The Daniel Scocco Approach to Setting Job Search Goals

The Daniel Scocco Approach to Setting Job Search Goals 2 Is your job search taking longer than you expected? Or do you just want to start out in the right direction? Let Master Blogger Daniel Scocco‘s universal goal-setting tips guide you. Why is having goals important? Let's say you and I both need groceries. We go to the same supermarket but you actually have a list of items to buy and only 90 minutes before you need to be elsewhere. Who is more likely to finish first, with the desired purchases in hand? Are goals and objectives the same? Most job seekers usually say the same thing about goals- “my goal is simple: to find a job”.eval Well, yes and no. I like to distinguish between your job search objective â€" a position which you might put directly on your resume â€" and job search goals such as better pay.eval 3 Qualities of Good Goals In his article Blogging Strategy: Goals, Daniel explains how… Goals must be measurable For this to happen, a goal must have a number attached to it so that you always know immediately whether you've reached it or not. Some sample job search goals: 4 weeks of vacation 10% increase in salary from last job New work found in less than 6 months Isabella Mori's 3 Key Resume Questions also has some good numbers to use on your job search. Goals must be consistent Your goals should be attainable together without any contradictions, which increases the chance of you being able to achieve all of them. Otherwise, when faced with a job opportunity you'll always have the feeling that you're settling for less than you should. If being paid a standard hourly rate is normal for you, will it help to dream of a 50% pay raise while only working half time? Goals should be realistic I like what Daniel says here: “Goals must be realistic and achievable, otherwise they will discourage rather than motivate you. Do not worry about stretching it a little bit, just make sure that you are not overshooting.” In 2006, the average job search in France lasted 6-9 months. In that situation, you'd better have a really good reason for believing you can find a new job in as little as 1-2 months. Bonus â€" Don't confuse goals with requirements When I first moved to France in 1999 after completing my Israeli army service, one of my goals was to find a job that would allow me to leave early on Fridays and not work on Saturdays or Jewish holidays. At least, that's what I told myself at the time. The fact is, I could never have accepted a position that would have needed me to do those things. Another example. If your previous income could barely support your lifestyle, accepting a job with a lower salary is not an option since it will put you in stressful debt. You may tell yourself that it's temporary but if that's the case, why not ‘temporarily' wait a little bit longer for a better job opening that will pay you enough? Moral of the story: Goals can be given up, requirements cannot. Want to be a goal scorer?