Advice and counsel starts with the self awareness of candidates

When trying to help candidates get the best job most recruiters are prepared to delve into their career hopes and dream and help them divine a path for them to accomplish those goals. However, during just such a conversation the other day it came to me that not only this particular candidate, but most candidates, lack the fundamental knowledge to start the conversation. In fact, most don’t spend any time at all thinking about their careers.

So where are you in your career? Do you know where you want to be in 2-4-6 years? If not you need to think about it since this is the stick by which you measure all of the next opportunities against, and without it you will be unlikely to make quality career decisions.

Comment by Nancy Ford on July 15, 2008 at 3:10pm: It's the old fail to plan, plan to fail logic, eh Bill? Very true. The one I like to tell my daughters is Louis Pasteur's: Chance favors the prepared mind. Planning is part of preparation! Your point is well taken, good sir. :-)

Comment by bill martineau on July 15, 2008 at 3:14pm: Great quote from Louis. I think I'll tuck that away for use on my blog for my quote of the day.