Your Career May Need a Mirror: Why Career Reviews Matter

You might need an impartial perspective on your career. Of course, you know what you do well and how you deliver value, but a periodic career review keeps you viable for new opportunities.

I play golf, and when I notice errant shots going consistently in unintended directions despite paying attention to my setup and swing, I know it’s time for a tune-up. I go to the driving range to concentrate and practice. If I can’t fix it, I book a session with a golf professional because I can’t see myself clearly.

The same principle applies to your career.

It is easy to get used to the status quo when you have a job. Just look around the workplace, the shift is palpable. Jobs, titles, structure, technology, leadership, ownership, and industries have morphed into different places, positions, and outlooks. 

Hunkering down to ride out these shifts is not a strategy. The world, society, and the workplace have shifted.

You want to be future-focused on your career. Before you plot where you want to go, pause to acknowledge your expertise, accomplishments, and value.

A career review is an excellent starting point. You will want to confirm that:

• You can clearly describe your accomplishments and unique value proposition.
• Your skills and qualifications match your career objectives.
• You know what types of activities you do NOT want career-wise.
• You can confidently present reasons why a company should hire you.

A career coach can assist you in identifying and assessing your qualifications, work preferences, unique value, likes and dislikes, and in prioritizing short- and long-term goals.

However, sitting quietly with your thoughts, pen, and paper can also prepare you for future exploration.

Should you want a nudge, I have a free downloadable mini-workbook, Who Are You Now?, to help you assess where you are now and what you have to offer.

Download the free Who Are You Now? mini-workbook.

You know my strategy for fixing my golf swing: go to the driving range to confirm what I think is going on with my wayward shots. Mind you, I don’t have a mirror on the driving range. In my mind, I believe it allows me to describe what I suspect is going on. Then, common sense kicks in, and that is when I find and listen to a golf pro because I can’t see myself. That perspective from a professional makes all the difference.

You might want to do the same when thinking about your career.

Think about where you are in your career progression. Use the mini-workbook to clearly identify what you do and what you have to offer.

It takes just 15 minutes to gain a new perspective. If you need additional insight, engage a career coach. Then listen. Professionals have trained insight into appraising conditions, skill sets, and situations. We can hold up a mirror to reflect unbiased perspectives about what we see and hear from you. Best of all, we have resources to help you review and achieve your career objectives.

Sending you encouragement for career success and fulfillment,