealing. You can also add video, as well, if you want to be really creative. Be sure to include the following information:

● The challenge/problem with a full description

● The processes & technical tools you used to overcome it (steps you took and resources used)

● The solution/final outcome

The lessons learned and the competencies demonstrated

For example:

Full Stack Network Project Completed May 2022

Project Description: Add in your own description of the project

Process and Technical Tools: “Within the Full Stack Network Project I worked exclusively with Cisco routers, switches, and servers to build multiple infrastructures to support and maintain connectivity using primarily the configurations below.

You have plenty of room so add in plenty of detail. Talk about each step you took, some project screenshots, and describe the outcomes.

Core Competencies Used: ● Full Stack Networking ● Spanning-Tree Protocol ● Internet Protocol ● Static Routing / Routing Protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP) ● Network Address Translation (NAT) ● Voice over IP ● IP Addressing, Subnetting and Access Lists ● Project management.

Linkedin has a great article discussing project portfolios if you are interested in reading further information, Building an Impressive Portfolio with your Cyber Security Projects

People make personal branding more complicated than it needs to be. Personal Branding is a clear consistent message that is used across self-marketing material, social media, and any online presence that identifies who you are. What makes you unique?

We have one message created which is your Elevator Pitch. We are going to use this same consistent messaging on most everything else we create. You have a very comprehensive list of descriptives that we have worked on. We've worked through prioritizing these and we've worked through how they define our WHY.

Let's make it a thing. Take out your notebook, write it down, and give it definition. My Personal Brand is ___________.

Example: My Personal Brand is - I am creative and innovative, relentlessly curious, empathetic who loves to help others. Nothing makes me happier then making people smile.

If anyone is stuck at this point, reach out to the Career Success Team, and we can help walk you through it.

Diversified Social Media

In today's world, a strong online presence is essential. Linkedin has always been the recommended professional networking site to begin with. and is still essential.

This includes creating and maintaining professional profiles pages on networking sites like Linkedin. If you noticed, the Career Path Mastermind's starts online and social media self-marketing with a Project Portfolio. Highlighting your project work is one of the best ways to showcase your skills.

Established yourself in other social media allows you to point people toward your Project Portfolio and to build and establish a professional reputation. The stronger the online presence, the more you will be able to build an this.

Professional Associations

Consider joining some of the professional organizations and attending their events. Looks for both national and local chapters.

ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)

AIIP (Association of Independent Information Professionals

HDC (Help Desk Chapters)

IEEE Computer Society

ISSA (Information Systems Security Association)

NPA (Network Professional Association)

Top Reddit Channels -

r/AccessCyber

r/cybersecurity

r/CyberSecurityJobs/

r/Infosec/

r/SecurityCareerAdvice

r/networkingjobs

Facebook

Cyber Security Facebook

Cyber Security Career - where to start
The CyberSecurity Club
Cybersecurity Insiders
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Cybersecurity Professionals
Information Security and Cybersecurity News and Discussions
Hacker - The Cyber Security Group
Threat Hunters
Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking - Discussions and Resources

Networking Facebook

Network Engineering: A group for network engineers and IT professionals to discuss networking technologies, best practices, and career-related topics. Link
Cisco Networking Professionals: Focused on discussions related to Cisco networking technologies, certifications, and solutions. Link
Network Design and Architecture: A community for discussing network design principles, architecture, and planning. Link
Network Security Professionals: A group for networking and security professionals to discuss network security strategies, tools, and best practices. Link
Juniper Networks Enthusiasts: Dedicated to discussions and information sharing about Juniper Networks products and technologies. Link
Wireless Networking: A group for discussing wireless networking technologies, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and wireless security. Link
Network Troubleshooting and Support: A community for networking professionals to seek and provide help with network troubleshooting and support. Link
Network Engineers Unite: A group for networking enthusiasts to discuss network configurations, technologies, and career development. Link
SD-WAN Enthusiasts: Focused on software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) discussions and insights. Link
Network Automation: A community for discussions related to network automation, scripting, and infrastructure as code (IaC). Link
IT Career Questions: A group dedicated to discussing IT career paths, certifications, job hunting, and career transitions. Link
Break Into Tech: This group is focused on helping individuals break into the tech industry, including IT-related roles. It offers career advice and resources. Link
Tech Career Growth: A community for tech professionals looking to grow their careers, offering discussions, resources, and support for career advancement. Link
Tech Jobs for Good: Focused on tech roles with a social impact, this group can be useful for those seeking IT careers in non-profit organizations and similar fields. Link
Code Newbies: While primarily focused on programming, this group provides valuable resources for individuals looking to acquire technical skills as part of their IT career transition. Link
Transition to Tech Career: A group that offers advice and support for individuals making career transitions to tech, including IT roles. Link
Women in IT Career Transformation: A community dedicated to women pursuing IT careers and seeking advice on career transitions and growth. Link
Information Technology Career Changers: Focused on individuals changing careers to IT, this group provides discussions, advice, and resources. Link
IT Career Success: A group for IT professionals and those aspiring to enter the field, offering discussions on career development and success strategies. Link

DevOps Facebook

DevOps Enthusiasts: A large and active group for sharing knowledge, best practices, and experiences related to DevOps. Members discuss a wide range of topics, including CI/CD, automation, and cloud computing.
Devops.com: Associated with the popular DevOps.com website, this group focuses on DevOps news, articles, and discussions. It's a great place to stay updated on industry trends and engage with a community of professionals.
DevOps, SRE, & Infrastructure as Code: This group is for professionals interested in DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). It provides a platform for discussing tools like Kubernetes, Terraform, and Ansible.
DevOps and Cloud: Focused on the intersection of DevOps and cloud computing, this group covers topics such as cloud-native development, containerization, and cloud infrastructure management.
DevOps Job Seekers and Recruiters: A group specifically for DevOps professionals looking for job opportunities and recruiters seeking candidates. It's a great place to network and find career opportunities.

Facebook Groups Career

Career Networkers: A general career-focused group where professionals discuss job search strategies, career development, and networking opportunities. Link
The Professional Network: A group for professionals to connect, share experiences, and discuss career-related topics. Link
LinkedIn Tips, Tricks & Advice: This group provides tips and advice for optimizing your LinkedIn profile and leveraging the platform for career growth. Link
Tech Career Success: A community for tech professionals to discuss career development, job search strategies, and success in the tech industry. Link
HR Professionals Worldwide: A group for HR professionals to network, share HR-related insights, and discuss industry trends. Link
The Career Advice Network: This group offers career advice, resume reviews, interview tips, and job search support. Link
Executive Career Development: Focused on career development for executives, this group discusses leadership, executive roles, and career growth. Link
Digital Marketing Career Growth: A community for digital marketing professionals to share insights and discuss career opportunities in the field. Link
Remote Work Professionals: This group is for professionals who work remotely or aspire to do so. It covers remote job opportunities and best practices for remote work. Link
Nonprofit Professionals Network: A group for nonprofit sector professionals to discuss careers, challenges, and opportunities in the nonprofit industry. Link
Financial Professionals Network: For finance and accounting professionals, this group provides discussions on career development and industry trends. Link
Women in Business & Leadership Network: Focused on women in leadership roles, this group discusses career challenges, leadership strategies, and empowerment. Link

Discord

Cyber Security Discord

Cyber Hub
SecurityInfinity AI
Smaze Security
CyberSec
CyberForce
TryHackMe Discord Server
TrustedSec Discord Server
Cyber Mentor Discord Server
Nahamsec Discord Server
Cybersecurity Jobs/Internships Discord Server
NetSec Focus
Hack the Box
Malware Analysis
Red Team Village
Blue Team Labs
Secjuice

DevOps Discord

DevOps Community
DevOps Chat
Cloud Native Community
Sysadmin
r/DevOps
Programming Discussions
Kubernetes
Terraform
Open Source DevOps

Mixed

/r/ITCareerQuestions: While not a Discord channel, this subreddit has a Discord server dedicated to helping anyone in or interested in the IT field ask career-related questions4.
Ambitious Career Prep: This Discord server focuses on career preparation and may provide resources and support for those looking to transition into an IT Network Engineer Discord Channels
Networking: This server offers various discussion channels for networking-related topics and tech questions2.
Juniper Networks
Cumulus Networks
Network Direction
r/networking Discord
r/homelab Discord
STEM Network: While not specifically focused on network engineering, this server is dedicated to helping students and engineers in the STEM field, including networking
Tech Career Growth

Youtube

Top DevOps YouTube

KodeKloud:
The DevOps Lab:
LearnGCP with Mahesh:
Simplilearn:
A Cloud Guru:
Edureka:
FreeCodeCamp.org:
Cloud DevOps Academy
DevOps Directive

TechWorld with Nana:

Career

Tech with Tim
IT Career Questions

Podcasts

Podcasts are not only a great way to keep yourself current, but you if you find a particular guest interesting they usually share their social media contact information. If you connect with them then you also can view potential new connections as you view their network.

Here are some podcasts -

Top 10 Cyber Podcasts

Darknet Diaries
Malicious Life
Cyber Security Headlines
Security Now
Smashing Security
Risky Business
The CyberWire Daily Podcast
401 Access Denied
Defense in Depth
Cyber Security Sauna
The Social-Engineer Podcas

Top Devops Podcasts

· DevOps and Docker Talk:

· The DevOps Lab:

· The Cloudcast:

· SRE Podcast:

· Screaming in the Cloud:

· Cloud Native Rejekts:

· The Modern Network:

· DevOps Paradox:

· Ship It!:

Lesson Settings

Manage Lesson Settings

VisibilityVisible

UnlockingNone

Unlock NotificationNone

Completion

Job Search Plan

In Section Four we will talk about creating the action steps for your Job Search Plan. We will talk about creating the action plan, scheduling the job searching activities, and scheduling social media/networking tasks.

Job Searching is more of a process than it is an action. The process itself is made up of multiple actions. Having a diverse set of actions will not only keep you focused on the goal, but will help with the frustration factor that can come with job searching.

The elements for our Job Search Plan will be;

1. Create an action plan

2. Set Goals

3. Schedule Job Search Activities

4. Start Execution

CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

An Action Plan is a crucial tool for achieving goals effectively. It provides a roadmap, outlining the specific steps and deadlines required to accomplish a task or objective. By creating an action plan, you stay focused, organized, and accountable. It helps break down complex tasks into manageable actions, making the overall process more achievable.

One important aspect of an action plan is setting clear and measurable objectives. This ensures that progress can be tracked and evaluated. By defining specific targets, it becomes easier to measure success and identify areas that may need adjustment or improvement. Additionally, an action plan allows for effective resource allocation, ensuring that the right people, time, and tools are allocated to each task.

When you create your Action Plan, it does not need to be this elaborate. List your goals for the week, the tasks that you need for those goals, what your definition of success, and then give yourself due dates.

When considering what actions you want to take, think networking, job applications, continuing education, etc.

SETTING GOALS

Here are some things to thing about when setting your goals for the week in your Action plan.

Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that your goals are specific and measurable. Setting vague goals makes it difficult to track progress or know when they have been achieved. So, break down your objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks. This way, you can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Secondly, consider the time frame for your goals. Setting realistic deadlines is essential to maintain productivity and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Be mindful of any other commitments or obligations that may impact your ability to complete tasks within the desired time frame.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of flexibility. Life can be unpredictable, and circumstances may change. Allow room for adjustments in your Action plan, and be open to adapting your goals when necessary. This flexibility will help you stay motivated and capable of overcoming any obstacles that arise.

Remember, effective goal setting is key to achieving success. By considering these aspects, you can create a plan that empowers you to accomplish your tasks efficiently and move closer to your overall objectives.

Now that we have what we want to accomplish, and our goals are defined, it is time to get specific. Start scheduling your tasks that you assigned to each objective.

SCHEDULE JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES

The two most important thing about scheduling job search activities. First, you are now not endlessly filling out applications, but productively working towards your ultimate goal. Second, the organization again is the focus. When it comes to scheduling job search activities, it's crucial to prioritize tasks effectively. By creating a daily plan that outlines specific activities for each day and allocate dedicated time to complete them, you can focus on the most important tasks and ensure progress towards your ultimate career goal.

In addition, maintaining a consistent schedule helps in developing a sense of control and structure during the job search process. By setting aside time for research, networking, and preparing for interviews, you can make your job search more efficient and less overwhelming. Organizing your activities in the most effective way possible allows you to approach each task with focus and determination.

Lastly, don't forget to regularly review and revise your job search schedule as needed. As you gain new insights and opportunities arise, it's important to adapt your plan accordingly. Stay flexible and open to making adjustments, ensuring that your schedule continues to align with your changing priorities and goals. By doing so, you can maximize your chances of success and make the most of your job search efforts.

ORGANIZATION

Now that you are going to be actively applying, you need to keep track of where you applied, and how you applied. There are several ways you can do this, but the easiest is an automated method. NGT Academy provides you access to a great tracker called Prentus.