You have just been hired for your dream job! Well, maybe not your dream job, but the next step in your career. You have followed all of the steps in the targeted job search.
Before you read on, this is the sixth in this series on the Targeted Job Search. If you have not read the previous steps, this is a good time to read them:
- Target the Company and Quit Chasing the Job
- Building your Target List – The Targeted Job Search
- Research Your Target List – The Targeted Job Search
- Connecting with Recruiters – The Targeted Job Search
- Build Your Referral Network – The Targeted Job Search
You’re done — right??
I grew up in the day when we expected jobs to last 10, 15, 20 or more years. Today, a job may last three years. Let me lay out a timeline and strategy for you.
Six weeks
It typically takes six weeks into a new job to understand what you are doing and start setting goals.
Create a calendar entry on the six month anniversary date of your hired date. In that calendar entry document some realistic goals for the first six months on the job.
Six months
You are now six months into your new job.
Review the goals you set. Did you accomplish everything?
Reflect back on the previous six months. What did you learn? What new skills have you acquired? You have probably been drinking from a fire house in the first six months on the job. You really need to take the time and reflect back on what you learned.
Update your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Create a calendar entry on your one year anniversary date of your hired date. In that calendar entry, document some realistic goals for the next six months on the job.
One year
You have now been in your new job for one year.
Review the goals you set. Did you accomplish everything?
Reflect back on the previous six months. What did you learn? What new skills have you acquired?
Update your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Create a calendar entry on your eighteen month anniversary date of your hired date. In that calendar entry document some realistic goals for the next six months on the job.
Update your target list!
Eighteen months
You have now been in your new job for eighteen months.
Review the goals you set. Did you accomplish everything?
Reflect back on the previous six months. What did you learn? What new skills have you acquired?
Update your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Create a calendar entry on two year anniversary date of your hired date. In that calendar entry document some realistic goals for the next six months on the job.
Update your target list!
Start strategically networking for your next job.
See the pattern?
Even though you start working your target list at eighteen months, it does not mean you will leave. What you are doing is making yourself a good passive candidate.
When a position does become available, you want to know about it.
If your company is acquired, you want to be prepared to move on if the culture changes.
You think that your job search has ended. Well, it really never ends. It has only been put on pause.
Are you ready for a targeted job search?
Check out my book Repurpose Your Career – A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers
