by Michele O’Brien-Rose

A couple of months ago, you might have read the first half of my article which gave helpful hints and tips, things that I have learned along the way of “being in transition”.

In the first installment I discussed the following:

• Tell others what you’re doing and/or what you’re looking for.
• Recognize that it’s probably going to take some time to find a new job and/or pursue a new career.
• Analyze where you are now and where you’d like to be.
• Necessity – this may be the perfect time to re-invent yourself.
• Springboard by way of an opportunity that might not seem like it’s leading you in the right direction.

Let’s look at an additional five items to consider.

Identify groups that could provide you with additional networking opportunities.

However, while it can certainly be advantageous to “mingle” with people who share similar business and professional interests, it can also work to your advantage to look beyond these groups to those that share similar interests outside of your working world. For example, while you might be pursuing a career in marketing, you are also an avid reader. Consider getting involved in a book club. You’ll be spending time doing something you really enjoy, plus making additional contacts that could help you while you are transitioning.

Training opportunities can certainly be a valuable use of your time.

I’m a firm believer in continuous improvement and life-long learning. Even when I’m not in transition I look for opportunities to improve my current skill sets or learn something new. Plus there are often very affordable options for educational workshops, seminars, etc. Check out your library, community groups, even a local recreation center may offer a variety of business-related training opportunities.

Imagine where you’d like to see yourself and your career going forward.

Draw yourself today and repeat the process looking to the future. As you are visualizing and putting your ideas down on paper, asking yourself “who, what, when, where and how” can be a helpful self-analyzing technique. For example:

• Who is in the drawing (present and future) with you?
• What are you doing now, and what would you like to be doing. 
• When are you going to get started with the process and when are you going to accomplish your future goals? 
• Where are you living/working now and where will you be once you accomplish your future plans.
• Finally, how are you going to realize your vision for the future?

Overhaul your resume.

For some of us, when we step back out into the world of job-hunting or have decided to change careers, quite a bit of time may have passed since we last used our resume. It may be a bit dusty and outdated in more ways than you think. Research how the “best” resumes are formatted, what potential employers are looking for, and how the various employment search mediums can influence how we format, and submit, our resume. You’ll most likely also need several versions of your resume, depending on the type of opportunities you’re applying for.

Finally, please be sure to proofread, proofread, proofread. Also, have someone else review your resume. A “fresh pair of eyes” can often see typos or grammatical errors that may have been overlooked, or areas of your resume that may not be easily understood.

Now is the time to get started.

There is no time like the present to start moving forward. Based on the previous nine tips, make a firm commitment to spend time each day advancing your career, following through with your plan of action, and realizing your vision for the future.

Make the most of your time in transition.

Remember, if you find yourself “in transition”:

Tell – Recognize – Analyze – Necessity – Springboard – Identify – Training – Imagine – Overhaul – Now