For many jobseekers, career development usually is like this: search for job, land job, learn job, how to make a career out of job. However, you don’t have to wait until you land a position to start developing your career. Career development is life-long journey and each job is a stop along the way. So, it is getting you closer to your dream. Don’t just search for a job, DEVELOP YOUR CAREER!

Career Development Vs. Job Search

1.     Know who you are, what you want and where you’re going – Then optimize for it.

Always start your job search with “self-reflection”. This can be invaluable for your career development. Knowing who you are and what you want will help you to stay focused and landing your dream job.

2.     Be the best job seeker you can be.

First impressions start as soon as you click “send” on your resume. Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward but first optimize your social media accounts!

 3.     Make questions to your employer.

Your interview isn’t just about impressing your future employer. Use the information you came up with in step 1 to determine if the company is a good fit for YOU. Aligning yourself with a compatible company can increase satisfaction and engagement in your work. Ask questions to your employer or interviewer.  They will see that you want to know more about their company so they can see your interest in them.

4.     Don’t get Comfortable.

Never, be comfortable with your position. Always continue to make yourself an asset by taking on new responsibilities, learning new skills, and developing your soft skills, like interpersonal communication and handling conflict.

5.  Know when to stay… and when to go.

Today, when career paths seem to change as quickly as Facebook statuses, it’s unrealistic to believe you will be at your first (or second, or third) job forever. And knowing when to stay and, when to go, can make or break career development. Jumping ship too soon could mean losing out on learning valuable skills and experience. But staying too long could result in missed career opportunities. Align your personal career plan with your company’s career plan to determine when the time is right for you to stay… or go.