SMART Goals For Job Seekers

Popular SMART Goals For Job Seekers Jim Schreier Jenna Arcand April 14, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

There are two perspectives on SMART goals for job seekers, one from the viewpoint of the activities you perform as part of your job search, the other focused on understanding the expectations of a position you're considering.

SMART goals, originally attributed to Peter Drucker, has been interpreted with various modifications and additions, but generally refers to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable (Achievable, Actionable), Realistic (Relevant), and Time-Bound (Time-Based, Timely). There's strong agreement on the “Specific" and “Measurable," with several variations of the “__ART" elements. Specific, Measurable, and Time-Bound are generally agreed upon as core elements.

For The Job Search

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For job seekers, SMART goals can be a powerful tool to guide the process. While many individuals are familiar with the idea from its common work application, it's a new—and much-needed—process for many job seekers. And for those unfamiliar with the idea, it can be further complicated by the claim of goals being set for them in their work experience—goals that are absolutely not SMART. So, a job seeker might just set an extremely broad goal, like “finding a new job," or might set some seemingly more specific goals like:

• Revise my resume
• Contact my references
• Search online for job opportunities
• Send thank you emails

While setting some goals, any goals, particularly if they're written down, is better than not having any goals, these are definitely not SMART goals. More importantly, goals like these deprive a job seeker of the power of having SMART goals.

Research on goal setting clearly demonstrates the power—and the dangers—of goal setting. Goals that are not SMART fail to motivate top performance and/or lead to inaction. Goals that are set too high (not Realistic) frequently prompt a person's decision to “give up." Understanding the dynamics of goal setting can be a powerful tool for a job seeker's success.

Let's turn the examples above into SMART goals:

• Revise my resume - Create a customized resume for each job opening I want to apply for by next Sunday.
• Contact my references - Identify at least one reference from my previous employers and contact them within the next month with my resume and information on the jobs I'm seeking.
• Search online for job opportunities - Check online for job opportunities at least twice a week.
• Send thank you emails - Send thank you emails within 24 hours of an interview to each person involved.

For The Interview

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Understanding SMART goals can also be a powerful tool for a candidate to use during an interview. Job postings, ads, and even job descriptions can be filled with generalities and duties that, at best, describe average performance.

A job seeker is frequently asked, “Do you have any questions?" Seize this opportunity whenever given. Unless the following has been made clear to you, ask: “If I were offered and accepted this position, and you considered me extremely successful in my first year, what did I accomplish?" Then probe! And probe whenever you can during an interview when you don't have clear, specific (SMART) expectations from the interviewer:

• Specifically, what do you expect the person in this job to accomplish in the first 90 days?
  • In the first six months?
  • In the first year?
• The job description says the job includes “making sales calls." How many are considered acceptable in a day? In a month?
  • How many of the company's sales staff regularly achieve acceptable performance?
  • How many sales calls are considered “outstanding performance"?
• The job description says that the job includes “leading the team." How many people are on the team?
  • How many members are new? Long-time members?
  • Is the team facing specific challenges? Problems?
  • What resources are available for developing the team? Training? Assessments?
  • What's the time frame for improving the team's performance?
• You mentioned “the usual customer service" responsibilities, could you tell me…
  • What does “outstanding" customer service mean for this business?
  • What kind of training is provided for customer service?
  • What are the customer service expectations in terms of working with colleagues?
  • (Somewhat advanced but a good question) Is compensation tied to the quality of service provided by a person in this job?

These probing questions need to be customized for each individual position. But just like the importance of thoroughly preparing your responses to questions about your experience, this is where you thoroughly prepare by 1) researching the company and 2) preparing questions that probe for:

• Specific: Are you given answers with clear “action" verbs?
• Measurable: Is there a clear measurement (a number) that indicates a performance level?
• Attainable: Are the expectations achievable, too low (usually not specific), or unrealistically high?
• Realistic: Are the results of the actions specified indicated?
• Time-Bound: Are the expectations framed in terms of "when"?

SMART goals can be a very powerful part of a successful job search—and a powerful tool for a job seeker to use during the interview process—if a job seeker learns and practices the process.

The job search process can be incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially if you're feeling lost, trapped, or burned out in your career. If you're struggling to find a job that's right for you, we can help.

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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You work hard, spend your time at the office judiciously, and meet targets without failing deadlines. For the work you do every day, you feel you deserve a promotion. But when it comes to asking your boss directly, you find it awkward and difficult to approach him/her.

It can indeed be quite nerve-wracking to go up to your boss and ask for a promotion directly. Instead, there are ways you can show that you are ready for one and convince your boss easily.

Here are some useful tips to show your boss you deserve a promotion:

Upgrade Your Skills

A promotion means new responsibilities and greater challenges. To meet these new challenges, you must have the desired skills. One of the best ways to show that you are ready for a promotion, therefore, is to upgrade your competencies and develop your skills. Understand your job role, browse the net, and find courses that can take you ahead. Many large organizations have online courses for their employees. On the completion of those courses, managers are immediately notified. If your organization also has such courses, sign up for them frequently.

You can also attend workshops and seminars to learn more about what courses will upgrade your skills and make you a more valuable resource in your company. Another simple tip is to follow people on LinkedIn. Find professionals who have a similar background and check the courses they completed. A simple Google search will give you a lot of information.

Be Innovative

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In the present business climate, organizations need people who can not only perform their responsibilities well but also deliver greater value. To make yourself more valuable for the business, think outside the box. Look for unforeseen challenges and hidden opportunities. Start by observing your team keenly. Once you identify a problem, look for ways in which it can be addressed.

Be A Dependable Team Player

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One of the things managers pay special attention to when it comes to promoting their team members is their maturity to handle things. In other words, you should be someone your manager can depend on when things are difficult to handle. You must, therefore, be proactive and extremely organized.

Create folders as per your convenience to arrange documents, presentations, and spreadsheets in order. Be responsive and always respond to important emails. If you find it too tough to handle multiple responsibilities, use sticky notes to stay on top of things. The way you do your job sets you apart from your colleagues. So, don't leave a bad impression by doing a shoddy job.

Ask Your Manager To Mentor You

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This is the easiest way to grab your boss's attention and show that you are keen to learn. During the mentoring phase, you get an opportunity to collaborate closely with your manager. Moreover, you come across as an enthusiastic learner and get an opportunity to demonstrate your skills. By leaving a good impression, you can have an influential ally backing your case for promotion.

Rock Your Current Role

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While pitching yourself for a promotion, you must show that you have excelled in your current role and that staying in the same position will be stagnating for your career. Gain the trust of your team members so that they approach you when they have a problem at hand. Try to "manage up." Your boss will be more convinced if he/she sees that you have done a great job in your role and are now ready to take on more responsibilities.

When you bring value to the business, your manager will be convinced to promote you at work. You just need to find the right balance of hard work, people skills, and enthusiasm to brighten your prospects.

Navigating difficult workplace situations like asking for a promotion can be incredibly stressful, especially if you're feeling lost, trapped, or burned out in your career. If you're struggling to demonstrate your value and advocate for yourself on the job, we can help.

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read more Show less promotion {"customDimensions": {"1":"Joshua Turner, Jenna Arcand","2":"salary","3":"promotion, boss, raise, promotion at work, promotion tips, show you deserve a promotion, career tips, how to convince your boss you deserve a promotion, career, career advice, manager, work, job, workplace, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676600, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676054, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676607, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676614, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676619, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29676634","4":"04/13/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 474863171, 473333499, 370480899, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549276, 19836096]} } Featured SMART Goals For Job Seekers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jim Schreier, Jenna Arcand","2":"popular","3":"smart goals, job seekers, job search, goals, job search tips, job search goals, job search advice, interview, job interview, specific, measurable, attainable, achievable, relevant, realistic, timely, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29682027, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29682041, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29682033","4":"04/14/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 479660731, 376489574, 473333499, 543270555], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549220, 19836096]} } Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","2":"popular","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs, ~popular_source-pageview","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 376489962, 473333499, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473310812, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","2":"popular","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 479660731, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} } How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","2":"popular","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, ~popular_source-pageview, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }