Career Planning System

In addition to the many excellent career counselors and advisers, modern-day job seekers often make use of a career planning system to help them move in the right direction. These systems vary quite a bit, ranging from skill assessment and interest testing to personality analysis and education searches. But most, if not all, have one goal – helping the applicant or job seeker find a rewarding position without a lot of wasted time and effort.

Some entries in the career planning system are excellent products from private companies. For a fee, these programs can help job hunters identify their real interests and passions, as well as help determine the skills the individual has to offer. A percentage of these companies have systems that can be shipped to the individual for use at home. The package may contain workbooks, CDs, videos or DVDs. Included in the package will be detailed guidelines for self-study and self-assessment.

Other companies offer their career planning system as a Web-based, interactive program. The fee is usually paid by credit card or other electronic method. Many of these contain similar information, assessment tests, career explanations and so on, just as with the printed material mentioned above.

In addition to the private-company plans, a university may offer its own career planning system, aimed at those who want to explore different fields of work or want to change occupations. However, the university plans will also have extensive information and assessment material designed for those choosing a college-to-career path. These can be an excellent activity for recent high school graduates and community college graduates.

A perfect partner to the formal career planning system should include a less-formal, self-designed "system." This plan should definitely include attendance at one or more career day events. As you prepare for these, keep in mind that professional appearance is quite important. In addition to giving some thought to the clothes that will be worn, a visit to a career day event should always include some research into the employers who will be present at the event. While it may not be productive to spend a lot of time on all the details, more information is generally better than none or too little. Representatives will remember those who have solid knowledge of the business that may be their employer for life.

One of the items in every career planning system should be an organized, complete resume. Always have more than one copy available. Don't be caught without a resume, in a situation that could open doors to a new career. As part of the resume tool, plan to submit your resume by electronic means (email, Web site). Many experts in the career-planning field note that a few employers discourage paper resumes. Computer access and familiarity with electronic communication are important parts of a career planning system.