Get ready for your next job search

If you are keen to be in a strong position when you start your next job search, this is an important read.

Scenario 1: You are a BD specialist in a professional services firm. Every year you are required to compile a list of key deals, awards, and achievements to help promote your firm. This list must be comprehensive. You can not risk forgetting a big deal. So what do you do? You have a database, an excel spreadsheet, a word document, or even a notebook where you keep track. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Scenario 2: You are a BD specialist in a professional services firm. Every couple of years you consider your career options. This requires you to compile a list of your key projects, achievements, and successes for your resume. This list must be comprehensive. You can not risk forgetting a major achievement. So what do you do?

If you are like the majority of candidates I meet, you have likely forgotten most of what you have achieved over the last couple of years. You know you have done a lot (due to busyness levels) and you remember your manager saying positive things, however, you can only recall recent achievements. Oh hang on, there’s your annual appraisal which contains some clues. Easy. Just copy and paste your job description and add a few words from the appraisal. That’ll do.

Or will it?

Your resume is your opportunity to shine. It is your opportunity to differentiate yourself from other BD specialists. It is your opportunity to demonstrate the impact you can have on a future employer. A job description is typically a ‘doing’ list (wouldn’t it be great if more firms included objectives and success factors rather than tasks?!). So apply your professional standards to your resume. Have a database, an excel spreadsheet, a word document, or even a notebook where you keep track of your key projects, achievements, and successes. Include tangible and measurable details where possible. When the time comes to update your resume, you will have everything to hand plus the ability to produce an impressive document. If you suddenly spot your dream job, you can apply straight away. If you are a notebook lover like me, surely this is a great excuse to pop into Kikki K or Paperchase?!

Does this resonate with you?

Do you have a system for keeping track of your career achievements and successes? What do you find most challenging when updating your resume? I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Call: +61 (0)477 841640

Email: katherine@kmtalent.com.au