How to Create a Job Search Plan

Descriptives and Values

Descriptives

When you are thinking of how to describe yourself, think about what your values are. What kind of skills and experience do you bring to the table? Can you remember and list your best accomplishments? Can you describe your passion and your interests? What about the things you are curious about and want to know more about? Do you have ideas to share? Depending on the type of job, are you prepared to identify your vulnerabilities?

Building the Foundation

To this point we talked about how our mindset plays a huge role in how we perceive and talk about ourselves. When we're in a negative headspace, it can be incredibly difficult to highlight our strengths and accomplishments with confidence. Bring awareness to the mental narratives holding you back from confident self-promotion. Are you fixating on past failures instead of learning experiences? Comparing yourself unfavorably to others? Letting imposter syndrome cast doubt on your capabilities? Once you pinpoint these negative thought patterns, you can begin to reframe them in a more constructive light.

The foundation of the Career Pathways Mastermind is the development of the ability to talk about yourself in a way that is engaging. Self-presentation is used in so many different ways from networking, interviewing, and career advancement to developing your elevator pitch, resume professional summary, personal band, and Linkedin profiles to name a few.

We are going to divide self-presentation into two sections which are descriptives and storytelling.

Descriptives

How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? When you are introducing yourself, you have precious seconds to make a good first impression. If you are at a networking event, you want to be introducing yourself in a consistent manner. We will be completing a couple of assessment and self-clarity exercises that will enable you to introduce and describe yourself confidently.

In today's competitive job market, simply listing your qualifications is no longer enough. When talking with Employers a compelling narrative that highlights unique strengths, experiences, and potential contributions will gain their attention. Some refer to this as the "elevator pitch."

Mastering the Art of Storytelling

How can you add detail to your descriptives? By perfecting your storytelling skills you can greatly enhance your ability to engage listeners during interviews and networking events. Storytelling allows you to weave your experiences into a narrative that promotes engagement with your audience. By incorporating storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions, emotional connections, and relatable anecdotes, you can effectively communicate your qualifications and make a lasting impact on potential employers.

A Comprehensive Approach

By incorporating these strategies into your job search plan, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for confident and compelling self-presentation. From crafting a personal brand that sets you apart, to mastering the art of storytelling, you'll have the skills to captivate potential employers and leave a lasting impact. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-promotion that will position you as a standout candidate in your desired field. With our guidance and your dedication, you'll be well on your way to launching the career of your dreams.

The more you know yourself, the more you can self market. Get your pencil and paper ready for notes, and let's go down the list.

When it comes to personal values, discovering what truly resonates with us can be an enlightening journey allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what matters most to us. Read over this list and select five.

As you review the list, take your time and listen to your intuition. Pay attention to the values that evoke a strong emotional response within you. These values are the ones that align with your core beliefs and identity. They are the pillars that guide your decision-making, actions, and relationships.

Values

After you select your five, rank them from one to five with one being the most important. Add a sentence to each to define what these values mean to you. When prioritizing, it is crucial to assign significance to each item in your list. By assigning a numerical value, you are able to establish a clear hierarchy and determine what holds the greatest importance to you. This ranking system allows you to gain insight into your personal values and what truly matters in your life. It provides a framework for decision-making and helps you make choices aligned with your core beliefs and principles.

Once you have ranked your items, it is also important to define what these values mean to you. Each value carries its own significance and understanding what they represent can enhance your self-awareness. By attaching a sentence to each item, you can articulate your personal interpretation and deepen your connection to these values. This exercise allows you to reflect on the meaning and impact they have on your life, providing clarity and guiding your actions toward a more fulfilled existence.

Value 1: _____________________________

Value 2: ______________________________

Value 3: ______________________________

Value 4: ______________________________

Value 5: ______________________________

Example:

Value 1: Creativity. Creativity and the ability to create, plan or develop is one of the most important values for me. This is something that I love to do in a job. To not have the ability to be creative in my day to day activities will leave me feeling stifled.

In summary, the process of ranking values and adding definitions to each item is a powerful practice that allows you to identify what truly matters to you and gain a deeper understanding of their meaning. By doing so, you can align your choices with your personal beliefs, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Workplace Values Exercise

Let's expand the values list by considering Workplace values. Review this list of workplace values and identify your top three. The value is listed in the left column. The right column contains a definition to help understand what the value is.

Workplace values are crucial in determining job satisfaction. They serve as a compass, guiding individuals toward fulfilling careers that align with their personal beliefs and principles. When one's values are in sync with those of their workplace, it creates a supportive and motivating environment that enhances productivity and engagement.

Identifying your workplace values allows you to prioritize what matters most to you. It enables you to make informed decisions about job opportunities, ensuring that you find positions that are not only financially rewarding but also emotionally fulfilling. By recognizing your values, you can enhance your work-life balance and overall well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and a higher quality of life.

Furthermore, when individuals are aligned with their workplace values, they are more likely to experience a sense of purpose in their roles. This sense of purpose fuels intrinsic motivation, making work feel less like a chore and more like a meaningful endeavor. Consequently, when employees feel connected to their work on a deeper level, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks, go the extra mile, and contribute positively to their organization's success.

You should now have a list of eight values. The next component on the list of what defines your unique self is skills and experience.