Career development is a lifelong process of managing learning, work, leisure, and transitions in order to achieve your professional and personal aspirations. The following are few key topics that CEDIA recommends jobseekers investigate further to get a jumpstart on their career. Depending on how well versed you are on these topics, it might be beneficial for you to connect with a career development professional who can help you better understand each of these topics.
Career Planning
Career planning is an ongoing process where you (1) assess and inventory your current values, interests, skills, and personal qualities; (2) strategically develop your career goals; and (3) create an achievable action plan to help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. In order to determine what jobs are right for you, it is important to know both who you are as a person and who you desire to become a professional. Things to consider include careful evaluation of your strengths, lifestyle preferences, passions, work style, and financial needs.
Instructional Video:
Create a Career Path and Set Career Goals
Employability Skills
Employability skills are a set of skills and behaviors that are necessary for every job. Employability skills are sometimes called soft skills, foundational skills, work-readiness skills, or job-readiness skills. Personal qualities, habits, and attitudes influence how you interact with others. Employers value employability skills because they are linked to how you get along with coworkers and customers, your job performance, and your career success. Employability skills are the key to workplace success.
Instructional Video:
Soft Skills for Career Success
Job Searching
Virtually all job search activities, including application and resume/CV submission happens electronically. Since the employer isn't likely to see your face and interact with you until you're invited in for an interview, your resume/CV, application, and the way you follow up, must be on point.
Instructional Video:
Best Places to Find Job Openings – Finding Job Opportunities
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Networking
Networking is an essential component of your job search, so it's important that you know how to do it well. A willingness to network and build connections will be the single most useful tool in your job search. Networking is considered by many to be the most effective way to find a job, but every person will need to build his or her own network differently.
Instructional Video:
Networking to Get a Job | Job Hunting
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Interviewing and Next Steps
A job interview is a two-way discussion, not a one-way interrogation. A job interview gives you the opportunity to: (1) learn more about the job and employer; (2) assess whether both are a good fit for you and your career goals; and (3) present yourself as the best candidate for the job. It also gives the employer the opportunity to find out if you are a good fit for the position and company by helping them better understand: (1) what you have to offer (knowledge, skills, and abilities); (2) who you are (personality, character, interests); and (3) why they should hire you (you have what they need and will be an asset to the company).
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Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) Creation
In the job hunt, the single most important tool is a carefully thought-out, attractively designed, well-written resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Your resume/CV describes your qualifications and what makes you unique. To stand out among other applicants, you need a resume that markets your strengths and match for the job.
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Cover Letter Creation
A cover letter introduces your resume/CV and provides context for the reader. The letter should reflect your personality, enthusiasm, intellect, and interest in the organization where you are applying.
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