SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. The setting of SMART goals will allow you to ensure that you not only move forward with your goals but also achieve them efficiently.

As a job-seeker, you might find yourself stuck trying to land the job you want. You might have a well-written CV, gone for multiple interviews, sent your CV in for numerous positions, and notice that nothing is positively working out. In such a scenario, clear goal-setting can help you substantially, SMART goals more so.

As a job-seeker employing SMART goals, you need to be able to approach the process from two viewpoints – what you need to do to land a job and concerning the position you are considering.

Specific

As a job-seeker, having vague, sprawling goals will usually lead to equally ambiguous and sprawling, and eventually unproductive, actions. Instead of saying “I will find a job this month,” say “I will revise my resume” or “I will contact my references.” Setting specific goals will allow you to take action in a more focused manner and proceed linearly.

Measurable

Measurable goals are important too. This also goes hand-in-hand with specific goals. Saying “I will attend five networking events this month” is a lot more measurable than saying “I must attend networking events.” Setting measurable goals will allow you to move efficiently towards achieving your goals and landing the job you want.

Achievable

Many people tend to set high goals that are often beyond their capability or seem too much to take on at the moment. As a job-seeker, it would be better, instead of setting lofty goals, to set achievable, short-term goals, which will allow you to not only proceed more efficiently but also keep your morale up.

Realistic

Again hand-in-hand with setting achievable goals, realistic goals are aimed towards self-evaluation and setting goals accordingly. It is important to question yourself and set goals; otherwise, you might end up with unfulfilled targets and low morale.

Time-bound

A time-bound goal will motivate you and ensure that you work towards achieving it. If you are a job-seeker with limited savings, you might have to find a new job within three months. Such definition of your process will help motivate and streamline your job-search process and ensure productivity.

Setting SMART goals often prove helpful for job-seekers, irrespective of how long they have been looking. As a job-seeker, you might know what you want to do, but it is also necessary to understand how you can achieve that. Setting SMART goals are essential first steps to this.

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But what if this isn’t the only way to succeed?

Most of us will never have a clear-cut answer to this. But there are certain guidelines that can help us find success even if it isn’t conventional advice. For this, interviewing accomplished people from different backgrounds or with varied interests can point us in the right direction. And which is what we will cover in the next section where LinkedIn Executive Editor Daniel Roth spoke with 5 successful people to uncover tips for life and business.

5 Interviews With Successful People That Serves as Crazy (but Excellent) Career Advice

Before we begin, it’s interesting to note that these successful people and their stories throw light on how they dealt with their challenges in a unique manner.

1: Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran 

Probably what stood out first was that she wasn’t much of a success at school – getting straight Ds. But that motivated her to become a success as she grew older whether it translated to giving a Tedx talk or writing several books.

Her advice: ignore what your parents say. 

2: Personal Finance Expert, Suze Orman 

Not only did she have a speech impediment but she couldn’t read and this resulted in not being able to get even a single grade higher than C in school. Ultimately, she decided to become a waitress and then planned to open a restaurant in the future. Yet it was making a wrong investment that led to the world of finance.

Her advice: Sometimes, it discovers you, not the other way around. 

3: National Cable and Telecommunications Associate’s Michael Powell 

Talking with Mike revealed that his original plan was to be an army officer in the United States Army. Of course, all that changed when he ended up with a crushed spine during a training mission at a German hospital.

In other words, he had to change his future and as most veterans, he had to start from the bottom. He also talks about how veterans around the country who have to deal with the darkness just as he did for a while.

His advice: Life promises you nothing. You better live like Life promises you nothing. 

4: Cinnabon’s Kat Cole 

Of course, she began her career at Hooters but she quickly moved on from selling chicken wings to working at their corporate office. Soon, she would take on a leadership role as its President.

Her advice: You can do anything you put your mind to. 

5: Sir Martin Sorrell 

Sorrell is one of the biggest names in the advertising industry. Of course, his grandparents being Ukrainian managed to migrate to London without being able to speak a word of English. Being the only child of his family, he felt the pressure to perform.

His father’s advice: Create a reputation. Not an external reputation but internal reputation in a business and an industry that you enjoy. 

In Closing

It goes without saying, from these interviews, that there is no one recipe or route for success. Yet when you see how these people made it on their own, it should inspire to create your own path in Life.

So, are there any other interviews that you can think of? If so, feel free to add them in the comments section below.

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5 Important Career Insights To Consider

Former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin certainly fits into this profile – to offer gems of advice to those who are but ‘younger’.

Here are 5 important career insights that she has offered recently, in an interview:

1: You Need Not Always Have An Answer 

While men tend to lie even if they don’t really know the answer to something, this is twice as difficult for women to do. As a result, they end up looking like they’re not good enough and being judged for not knowing something. On the contrary, it’s a good idea to actually tell someone that you will get back to them especially if you’ve haven’t done your research. There’s no hurry at all. Some people will actually respect you for taking your time but providing them with the right answer.

2: Make Sure You Do Something Uncomfortable 

Even if you aren’t comfortable with doing something different, you should still take the opportunity to do so. This is absolutely necessary if you want to do something substantial in Life. Just like in Madeleine’s stint in politics, the learning curve is going to be steep. But in facing this challenge, she rose to greater heights. This is something that everyone must realize and practice in their lives as well.

3: You Are Capable of More Than You Think 

Madeleine, from her experience, believes that you should try to believe that you can make a difference. Also, know that your voice definitely counts too. With these two positive thoughts in mind, go about testing it. Of course, this simply means that there are times you have to take a risk, no matter which job you are in. Taking that first step will definitely count.

4: It’s Not Possible to Make Everyone Happy 

This is one rule that people must keep in mind. It is impossible to make everyone happy. She admits that this is harder for women than it is for their male counterparts. You have to keep in mind that it is perfectly alright if not everyone will like you.

5: Don’t Worry About Your Kids 

Like most mothers, when she was at work, Madeleine always felt that she should have been home instead to take care of her children. Of course, she also admits that children will need their parents especially when then are teenagers much like when they were little. Of course, she also adds that if she was confined and frustrated as a result of being at home, she would have turned out to be a worse mother than she was.

In Closing

Regardless of your situation, you should find that these 5 career tips should hold you in good stead. In other words, these insights are applicable to us all even if the challenges that we face might not be the same.

So, are there any other career insights that you can think of? If so, feel free to add them in the comments section below.

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However – what we’re talking about is why people do the things they do, for a living. Only a minority of the population can attest to feeling fulfilled by what they do – while others often feel they are chasing the dollars, without feeling absolute satisfaction.

Putting the dollars aside, here are 3 key notes on why you should not just chase money as your sole and only goal.

1. The spiral of never earning enough

If you’re in a paid job, there will never be enough time in a day to earn maximum dollars. You may be well paid – and that’s all well and good. But if you’re trying to use a job to get paid more and more, and be one of the wealthiest people in the country – it isn’t the easiest goal. You are often against wealthy investors and business owners who have serious financial backing, and continue to use that financial backing. They are able to mobilise their teams to help them earn maximum dollar. What we’re saying is, it’s fine if you want to be well paid – but don’t set your goals from the perspective of comparing yourself to the country, or the world’s, wealthiest.

2. The risk of being burdened by debt

Being in the race to have the largest home, the best car, the most expensive watch or whatever may be – is likely to lead in much accumulation of debt. If you’re not in debt right now, it’s likely you’ll want to receive the benefits of working ‘sooner’ – and one way to do that is to purchase these assets on finance, loans or mortgages. Raising debts to receive assets sooner like your home can make financial sense – however if you go down the path of continuous finance for example with motor vehicles, jewelry, holidays, and so forth – remember that at a later date, once the excitement has past for many of these, you’ll still be working hard to pay them back. Many people who go down this path say they start feeling as though they are treading water at times when chasing money. At the end of the day, your job is only a temporary solution for paying off your debt.

3. Becoming a slave to money

It’s said that in the working world, 90% of employees will work in order just to make ends meet. To go with this comes with the fear of losing your job due to a restructure, and not being able to provide for your family one day – or a family you may have one day. Such worries and fears can be made twice as strong if you have financial obligations to go with it. With a more luxurious car comes increased maintenance bills. With a larger home comes larger rates and utilities bills. When you go to work everyday – do you want to feel that you’re chasing this endless cycle of needing more?

So What Should You Do Instead?

We’re not advocating one way or another for money – and whether it’s good or not – but it’s sensible to ensure that your job has some form of fulfillment. Good examples can be chasing your passion – for example if you love sharing knowledge with others, being a teacher, or taking up working as a trainer with in the company you work for now. If you love being creative – taking the first steps in working in more creative roles. What makes you tick? Is it creating? Is it being part of a project? Is it helping people? Is it being and feeling recognised?

What do I do if my current job doesn’t allow me to do what I love right now?

In short – you ‘ll probably find much happiness and joy in finding a job that does allow you to do what you love. For some of you, this might mean studying a course that allows you to formalize your knowledge and interest in an area – then finding a new job. Others may just need to put their hand up in their current company, and explain to their boss their longer term goals and ask if the company has such a role that you could receive training for, or train yourself for, eventually. train yourself for eventually. And if neither of these are options – another good idea is volunteering. What can you do apart from your main ‘day job’ that allows you to feel fulfilled? Perhaps volunteering with the local school, or a charity you truly love and support. Believe it or not, many of the ‘coin collectors’ for charities you see on the weekends are some of the country’s top paid employees. And it’s because it lets them do what they love.

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1. Find Meaning In Your Work

If your job is something that’s meaningful for you then you will find greater enjoyment and purpose in it. Think about why you’re doing the job you do, and find your purpose for doing it – be it to advance your career, your love of working with people, or for the good of your family.

2. Remember Your Achievements

Past successes can help motivate you in the present. Taking time to recall your past achievements can help give you confidence to succeed in your tasks and enjoy what you’re doing.

3. Focus On The Future

Your current job may be a stepping stone to the job you actually want. In these situations, keeping a firm focus on what you want to achieve in your career can help you give 100% to your current job so that you can make your dream a reality.

4. Reward Yourself

Give yourself a reward or treat of some kind whenever you have a successful achievement at work.

5. Lend A Hand

Helping others at work can be a powerful way to build relationships and achievements, but can also make you feel good about yourself for being helpful.

6. Keep Track Of Your Successes

Keep a diary or journal where you keep track of your day-to-day successes, big and small. Flicking through it will help boost your morale if you feel you’re struggling.

7. Take Time To Relax

Your time away from work is an important part of how happy you are at work. Make sure you take time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

8. Treat Yourself

Studies have shown that giving yourself a small treat, like some chocolate for instance, before you start a task can help you successfully achieve your goals.

9. Be Positive

Offer praise and recognition to others in your workplace when they’re successful, and thank them if they contribute to your successes. Conveying a positive attitude helps you to make it a reality.

10. Accept People As They Are

Working with others can at times be challenging. Avoiding conflict with work colleagues means avoiding a lot of stress. Accepting that they are who they are can help with that, and help you to be professional in your attitude towards them.

Related Post: Make Sure Your Dream Job Doesn’t Escape You

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While it may seem very basic, or perhaps even a waste of time; you must identify your skills. You want to be working in jobs that articulate your abilities and expertise. Or you want to be working in jobs that will grow your skills in certain areas, which will take you to the next step in your career. Most people find it hard to explain their skills, abilities, and experience. Some find it feels like bragging, while others believe the skills they have are of little use or are insignificant. Often, these are both untrue. Once you know your skills, you can confidently portray yourself better so you can secure a job.

It’s also common to get asked in an interview questions like ‘Why should we choose you above all other applicants?’, or ’What sets you apart from everyone else?’.

List Your Current Skills

You will find it helpful to distinguish skills into two categories. First, your ‘hard skills’ – these are things that are tangible and operational. Some examples include:

• Knowing how to operate a type of machinery
• Ability to use Microsoft Office or Photoshop
• Your typing speed
• Producing reports and graphs
• Coding websites or software

Separately, soft skills are personal strengths gained through experience. They reflect the nature of the person, namely the attributes that make you the person you are. Some examples are:

• Good teamwork
• Enthusiasm for work
• Reliability and punctuality

Spend some time to brainstorm and compile this list. You will also want to list skills you have, even if you are not totally proficient in them. Voluntary work, reading, and extra education are great ways to acquire new skills.

Grow Your List

If your list is looking a little short, stop to think about each job you’ve worked in. Consider what you did on a day-to-day basis, and what you learnt. This should give you some idea of what skills you have. If you haven’t had a lot of work experience, you may want to consider your educational background and history. Consider the group projects and assignments you have completed. What did they teach you? What new skills did you gain, by participating in them? List these down.

List skills You’d Like To have

Not only should you list what skills you have right now, but you should also consider what skills you’d like to have over time. For example, you may hope to become a team manager in 3 years. And therefore it would be helpful to have supervisory skills. Or you may want to become a junior graphic designer in a year’s time. So it would help to gain new skills in the relevant design software packages.

Consider Your Hobbies

Your hobbies are also a great place to help pinpoint your skills. Do you do art in your free time? That’s creativity. Or perhaps play any team sports? That’s teamwork. Or are you an avid fan of business news and enjoy talking about it with others? That’s communication. What may seem normal to you may be a deciding factor to your boss. Put together these skills and you’ll have your list together in no time.

Determine A Career Path

Once you have listed your skills, you will want to put a star next to which of those skills you enjoy and would like to continue pursuing. This can help you find a group of skills you want to focus on, and is a great step towards pursuing a rewarding career. Research and determine industries you want to work in.

Using Skills When Writing Your Résumé

Consider each of the items on your list and decide whether that skill is relevant to the job you are applying for. Some skills may not make it to the final cut of your résumé, but you want to make sure you give potential employers a clear view of who you are and why you stand out.

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We all want to work in a job we love. But sometimes identifying what we truly want to do can be difficult. We can be unsure of what will bring us the most satisfaction in our working lives. One very helpful way to address this problem is to spend some time discovering what you’re truly passionate about. Here are five steps to help you achieve that.

1. Be Open To Every Possibility

We often rule out careers we think we might love because we focus only on the obstacles, and rule them out because we think we could never make it happen. However, to truly discover you passion, banish the word “impossible”. Open yourself up to any possibility. Allow yourself to picture yourself in any job you can imagine would make you truly happy.

2. Brainstorm

Take some paper and start to brainstorm about the jobs you’re excited about. Ask yourself what you need to do to get the jobs you’d love to do – what qualifications and experience you need. Find out where you can gain these. Map out a vision of how to make your passion a reality.

3. Research

Take some time to really research careers you’re excited about. Read accounts of what day-to-day life is like in those job, find out about any drawbacks or downsides, discover where’s the best place to do them.

4. Talk To Others

Talking to others can help you to discover what you truly want to do in life. Have an honest talk with a trusted friend or family member. Open up to them and you may discover that in verbalizing your thoughts to them you can gain a better focus on what you want from you career.

5. Tackle The Practicalities

Tackle the practicalities involved. If you need particular qualifications, find out where you can earn them. Look into online universities and brick and mortar options. Look into companies that would hire you in your chosen career.

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Dealing With Stress

To help you become calm, you may find it useful to identify what’s making you stressed. Did you get turned down for a job you really wanted? Has someone made a nasty or discouraging comment about you? Are you upset about your current situation, or think that your next job can’t be any better? Having these issues can cause negative thought processes.

Consider the reality that all of these doubts can be positively dealt with. Many people have turned their career around by the simple process of having a positive attitude and then thinking outside of the box.

Thinking Outside The Box

Don’t think about the problem itself, as that will make thinking out of the box much harder. One method of thinking outside the box involves identifying the solution you want, and then working backwards to see how you can make that a reality. Changing where you are or what you’re doing can also help you think in a new way – take a trip to the country, visit a museum, take a walk in a park. Changing your surroundings can inspire creative ideas and solutions to your problems.

Never think that your possible solution is too crazy. If you are constantly judging, your thinking will prohibit your ability to think outside the box and reinvent patterns. It will also increase the stress you experience during the brainstorming period. Stop thinking that this is all impossible. It can all be turned around with good presentation.

Develop A New Mindset

Begin with a new mindset that you’re going to approach your job search from now on with a more positive attitude than ever before. You’ll then be open to the opportunities that come in front of you, and take mistakes or tough moments as a chance to re-evaluate yourself and grow.

It can be difficult and take a lot of patience, but it is worth it in the end. You have the power to expand yourself through positive thinking. Thoughts and creativity comes from within and it’s not something that can be taught. You must spend the time to grow and form new beliefs that lead to open-minded thinking.

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