Setting a goal gives you a target to aim for. Your goals should be consistent with your skill set, values, and interests. Goal setting is the key to your success.
Obviously the goal is to get a job, but what type of job? If a goal is vague or too general, it is difficult to stay on track or even know if you’ve reached the goal. Making your goal “to get a job” is like going on a trip without knowing the exact destination. A trip to Anywhere, USA might be appropriate, if you’re an adventurer, but few can apply this type of goal setting to the job search process and be successful.
I seek a job in the food industry that will allow me to use my cooking skills.
To make the above goal more specific, consider this information:
- Identify job types (chef, line cook, nutritionist, etc. depending on your education and job history).
- Identify salary ranges (consider hourly pay as well as annual salary).
- Add the date you hope to be employed.
- Include type of food industry or restaurant, or geographic location.
I am seeking a job by the end of the year, at Martin’s Café as a line cook making $12.50 an hour.
Narrowing down your goal is necessary to target your job search. Ask yourself these questions: What am I good at? What do I want to do? What jobs are available in my area? How much do I need to make? Am I willing to work part time? Many people use the S.M.A.R.T. method when setting goals. The acronym is described below.
|
S - Specific |
Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why. Remember, specific goals have a better chance of being accomplished. |
| M - Measurable |
How many, how much, how will I know I have accomplished it? Measuring your progress will keep you motivated. |
| A - Achievable |
Base your goals on things you can do, even if it is hard. Failure is almost guaranteed if you base your goals on things you can’t control. You can't make employers hire you, but you can prepare for the job with the best resume possible or the best interview, etc. Develop the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve your goal. |
| R - Realistic |
Is my employment goal realistic based on the time I have to achieve it? Am I able to accomplish this goal without additional education or training? Don’t make your goals too easy in order to accomplish them. |
| T - Time |
When do I want to achieve this goal? Without a timeline attached to your goal, it will likely be forgotten. |