Here we are early in 2008 and many are taking a long look at their career plans. Here are some ideas that should help you keep your career on track or help you in your career planning.



Take time to evaluate your present and future position. Set aside some time every three months or so to seriously evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Keep alert to what is going on around you. What is going on in your industry or market niche? Are there challenges your company is facing related to government actions? Are there new tools or techniques that will impact your career or job?

Remember the only job security you can count on is the transferability of your own skills. Do whatever it takes to keep your skills and qualifications fresh and marketable. Forgo that night in front of the TV and take a course at a local college or technical school. This will assure your skills are up to date.

Upgrade your networking skills. Regularly participate in professional organizations. Volunteer to represent your employer before outside groups. Keep in touch with those your meet and if asked provide whatever help you can. Nurture your contacts as you never know when their help might be needed in helping you advance your career or to help you find the right job.

Got a business idea in mind? Analyze and carefully plan out the career move. There are many advantages in running your own business, develop a comprehensive business plan. Take advantage of your networking contacts-they can provide you with valuable advice.

Perhaps starting the business part-time makes more sense. Start on a small scale and as you gain experience you can ramp it up to a full time business and career.

Always take the long view regarding your career. Don't force yourself to work in a career or job where you are miserable. How are you progressing in you career? If things need to be changed, moving in small steps can be more rewarding than one big leap.

If you have to change job or careers, or perhaps you position has been eliminated, part of your career plan should be to keep up to date on job hunting. Web skills you should master include using the internet, on-line resumes, scan able resumes, and social networking are just a few of the skills used today in finding a job. Don't overlook more traditional method of job hunting; finding jobs in the hidden job market, powerful resume cover letters and interviewing skills.

One note: more and more employers and conducting job interviews using the web cam rather than the traditional telephone interview. Brush up on you video broadcasting skills.

With all this going on maybe taking a look at you career and your career planning should be more that a once every three month event. Keep alert daily what is going on around you. With this strategy you'll be better able to quickly adjust to the ever changing employment scene and put your career on the track to success.