Where would you like to see yourself, career wise, this time next year? Do you make plans and never follow through? This article will give you ten tips to choose from - choose ONE of them to get started on your renewed career journey. Each step will require some effort on your part to research yourself or information about your career interests. If you could do one action that would make a difference – what would it be? This is they key for you to get started in your career growth. Make a commitment and take action today.

Ten tips for setting career goals

Here are ten tips for career goal setting – you only need to take action on one to get you started...

1. Know yourself – Name your values, skills and interests. Don't take them for granted.
    
Is anything pressing your buttons right now? If so, here is a clue to your values. Ask yourself why you are not happy with the situation? What would you prefer to see? What does that tell you about what you value in a workplace?
 
2. Develop clarity about your unique offer to an employer.
Ask people you trust to name two powerful characteristics about you. How are you different to other people? What do you bring to your current position? These are strengths that you can begin to own and develop further. Be proud of them and be ready to say what it is that you have to offer.
 
3. What do you want in your career – what is your vision for the next year?
    
If you could do anything – what would it be? What is your ideal vision of this time next year? As George Harrison said- 'If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there'. Isn't it time you worked out where you want to be? Then you can find the pathway to get there.
 
4. Research what's in the advertised job market.
    
One way to inspire yourself is to research what's available in the advertised market. Look for advertisements online, offline, in professional associations, through boutique recruiters.
 
5. Research what is in the hidden job market – i.e. jobs that do not get advertised.
    
Talk to people to find out about the jobs that are not advertised. Ask them how they got started. Develop relationships with key people to gain some insight into careers that interest you.
 
6. Research the salary scales for your career interest areas.
    
Do you get paid what you are worth? Do you desire a higher salary? What is the going rate for your current position, or others that you are interested in? There are many websites that offer this kind of information – seek and you shall find. This could be the key to finding a pathway.
 
7. Do you need to study to bridge the gap between your current position and where you want to be?
    
What courses would assist your eligibility for further career development? Courses are available every six months these days and can be studied through a variety of modes for you convenience. It's never too late to learn new skills and knowledge.
 
8. Get help where you need it - colleagues, supervisors, mentors, consultants
    
Talk to someone you can trust, and ask for advise and assistance. People will help you if you can tell tem what you want. Ask for information on how they started or seek introductions to people that you'd like to meet.
 
9. Take courage and stop making excuses. Make a decision.
    
Listen to the 'reasons' that you give yourself for not moving forward. Take responsibility and make decisions. Be self disciplined to take action.
 
10. Act upon the decision – there's no turning back – move forward, even if it to eliminate a possibility.
     
Make a decision and feel the difference in your confidence. If it doesn't work out, make another decision. Accept that sometimes you will make snap decisions, and other time it will take longer. Be flexible and give yourself permission to shine. Choose one action.

Choose one small tip that will make a difference to your career goal setting. Keep the vision and make it happen. Take action today on your new resolution – don't wait. No matter how small the step is its motion. Go forward today.

If you need more inspiration or help with career decisions, job applications, further study options or confidence, you are welcome to view my products and services on my website www.womeninnewcareers.com.au.

I specifically work with women who want to move forward in their career growth. Remember, there's no time like right now to set your career goals.

Leanne Cleghorn is an Australian career coach, counsellor and speaker. As Director of Women In New Careers P/L, Leanne is dedicated to empowering women like you to move toward a happier and rewarding working life. She has experienced career change herself, and understands the courage and risk involved in making career decisions. Leanne offers a range of career development support, such as career decision making, job application support, further study options, and assistance for those women who need confidence to move forward. She offers free reports related to career development and also writes a regular blog at www.winc.net.au.

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Leanne Cleghorn is a member of the Australian Women's Mentoring Network. Visit Leanne's AWMN Profile (login required).

© Leanne Cleghorn 2011