Tuesday, December 31, 2019

TED Talk Think of Near-Wins for Job Search Motivation

TED Talk Think of Near-Wins for Job Search MotivationTED Talk Think of Near-Wins for Job Search Motivation14In the YouTube TED talk video, Sarah Lewis Embrace the Near Win, Sarah talks about the importance of the near-win. As an art historian, she was studying painter Elizabeth Murrays works. When she spoke to Murray, she admitted that some of her works didnt meet the mark of what she wanted them to be. In fact, she put one out into the trash, and a neighbor picked it up because she saw its true value.In that moment, Lewis discovered what success truly meant. Success is a moment, she says. But what were always celebrating is creativity and mastery. She also tells the story of a group of archers who both make and miss their marks during a training session. She realized that success is hitting that ten-ring, but mastery is knowing that it means nothing if you cant do it again and again.Lewis points out that mastery is not the same as success. Success is an event, a label that the world confers upon youMastery is not a commitment to a goal, but to a constant pursuit, says Lewis.Thats why its important to value- and celebrate- the near-win.Heres how you can think of your near-wins for job search motivation and successYou go on job interviews- but dont get hired.It can be extremely frustrating to get all excited for a job interview, assume that it went well, and then never hear back from a potential employer. But before you blame yourself, use these near-wins as an opportunity for self-reflection. Maybe your interviewing skills need some polishing- if thats the case, you can practice answering typical questions (and some strange interview questions too) before going in for the interview. You can also view these interviews as a aussicht to perhaps realize that the job (or industry) you thought you wanted to be in is not something that you like after all.And you have to know that if you dont get the job, theres another one, a better one, waiting just around the corner for you. Promise.You do have a job- but you hate it.Sure you have a job and it pays the bills, but you abhor having to commute into work each and every day, sitting in a cubicle, and dreaming of what your life could really look like. While a job that you really dont like might feel like a mistake, its actually a near-win, if you think about it. Sometimes, doing something that you dont like prepares you for the next big thing. Youll know, as you start your job search, the types of jobs you dont want, which is almost as good as knowing exactly what it is that you want to doIn the grand scheme of your career, though, you will almost always find that every job, in some way, shape, or form, has helped contribute to who you are in your professional life. Maybe it was a certification that you got or an online class that you took, but every job, no matter how seemingly irrelevant it is to your life at the time, will help you in your career.You have a passion that isnt profitable.Lets say t hat you have a day job that you like, but you have a hobby that you live and breathe for. Although you might think that its unsuccessful because youre not making much (if any) money off of it, having a passion that isnt profitable is most definitely a positive near-win in your career. It will keep you moving forward doing something that you love, as you slowly become a master at what you do. Mastery is an ever-onward almost, says Lewis. Mastery is in the reaching, not the arriving. Whether you turn your hobby into a full-fledged career is actually irrelevant. Simply be grateful that you have found a passion that ignites a fire within you, and enjoy it, without worrying about numbers or earnings. Just enjoy the process as you become a master of it. According to Lewis, Mastery is about sacrificing for your craft, and not for the sake of crafting your career.The near-win is an essential part of your job search as well as your career. You will learn far more from your near-wins than you will from your momentary victories. Says Lewis Coming close to what you thought you wanted can help you attain more than you ever dreamed you could.Readers, what do you think of this amazing TED talk? How do you now look at your job search in light of your own near-wins? Does it help give you job search motivation? Let us know in the comments

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Business

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in BusinessUnderstanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in BusinessIn the world of big business, the concept of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is important for both buyers and sellers alike. As a buyer, the initial cost of acquiring the product may be relatively small when compared to the annual cost forthe maintenance and support of the product. Effective managers research their products in order to establish an understanding of the expected total cost of ownership over the life expectancy of the offering. As a seller, your clients will typically compare your offerings versus competitors from a Total Cost of Ownership perspective. Top salespeople understand their clients concern over TCO and incorporate this into their proposals in order to assist the buyer in the evaluation process. Basics of Total Cost of Ownership By design, Total Cost of Ownership(TCO) is a calculation designed to help people make mora informed financial decisions. Rather than just looking at the purchase price of an object, TCO looks at the complete cost from purchase to disposal including expected costs to be incurred during the lifetime of the product, such as service, repair, and insurance. TCO is factored into the cost-benefit analysis. Total Cost of Ownership Is Not New Although TCO is often referenced in connection with Information Technology (IT) the concept has been around since the 1950s and 1960s when it was regularly discussed in the elevator industry. Some experts believe the concept (if not the term) dates back to Napoleons time when engineers began to pay very close attention to issues like the effectiveness of cannons and how easily they were moved and repaired, and for how long they lasted in active service. Total Cost of Ownership Varies by Industry The additional costs that must be added to the initial purchase price to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) vary by industry Information Technology Hardware. TCO has been used extensively in the acquisition of information technology hardware. Estimates for the TCO of hardware typically estimates thecost for out-of-warranty repairs, the cost of annual service agreements, and the prorated cost of additional hardware and software required to leverage the hardware. As the number of web service providers continues to increase, more and more IT firms lease space from these providers, thus eliminating large investments in hardware and, consequently, reducing the annual costs and the TCO incurred for running a firms software applications. Traditional Software Licensing. For much of the history of the software industry, licensing was purchased based on an initial cost (or license fee) plus an annual software maintenance fee which was calculated as a percentage of the original license fee. Initially, this annual maintenance agreement included bug fixes and feature upgrades when available. However, this type of perpetual licensing has lost popularity i n favor of subscription-based licensing whereby the client re-purchases the right to use the software on an annual basis. Automobile industry. Edmunds.com has a TCO calculator that adds depreciation, interest, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs to the purchase price of a car or truck.Financial industry. Many mutual funds and similar products charge quarterly management fees and/or have withdrawal charges. These indirect costs must be considered when calculating the true cost of these investments. Considerations for TCO Calculations Consider the following nuances when attempting to understand the TCO of anoffering Hidden costs are always a concern. For example, a new software package might require initial training for users and supplemental training for new users moving forward.The method of financing will impact the total cost of ownership and the accounting treatment for deductions, capitalized expenses, and depreciation which will impact a detailed TCO calculation. Be aya to work with your accounting or finance department to ensure you have a complete picture of all of the implications (and costs or deductions) associated with your purchase. Dont forget labor costs. You may gain efficiencies from new investments, thus reducing overall operating costs. The benefits from these efficiencies may actually defray or outweigh, the actual costs. Conversely, you may incur additional labor costs as a result of the investment.Total Cost of Ownership often changes over time. Logically, your annual repair costs for an automobile will rise as it ages, as will the cost of servicing the car based on inflation. Make sure you factor in expected changes in costs over the lifetime of the vehicle.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Five Easy Steps to Improve Your Cover Letter Get Yourself Noticed

Five Easy Steps to Improve Your Cover Letter Get Yourself NoticedFive Easy Steps to Improve Your Cover Letter Get Yourself NoticedA well-written deckblatt letter could be all that it takes to get your foot in the door of an employer. You can think of your titel letter as a compliment to your resume. Make koranvers yours is put together properly. You may have heard along the way that cover letters dont matter, but when working with employers I find that many of them talk about the importance of a good cover letter and how it can often make a difference in their decision-making process. A cover letter is another way to help you stand out, so dont miss this opportunity to get yourself noticed. Its important to remember that the purpose of a well-crafted cover letter and resume is to land an vorstellungsgesprch, not an internship or a job. Developing a cover letter and resume is only the beginning of the process, but it is the most importantsince this is what it takes to get yourself i n front of an employer so that you have a chance to wow them in person. What to Include in a Cover Letter There is no right or wrong way to write a cover letter but there are ineffective and effective cover letters, so its important to know the difference. An effective cover letter provides an employer with a snapshot of who you are along with important information about your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. When used properly, these documents can bring to life your academic, volunteer, and previous job and internship experience and highlight your unique qualifications for the internship or job. By writing an engaging, creative cover letter keeping the company and job description in mind, you will be formulating a document thats focused on the specific skills that are required to do the job. By looking at the mission statement of a company and the specific qualifications for each internship, you will have all you need to write an effective cover letter. The Focus of a Well-Written Cover Letter A well-written cover letter is one that is written with the employer in mind. So many of the cover letters that employers receive are filled with information from applicants on what a particular internship can do for them. For example, I think this internship will be the perfect opportunity to teach me more about financial markets and will help me learn more about the skills I will need when landseeking a full-time job. The reality is that employers do not care what the internship is going to do for you, but what they do want to know is what you are bringing to the table and what you have to offer them. 5 Easy Steps to Improve a Cover Letter Address your cover letter to the right personFinding the name of the right person to address your cover letter will definitely make it stand out. If the name is not apparent in the internship or job listing, try calling the company to see if you can get the name of the hiring manager or supervisor of the departmen t. Get yourself noticed by not using the ineffective, over-used To Whom it May Concern.Capture the readers attentionMany cover letters and resumes get thrown in the trash instantly because of a weak cover letter. The place to begin writing a strong cover letter is at the very beginning. Its extremely important to include something in that first paragraph to capture the readers attention. By using some of the key terms that are included in the internship description, you will get the reader to take notice and make them want to read more. Make sure you target each cover letter and avoid the temptation of sending the same letter (or very similar) for each position that you apply to. Make your cover letter stand outBe sure to include something in your cover letter to make it stand out. It may be an academic experience or previous internship or job that will make the employer take notice. It could also be a specific accomplishment or perhaps an honor or award that will get the readers at tention and land you in the yes pile of the current group applicants. If you have completed a study abroad experience, this could be a great way to show your uniqueness and illustrate your ability to adapt and get along with others. Make sure your cover letter is error-freeSpelling and/or grammatical errors in a cover letter or resume are not acceptable. No matter how qualified you might be for the internship or job, the likelihood of getting called in for an interview will be very slim if an employer feels that the position is not important enough to you if you send in a document that is not error-free.Ask for an interviewSo youve followed the top 4 tips and The Top 5 Easy Steps for Improving Your Resume, its time to ask for an interview. Since the overall purpose of writing a great resume and cover letter is to get an interview, why not include your specific request right in the body of your cover letter. An example of this might be, I am very excited about this internship opportu nity with The Smith Corporation and would be happy to answer any questions over the phone. Im also available to come in for an interview anytime over winter break (December 23 January 20). Dont leave your cover letter to chance take the time it takes to write an effective letter to increase your chances of being contacted by the employer for an interview. Although its recommended that you apply to as many internships in your field as possible, its even more important to make sure your documents are well written even if it means that you apply to fewer employers.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Quit Your Job With Class

Quit Your Job With ClassQuit Your Job With ClassUse these tips to resign from your position without tarnishing your brand. Do you dream of quitting your job? While it can be tempting to craft a witty resignation text with an app like Ladders new iPhone app, Quit Your Job, you dont want to damage relationships that could lead to recommendations, references, or even job leads later in your career.With this in mind, Ive compiled three tips to help you submit your two weeks notice while preserving your personal brand at the company.1. Dont burn bridges.Whether your experience at the company has been a dream or a personal nightmare, dont burn bridges. Its a small world, and you never know when your paths may cross with this organization and its employees again. During your final days in the office, act the part of the model employee. If youve given your notice, do what you can to ease the transition for those youre leaving behind. This may include writing out processes youve developed or creating guidelines for your colleagues who will be covering your responsibilities until a replacement can be hired.2. Keep it professional.From your resignation letter to your daily emails, its important to keep all written and oral communication professional and friendly. If your experience has been less than ideal, your best bet is to keep the resignation short and sweet. Thank your manager for the opportunity and explain that you will be leaving the organization, effective on a specific date. If youre in sales or account management, your organization may waive your two-week transition period and end your tenure immediately. Be prepared for this by backing up any documents or contact information youd like to keep after you leave the organization. Gather any data youll need to update your resume before you give your notice.3. Stay away from social.If you were laid off or fired, its prototyp to want to let off some steam. While its perfectly okay to vent to a close friend or family member in the privacy of your home, its another thing to take your rants to the web. Dont post comments, status updates or YouTube videos bashing your former manager or colleagues. In this digital age, its all too easy for a recruiter or prospective employer to find your rants online, even after youve deleted them from your account. Dont inadvertently hurt your future job prospects with an angry message online.Want to blow off a little steam? Download Ladders new iPhone app, Quit Your Job, from the iTunes store today to send humorous resignation text messages to your friends (Although I dont encourage sending one to your manager).Click on the following link for more advice on how to resign gracefully.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Federal Hiring of Clinicians Continues Strong

Federal Hiring of Clinicians Continues StrongFederal Hiring of Clinicians Continues StrongFederal Hiring of Clinicians Continues StrongEven as the healthcare industry struggles to restructure, the VHA continues hiring clinicians at a steady pace. These desirable jobs go to candidates who have the resources to work effectively with federal HR specialists and hiring managers.Yes, healthcare employment continues to grow overall, even as the staged implementation of the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) pressures providers to control costs, including payroll. But healthcare reform does cause disruptions in hiring. In May, even as total employment in the industry continued to grow, hospitals cut 6,000 positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.There are huge hospital mergers going on for the ACA, so we can anticipate a profit among some clinical specialties, says Russ Peal, associate director for healthcare recruitment with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Dallas.There are a wide range of federal clinical job opportunities. Meanwhile, there are job vacancies in federal healthcare and mental health in all 50 states and DC and they are not mainly concentrated inside the beltway. Healthcare jobs are available with federal entities such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health but most of all with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).We recruit for a wide range of medical occupations, says Peal. Were looking for physicians, nurses and pharmacists, and particularly for mental-health nurses and psychiatrists.With many clinical occupations still in high demand, the VHA works hard to bring in qualified candidates. We try to accommodate both the geographic preferences of candidates and of course the needs of the VA, says Peel. In addition to its more than 150 medical centers across the country, the VHA operates 700 community-based outpatient clinics and pr ovides telehealth services to veterans in rural areas. VA healthcare job postings are listed at vacareers.va.gov.When both salary and benefits are considered, compensation for many federal medical jobs is competitive. Federal nursing jobs range from certified nursing assistant to nurse educator to certified registered nurse anesthetist, paying up to $146,300 at the VHA. The department is also looking for specialists ranging from physical therapists to supervisory pharmacists, who may earn up to $114,517. Federal vacancy announcements also include psychiatrists, family therapists and an associate chief of staff for mental health service, which pays as much as $235,000.What does the future hold for VHA? There are more than 20 million American armed forces veterans potentially needing healthcare services from the VA. Although the total number of veterans is decreasing, medical expenditures continue to increase with the aging of veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The proportions of women and minorities among veterans are steadily increasing, providing diverse challenges for clinicians.Weve averaged about 16,000 healthcare hires per year over the past 5 years, says Peal.Many practitioners will find that the Veterans Health Administration provides its own brand of professional rewards. You couldnt ask for a more appreciative and compliant patient population than clinicians find at the VA, says Peal.The federal hiring system is demanding. Doctors, nurses and other practitioners, accustomed to the private healthcare labor market where they are often in great demand, may underestimate how much tightly crafted information they must put into their response to a federal vacancy announcement. Clinicians who dont understand and follow the application process meticulously could lose out on opportunities, even ones theyre well qualified for.You may think its obvious that you have all of the requisite qualifications if you have years of experience as a n urse anesthetist, says Kathryn Troutman, president of The Resume Place in Washington, D.C. Government Human Resources Specialists need to see all of your certifications, work experience, dates, specializations and training on paper in your federal resume. They will not make any assumptions about your training or work experience duties.fruchtwein clinicians arent accustomed to creating a resume with this degree of detail, so it may pay to get professional help to land one of these excellent clinical healthcare opportunities.

Friday, December 6, 2019

The True Story About How to Write an Address on a Resume That the Experts Dont Want You to Hear

The True Story About How to Write an Address on a Resume That the Experts Dont Want You to Hear The Chronicles of How to Write an Address on a Resume There are dozens and dozens of possible skills to look at using. In such scenarios, look at including such information if you think that it would strengthen your application. Learn about the three kinds of skills youll be able to highlight and the way it is possible to incorporate them into your resume. Theres a risk each time you hand out personal info, especially your address. Another reason you wish to depart from your street address off your resume is simple its simply not needed. Evidently, your name is likely to go at the peak of your resume. Many modern resumes incorporate an area for you to include things like an expert title directly below your name. A good resume heading is one great means to have a hiring managers interest. What You Need to Do About How to Write an Address on a Resume Beginning in the Next 10 Mi nutes Another aspect to take into account when you learn to compose the experience section on a resume is that the entire information included in this section needs to be pertinent to the job which youre applying to and only this position, company and sector. Its also advisable to tailor your resume to demonstrate the way your work experience specifically meets the requirements of the job that youre applying for. One very significant part the work experience section is finding the best method to list your contributions to the firm. Choosing which to use depends upon the kind of job that you are applying for and your degree of experience. Things You Wont Like About How to Write an Address on a Resume and Things You Will Your telephone number is the ideal way for employers to contact you should you score an interview, so make certain they can discover it. If youre asking for work in an unfamiliar geography, you may want to ask a neighborhood friend (or friend of friend) to find a sample resume. It is going to take a small amount of extra time, but if youre careful to ensure that the job which youre going to apply for isnt a scam and the organization is legitimate, you will have less to be concerned about. It could stop you from getting contacted for a work interview. What You Should Do to Find Out About How to Write an Address on a Resume Before Youre Left Behind If you work in a creative field, think about developing a personal site which has a mobile-responsive design so that you can share your portfolio from any gadget. It is possible to place your contact details in the footer of your resume, but should you do, you must be sure theyre also in the most important body of the document. If, naturally, you dont understand how to format a resume correctly, you could save yourself time by employing an online resume creator which does the task for you or download a resume example with the fundamental structure already set. As part of selecting the best resume builder, consider whether it provides you with the flexibility to modify section headings. Keywords are only one part of customizing your resume to a particular job. You have to tailor your resume to each work application so that it responds to the particular demands of the job which youre applying for. If youve got a fairly good work history with just a few gaps, you are able to generally list education following your employment details. For instance, some students may contain internships or part-time positions, which arent in the exact same sector or just like the role theyre applying for, but that could be advantageous for their application. What You Can Do About How to Write an Address on a Resume Beginning in the Next Two Minutes LinkedIn on a resume isnt only commonwe highly suggest it. The same is true for any social media accounts related to your professional brand. Make certain you follow the exact same naming convention across the other correspondence wit h the firm. Based on the nation you reside in you may write the info on the envelope differently. Your name ought to be at the exact top, and ought to stick out. If youre not sure of an individuals gender only because they have a name that could be both, use their complete name and leave off the salutation. The Number One Question You Must Ask for How to Write an Address on a Resume Be aware that there might be circumstances when including some of these information proves that youre a great fit for the job. Despite how many employers are getting more open to remote work situations today, Thompson stresses that at the conclusion of the day, drehort and proximity are critical to landing work. If it is not relevant to your intended job targets, reconsider its place on your resume. Federal jobs often need you to have experience in a particular kind of work for some period of time. What Everybody Dislikes About How to Write an Address on a Resume and Why Without detailed conta ct info, or with incorrect contact info, employers wont have the ability to get in contact with you easily. Generally, you ought to use your current, permanent address. A typo in your telephone number or email address is more prevalent than you may think. Resumes sent through mail should stick to a particular format. Also, you might want to incorporate a URL to your private blog or website so they can get to learn more about you. You also only have one page to capture each of the attributes you would like to share. There shouldnt be any half pages of content, so only incorporate another page if its possible to fill it meaningfully. If youve got a LinkedIn page or private site, include these URLs in your contact section too. Facts, Fiction and How to Write an Address on a Resume Read below for tips about what to have in your contact section and where to set your contact section. Hopefully, the advice above will help you know how to tackle a cover letter. Below, youll find some helpful tips regarding how to deal with a cover letter. Steer clear of the possibility that youll miss their offer letter If you mention the businesss name, make sure you receive it right. When it is, apply right on the company website. Bear in mind you dont need your complete address on your resume as it some businesses might not even open it due to privacy problems. This address is equally as essential as your telephone number. The Good, the Bad and How to Write an Address on a Resume You dont need to include your house address, even though there may be some situations when doing so would be advisable. If you are aware that someone is a professional professor or doctor you ought to use the proper letter salutations. The reply is it depends. Catch a persons attention with a distinctive and genuine objective statement. Theres a great chance it wont include all the keywords set out in the work description. So you should be taking a look at the particular job descr iption for keywords. You really need to find out more about the job and company (starting with the work description) and place the abilities and keywords THEY mention. Take a look at our 8 job skills you need to have page to find some of the things which employers are commonly searching for. Keep in mind the idea of Less Is More and filter the information that you put in your job program, only including the relevant particulars. Economic Profiling Heres wherever your street address can have an actual chunk out of your wallet. Finding out how to compose an address on an envelope is a simple matter to do. Reread the work description and carefully choose the main keywords and phrases.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Careers Vs. Jobs The Path to Personal Fulfillment

Careers Vs. Jobs The Path to Personal Fulfillment Are you a college graduate, a millennial, a military veteran looking to transition back to civilian life, or a seasoned professional unsatisfied with your current employment situation? If so, then the job versus career question is one you should consider, because the differences between the two can be crucialto your overall satisfaction. During your life, youll spend a lot of time at work.Make it count by choosing a career in which you can growand about which you are passionate.Whats the Difference, Anyway?Essentially, ajob is aseries of tasks that a person commits to doing regularly in order to earn an agreed upon wage.A career, on the other hand, is the pursuit of desired goals and achievements over a period of time. A career is composed of a series of consecutive jobs that involve progressive,growth-related moves.In short, a job is simply about making a living, buta career is about making a life.According to Gallup, people who focus on what they do best at work i.e., their strengths are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs and three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general.When companies are looking to recruit the best talent, they often ask questions designed touncover whether or not you, as a job seeker, are serious about the prospective role whether that role fits into your long-term career plans.While you need to use the interview to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job, you also need to take some time during the job hunt to figure out whether or not that company would be a great fit for you and your longer-term career goals.Therefore, it is essential for you to also ask the interviewer therightquestions, such as How would you describe your company culture? What is the future growth trajectory for the company? Does your company offer opportu nities for professional development? The answers to these questions can tell you whether or not the company is truly a good fit for you and your career.7 Ways to Build a Great CareerBy drawingupon my more than 18 years of talent management experience, Ive crafted a list of seven important actions you can take to help you build andnavigate a successful career.1. Work Hard and Maintain a Positive AttitudeW. Clement Stone, the founder of Combined Insurance, said the No. 1principle of success in life is having a positive mental attitude, or PMA. Employers want to hire individuals who are personable, confident, and in possession of acan do attitude, so its important to present yourself as a motivated person who iswilling to do what it takes to get the job done.Once you land the job even if its an entry-level role you should always do your best. When possible, go even further by volunteering for additional responsibilities. Being that Yes, I can employee whos eager to learn and strives f or excellence will help you build a strong reputation. In turn, that reputation will help you climb the career ladder to stelles of greater responsibility and higher income.2. Be a Utility PlayerGiventodaysdynamicbusiness landscape and rapidpace of technological evolution, companies require employees who are adaptable and flexible with broad capabilities. Be someone who can fit into various roles as business requirements change, and you will be a person in whom the company will invest.Show that you are a utility player an individual who can play in more than one punkt. Problem-solving skills, accountability, adaptability, and initiative are core competencies that will help you succeed in multiple roles at various levels.3. Always Aim HigherTo keep yourconfidence and skills growing, the key is to not become complacent. Lifelong learning is not only important for your career, but also a satisfying way to live. Start off any new position by taking advantage of any training and mentor ing opportunities your employer may offer.This can be done on the job by taking on stretch assignments and staying current with industry trends and events, or on your own by taking educational and training courses offered by local colleges or professional associations. Stay up-to-date by reading industry publications, online articles, and relevant business books. The more you know and the more you demonstrate what you can do, the more likely it is that you will be the candidate of choice when a good career opportunity presents itself.You should always be genuinely open to feedback, too.Feedback is a gift and an opportunity for improving yourself.4.Build a Professional Network and a Strong Personal BrandEvery job offers opportunities to expand your professional network. Everyone you meet during your time in a given role from your bosses and coworkers to clients, suppliers, and peers at other organizations has the potential to become a valuable contact.Forging and maintaining relati onships at work and within your professional universe can help you further your career and may lead to new and unforeseen opportunities in the future. So, be sure to chat and connect with other professionals whenever you have the opportunity, whether on LinkedIn or at industry functions.Remember that the brand which most deserves your attention is your own. Be clear on your personal brand. Ask yourself What do people say about me and my work? What do I want them to say? What do I want to be known for?A great reputation can help you land your next big careeropportunity.5. Choose a Prospective Employer WiselyWhether you work for one employer or many over the course of your career, its important to select employers that share your view of building a career rather than a job. Look for companies offering career development tracks, which should include training, mentoring, and clear upward paths in the company.As you decide on which company and position to choose, ask yourself these quest ions Does the role fit my current/future skills? Does the manager Ill report to fit well with my leadership-style preferences?Does the company culture align with my core values?For example, my company offers comprehensive initial and ongoing training and development for sales agents, as well as for those who opt to pursue administrative, corporate, or management positions. As a result, many of our corporate employees, sales agents, and managers have built solid careers with us, and these careershave contributed to their own professional and financial success, as well as the success of our company.6. Company Culture MattersTo advance your career, you need to look for companies that strive for true meritocracy companies where employees performances and contributions determine their success, recognition, rewards, and career opportunities.A meritocracy is a simple and effective motivational formula The better you perform, the more you will be rewarded. Look for companies that promote p eople based on performance excellence.When what you do matters and hard work pays off, youll be more motivated and satisfied at work.7. Set Achievable Goals and Measure Your ProgressBuilding a fulfilling and sustainable career is an ongoing process that requires motivation, a plan of action, flexibility, and discipline. Its important to assess your career goals periodically, because people and circumstances change.As you measure your progress, dont be afraid to alter some goals ortischset new ones, depending on the new situations that may arise for you. The important thing is to keep moving ahead. Look for opportunities to improve and be strategic and intentional about the career moves you make.When it comes to your career, you need tostay engaged and adopt a mindset that is focused on continuous improvement.-Building a career rather than just doing a job will create a greater feeling of personal fulfillment. That doesnt mean its always easy, however. Sometimes, in order to build a career,you may have to turn down a higher-paying job in favor of one that offers more career potential.It can be a hard decision to make, but the sacrifice will be well worth it.The choice is yours your career awaits