For example, automation is making more and bigger inroads into employment policy. And you'd better be ready for it.

Automated interviewing is a good example. Your next job search phone call may be from an automated system asking you screening questions. The system will try to determine if you are the right kind of candidate for the job.

Or consider that workplace privacy issues are expected to escalate. Why? A company employment policy can threaten personal privacy.

For instance, were you aware that some companies have started to use surveillance software? This sophisticated software covertly monitors and record each keystroke an employee makes. This includes individual letters, symbols, and punctuation. The data can be saved in a file or transmitted over a corporate computer network.

Ok. Let's say in a moment of frustration you put together a stinging letter to your boss whom you feel has wronged you. Then, after reading it over a couple times you rethink your decision. Maybe this isn't such a smart idea after all. So you delete the whole letter.

Too late.

Every word, every letter, every keystroke has been recorded on your hard drive. Or it's been sent as an email to a computer system administrator who can retrieve it at their convenience.

What does this all mean to your career planning or job search?

If you're on the job, beware. Find out what your current organization's employment policy is on this matter so you can make sure your privacy is protected. In other words, understand the corporate rules and play by them.

If, on the other hand, you are offended by this kind of employment policy and you see it as an invasion of your privacy you will want to discover the company's policy before you accept a position with them. It is not at all inappropriate to ask in advance. This is what intelligent, assertive job search is all about.

Planning your job search or career change in advance prepares you for addressing the kind of issues that can make a huge difference in your future job satisfaction and career growth. It's one of the many advantages of having a step-by-step roadmap to guide you along the way. That means your job search will be much faster and more lucrative than doing it the old-fashioned way!