Goal Setting: The First Step to a New Career

Amar is interviewing for a new job. He is asked, “Why do you want to work here?” He looks surprised, then after a thoughtful pause says, “Because I saw the ad in the paper and thought it would be fun.” The interviewer later asks, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” Again, Amar thinks for a minute, and then hesitantly answers, “With higher pay?”

Later that day Anita is interviewing for the same job. When asked her goals, she leans slightly forward, and states, “I have always wanted to work in this industry, which is why I got my degree in a related field. I plan to take the following courses for certification in my field (she briefly lists courses she has taken and is planning to take to increase her credentials). Within five years, I plan to be mentoring others in my area, and to have increased job responsibility at this company because of my credentials and increased skills.”

Who do you think will get the job?

The above scenario is not as far-fetched as it sounds. A surprisingly large number of people never define what their personal career goals are, or even investigate what type of work is best suited for them personally.

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