(FYI - To enlarge viewing - click on 4 arrows icon.)
By J.T. O'Donnell
When we came up with the Twitter Advice Project (a.k.a. T.A.P. into CAREEREALISM) 6 weeks ago, we couldn't wait to launch it. However, we knew we needed to work out some logistical kinks and trial run it. Well, that's over and we are ready for PRIME TIME.
I taped the video above because it just seemed easier to explain how our new career advice tool works. For those who prefer to read, here's what you need to know:
First...You Need to Follow Us On Twitter (@CAREEREALISM)
Those who follow us on Twitter get daily career news and perspective in short micro-posts with links to content that help you stay up-to-date and employable. Like our tagline says "EVERY Job is Temporary" - so those who give us 5 minutes a day, 30 minutes a week so we can educate them on important professional topics are using us like their own personal trainer - and getting great results.
Guess Who Else Follows Us?(And, They Want to Help YOU!)
A lot of career experts are on Twitter and following us too. So, we reached out initially to diverse set of 8 of them and said, "Would you share your expertise with our followers?" It's no surprise, these passionate careerists who love to help others all said 'yes!'
@heatherhuhman - journalist & career expert t0 students and young professionals via daily advice column on Examiner.com
@glhoffman - author of the extremely successful career blog that runs in the U.S. News & World Report.
@sweetcareers - campus career counselor with years of experience and a killer resource blog.
@Keppie_Careers - a professional career coach and columnist with years of experience in corporate America.
@beneubanks - a career journalist and new HR professional who adds a valuable 'recent grad' perspective.
@IPlawMan - an Intellectual Property Lawyer (good to have a lawyer's perspective for those touchy subjects).
@gradversity - a student recruitment expert and founder of a blog to help first-time job seekers.
@jtodonnell - as the founder of Careerealism.com, I'd like to throw my 2 cents in too!
Need Advice? Here's How It Works
1. You sign up for Twitter and follow us (and of course, read our page each day).
2. Send your career question directly to twitter@workitdaily.com so we can post it (anonymously, if you'd like - just tell us).
3. Sit back and watch career experts post direct, personalized career advice for you on our @CAREEREALISM Twitter feed.
So...what are you waiting for?! It's time to T.A.P. into CAREEREALISM.
Bigstock
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Read moreShow less