Why You Should Immediately Start Using SMART Goals
Recognizing that your goals aren’t realistic usually comes after you fail miserably and end up re-evaluating your career aspirations. There will come a time when you question yourself, often blaming small decisions for your inability to either find a job or advance in a career fast enough.
The solution is SMART goals. SMART goals get you off the treadmill so you can reach the finish line and get that job you’ve been dreaming of. While you’re exploring these elements, think about the goals you’ve set. Do they apply? Should you be resetting your goals?
Specific
What do you want to achieve? When you are specific, you want to ask questions like:
Why are you looking for a job?
When will you start searching for your job?
Where are you looking for a job?
How long do you want to search for a job?
What type of job do you want?
Measureable
Measureable goals have concrete evidence of attainability. Rather than use an element of ‘more resumes’, try seven resumes a week. Look for jobs that you can compare to your goals.
Attainable
Attainable goals are ones you can achieve. That means if you have other time pressures like children then you shouldn’t set a goal for twenty resumes a day. One of the best ways is to set smaller, more attainable goals so you can use them as steps towards a bigger achievement.
Relevant
When you’re searching for a job, you want to set goals that will help you get that job. You don’t want to waste your time on things that take you further from your primary goal.
Time-bound
By setting a timely manner to your goals, they become more meaningful. This allows you to set those smaller goals so you can propel yourself forward. Too short, and you may not achieve, too long and you may not try.
Establishing Smart goals is a great way for you to reset yourself as you look for a job. Be mindful when you set your goals so you can go from being a job seeker, to being fully employed. Then when you understand the process, you can apply this theory to all of your desires.