A career audit can help you set attainable goals for the new year
Photo by Cathryn Lavery for Unsplash
This time of year can feel like a never-ending list of to-do items, both at work and at home. If you feel rushed and frazzled, you might reject the idea of adding yet another project to your pile. But hear me out. Taking the time to conduct a simple career audit before the new year can become a gift you give yourself.
How a Career Audit Benefits You
My coaching clients come to me in search of many aspirations: better income, a sense of purpose, improved lifestyle and more overall satisfaction at work and at home. If you want any or all of these results, you can make them happen; but as a first step, you need to take an honest look at your career path thus far.
In my experience, many individuals allow external forces to move them along a specific path. They take the roles offered them rather than seeking out their own career moves. While any upward advancement can help propel your career, some can leave you feeling dissatisfied if the new role is more about someone else’s goals than your own.
A career audit will help you identify which roles have best matched your own goals and values, and it will help you create a plan for your next steps.
First, Review the Past Year
The most important moment in your career is right now. Even if you don’t consider your current company or position the highlight or pinnacle of your story, only the present moment can lead you to your ultimate goals. Whatever you do next will begin right here.
Take an honest look at the past year and ask yourself:
Did I have any big wins or high points?
What gave me the most satisfaction in my work?
Did my work this year align with my core values?
Does my current role allow me to live the lifestyle I want?
Which people helped make my work more enjoyable or successful?
Were there any low points or failures? What did I learn from them?
How did I measure my success; both on company terms and on my own terms?
Do I feel like this job/role is the right fit? If not, why not?
What steps did I take to meet new people or learn new skills that will support my goals?
Keep in mind that this year-in-review should reflect your honest perspective. It should not regurgitate your official review from your boss or peers, although any feedback from company reviews could inform some of the questions you ask yourself.
Next, Think About Past Roles
As you look over your entire career history, think about some big picture themes that have followed you along the way. These can include:
Whether you enjoy managing people or not
How you work best (in teams, alone, remotely, on the road, etc.)
The managers and company leaders who inspire you most
Types of projects where you feel most confident and engaged
How much structure you need
Which environments and people you find most challenging or stressful
Situations where you feel bored or underutilized
Company culture dealbreakers and must-haves
I should note that this exercise is not about ruminating over past slights, perceived failures or missed opportunities. Rather, you should consider the why behind your career highs and lows.
What about you allows you to thrive in some situations and not others? As you identify some themes from your past roles, it should help you create goals that suit you best. Again, it’s not about what other people think you should want – it’s about what you want, your values and how you work best.
Finally, Make a Plan
Go through your responses to the questions above and try to identify three to five main points. Look for recurring patterns in your responses to help focus your career goals.
For example, you might zero in on key points like:
I enjoy leading teams.
I require a company culture that supports growth and autonomy.
I prefer local projects that don’t require travel and that allow me to connect with my community and live my preferred lifestyle.
Next, write some measurable goals to accompany each main point, such as “I will identify three job openings for manager roles in my local area” or “I will schedule three informational interviews with leaders at companies that have a strong reputation for growth and innovation.”
If your themes have highlighted any skills gaps, then your goals might include specific plans for training or certifications that can help you land that dream job.
In addition, consider your network. Reconnect with people who have information or connections that might lead you further down your preferred path. If your next steps include changing careers, find networking groups and opportunities to meet more people in your desired field.
This blog has scratched the surface of identifying and achieving career goals, and I will share more ideas in future posts. If you would like to take your career to the next level, contact me to learn more about my approach to individual career coaching and salary negotiation.