December is a Time to Reflect on Your Career Achievements
December is a time for reflection. One of the topics people often reflect on at the end of the year is what they have achieved professionally over the last 12 months. Yet few take the time to actually write out their stories of success. Keeping track of your achievements and noting the impact you have had on the organization you support is an important component of a comprehensive career management strategy. Take some time this month to jot down your responses to these questions.
- What hurdles and challenges did you face over the past year and how did you react to these challenges? What were the quantifiable results of your efforts?
- What were your top 3 to 5 achievements this year? Did these achievements save money, make money, or save time for the organization?
- Did you introduce any “first-ever” projects or initiatives that became best practices?
- What are you known for? Are you considered the “go-to-guy” for certain things?
The answers to these questions will prove invaluable should you need to update your resume in 2009. Take the time during the less hectic month of December to reflect.
[…] Expecting job interest to make up for lack of experience. How many times have we heard a contestant say “If you just put me through to the next round, I won’t disappoint you. I will work hard and I know I can meet your expectations.” But these contestants, like job seekers, rarely get through to the next round unless they can quickly prove during round one that they are a good fit for the position and that they have transferable skills and relevant success stories. […]