There is a big difference between job search and career management.
Job search is more an event that commences when you need a job and ends when a new job is secured. Career management, on the other hand, is a mindset that goes beyond job changes.
The following nine statements illustrate the difference between job search and career management.
Job Search: I will start to look when I need to (unemployed, completely fed up, can see the writing on the wall, etc.)
Career Management: I am always in career management mode – I regularly do things that I need to in order to navigate quickly (and be in control of) future job transitions.
Job Search: I network to find immediate job opportunities, and hope that my network isn’t too stale (or… “what network??”).
Career Management: I have a very strong set of relationships and continually strive to add value to people that are in different circles than I am.
Job Search: I am good at what I do so I don’t have to look at gaining new skills.
Career Management: I keep a job journal that records my achievements as they occur.
Career Management: Each job change I have will be a stepping-stone to my ultimate career goals.
Career Management: My career is planned out – with flexibility. I won’t have control over everything but I know that my career is mine to own, and I’m making sure that I do everything I can to work towards my end goals.
Career Management: My career management is never over – it’s a part of what I do.
You have a choice, you can either take control of your career and future or you can choose to leave your fate to the capricious decisions of others. Others, who frankly, don’t have your best interests at heart. By managing your career you never have to do job search again. You may change jobs, but it will be because you have made the choice and it furthers your career. It won’t be because someone else took control and made the decision for you.
