Our Six-Step Guide to Career Planning for Professionals
Launching a successful career in Central Arkansas starts with a well thought out career planning strategy. A job placement agency in Central Arkansas can help guide you through the process, offering helpful tips, encouragement, and recommendations.
1. Get Organized
Gather your most recent resume and make a list of the professional references, written references, certifications, and awards you have earned over the years. It helps to have everything you need in front of you as you start planning for the first phase of your job search. Then, if a job you want opens up that requires specific certifications or references, you will be prepared with yours in hand.
2. Reflect on Who You Are and What You Want
No matter how specialized your college education was or the nature of your work background, planning out the career you want will give you the opportunity to follow a path that best suits you. Think of what is most important to you in your career: benefits, personal satisfaction, growth opportunities, pay scale, etc. Be prepared to give a quick summation of who you are, what you are looking for, and how you can bring your best to your new role.
3. Research Companies in the Area
Take time to learn about the Central Arkansas job market to see if there are opportunities that mesh with your career interests and goals. Assess your qualifications to determine your readiness for the current positions that are open in the area. A job placement agency in Central Arkansas will have relationships with companies in your desired field and can help you determine where your particular skills would fit best. Go into an interview with a staffing agency knowing the companies in the market and what kind of jobs will help you reach your career goals. If you need a new certification or some extra training, your recruiter will let you know!
4. Enroll in Necessary Training Classes
Sometimes you are just shy of having a specific training certification, or being proficient in a particular skill, to qualify for the job that fits your career plan. Your job placement agent will understand the job market and can let you know if you need further training to get the job you want. Be proactive and enroll in classes or training as you start the job search and you may have completed it by the time you get that first interview.
5. Look For Network Opportunities
You never know when a person you meet at a local event or through social media will be the connection that helps you get your foot in the door. Do some research on networking opportunities in your field, whether it’s a local non-profit looking for volunteers or a LinkedIn group full of industry professionals in the area. These are valuable resources for gaining a better understanding of what positions are open in the area and what will be open in the near future. Don’t be afraid to go to an event where you don’t know anyone or to make the initial contact on social media. Finding an industry mentor you can look up to will help you better plan your career by knowing what’s possible.
6. Practice for Job Interviews
Ask a friend or mentor to perform tough and realistic mock interviews with you so you become more comfortable with the process. Consider the mock interview a true dress rehearsal, and wear the clothes you plan to wear to an interview. Hiring managers usually ask standard questions the first time they meet you, so make sure you have answered prepared that illustrate your career goals and how you plan to meet them.
If you’re looking for a new job, check out our Job Openings page + to see what’s available. Apex Staffing specializes in connecting talented job seekers with high-quality, local employers. Our service is completely free for job seekers and we are always accepting applications.
