If you’re in a career search, then you are taking aim. You are poised with a bow and arrow looking out at your target. Ready, steady, aim and fire!
When you are truly focused, the arrow hits the bulls-eye.
I am writing to urge you to take aim in your job search. The tool (and metaphor) I recommend is a pencil. I like this metaphor because it’s down to earth, it’s safe to use and it requires sharpening over time. The latter is true in a career search. It benefits from sharpening!
The pencil represents your focus. You don’t start out with a clear goal or vision. But you do set your sights toward the future. You put forward criteria for what you want in your next job. And then you sharpen the pencil. You whittle away what’s extraneous. You get more specific and clear. You develop a clear commitment to your future.
The pencil represents communication. First, literally by writing down what you want to achieve. Putting pencil to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) and taking the time to shape your goals and state the strengths and skills you bring to the workplace. Second, by taking time to hone your words and your message. To articulate your strengths, to craft a great resume, to deliver a winning interview response.
It’s important to refine and polish, sharpen (and erase!).
When your pencil is sharp, you readily and easily communicate your vision. We know where you want to work and the reason that you are a good match for that position. We know your strengths. We can feel the power of your focus.
You stand tall and set your sights on the precise point where you want to land.
Now, as they say in yoga, sharpen your posture. Imagine yourself standing tall with your feet firmly on the floor. Lengthen your spine. Stand up. Tall and straight.
With a sharp pencil you take aim.
Here! Here is the place where I want to work. Here! Here are the strengths that distinguish me! Here are the words I want to emphasize!
Sharpen your pencil.
Stand upright and look forward with intention.
Commit to your future.
If you want to sharpen your pencil with coaching support in community, email Career Coach Laura Paradise, lparadise.coach@gmail.com Laura is launching a “Writing for Work” group in 2017. Laura has great pencil sharpeners, a few erasers and fabulous editing skills.