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Be specific, be very specific

Every now and then, as we’re working on Career Objectives, one of my clients will get all squirmy and anxious, because they’re afraid their objective isn’t broad enough. Worried that they might miss out on an opportunity, because the objective is too narrow, or too specific.
Bollocks! I say; there is no such thing as too specific. In fact, the more specific your objective is, the better.

Imagine the following scenario: one morning, you walk into your local super market, and stand there for a few minutes, looking lost. Sure enough, somebody will approach you, and ask how they can help you. “I’m here to buy some food” you say. The store clerk smiles nervously, and is bound to ask you “What kind of food, madam?” With a determined look on your face, you answer: “Lunch. I’m here to buy lunch food.” No matter how determined you are, you’re not helping the clerk help you. “What kind of lunch food, madam? Hot or cold? Sandwich or salad? Meat or vegetarian? Packaged? Frozen? Ready-made? Fresh??”

You get the picture. My point is: the more specific you are, the easier it is to walk you to the correct aisle in the super market. Likewise, the easier it is to put you in touch with the right kind of people, who can help you with information and advice relevant to your objective. If this means, that you have 4, 5, or even 10 different resumes, each with a different - but specific - objective, then so be it.

As Dr. Phil says: “You’ve got to name it, before you can claim it”. If you don’t know exactly what you want, and say exactly what you want, nobody will be able to help you, let alone give you what you want.

Last updated on Jul 07, 2011 at 06:38 AM
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