Are You Prepared ?

Career Management techniques come and go, but the following eight tips have remained the same. Used effectively they can be the blueprint to success.

Current Resume
As you accomplish new and greater tasks, update your resume. You will be thinking more positively about yourself and can use your resume as an avenue for bragging. Do not wait until you find yourself out of a job and risk the chance of having a negative mindset.
Stay Informed
What is your company's current market share? Who's currently on the fast track? You should always keep in touch with what's going on inside the company.
Read the Classified Section
Browse the classified section just like you go to the mall and window shop. A very common phrase used in stores everyday is "I'm just looking". Well...Just look through the classified.
Seek new challenges
One of my favorite movie one-liners is: "Let's take the fight to them gentlemen." Sean Connery definitely had the right idea in UNTOUCHABLES. This same concept applies to the workforce.
Do your homework
The - "My dog ate my homework" trick didn't work in high school and I guarantee it will not work on the job. If you have a new assignment, do your homework. If you desire a new assignment, do your homework. There is nothing more impressive, than being able to share the highlights of a project: scope, general overview, possible solutions, etc., with you boss even before the assignment is made. This shows that you have foresight as well as hindsight.
Grab the Gusto
Do not become the unnoticed fly on the wall. If it's worth a brownie point, grab it. How does the saying go?... "See a penny, pick it up, It can only bring good luck". Please, don't go chasing after insignificant rewards but those pennies can add up.
Apply for openings
Review all new positions that become available in your company. Apply for all that are viable for you. This is a good way to increase exposure.
You never know to much
There is an abundance of information out there just waiting for you to embark upon it. Go for it. Stay in touch with new technology. Know who's who. Who are the movers and shakers in your industry? What are the latest political decisions that could impact your job?

-J.M. Grayson