What do you do if you want to make strategic career decisions based on your skills and experience?

Know the value of your skills and experience. How do you do this? I call it minding your Q&Qs—your qualitative and quantifiable metrics. What bottom-line outcomes have you driven that align with your target roles? You need to believe in and demonstrate the value and impact you've driven; the best way to do that is to KNOW those outcomes - by the numbers. Determine the themes of the roles you want, then align your achievements to those themes with metrics. You'll be surprised that you've been driving VP-level outcomes even if you're a director. The goal is to demonstrate this quickly for those who view your profile or resume.

To make strategic career decisions based on skills and experience, assess your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. ??Research industries and roles that align with your expertise and career goals. Seek mentorship or professional advice to gain insights. ??For instance, I guided a client through a career transition by evaluating their skills and aligning them with emerging market trends. Together, we identified opportunities where their experience could thrive, leading to a successful transition into a new and fulfilling career path.

Channel Your Inner Sherlock Holmes: Imagine yourself as a modern-day detective, examining the clues of your career path with keen insight. Take a cue from Sherlock and analyze your skills like clues in a mystery novel. Reflect on your triumphs and challenges, and use tools like SkillSight or CareerExplorer to uncover hidden talents and strengths that could shape your future endeavors.

Assess Skills: Start with a deep dive into your own skillset, peeling back the layers of your professional persona to uncover your true competencies. This isn't just about what you can do, but how what you can do translates into value across different contexts. For instance, a project manager's organizational skills are not just applicable in IT but can be a game-changer in event planning. Unearthing these transferable skills opens up new pathways and perspectives in your career journey.

First, test your platform beforehand. Iron out any glitches with audio, video, or connection. If the platform itself is clunky, be upfront with the interviewer - express your enthusiasm and explain you're using a backup platform (have one ready!).

Summon Your Inner Archaeologist: Dive into the depths of your professional history like an intrepid archaeologist unearthing ancient artifacts. Dust off the relics of your past roles and projects, and unearth nuggets of wisdom from each experience. Tools like LinkedIn's Career Explorer or Jobscan's Resume Match can help you excavate valuable insights buried within your work history.

Analyze Experience: Here, you transform your past into a compelling story for your future. Reflect on your journey, emphasizing not just the roles you've held but the impact you've made. Think of your career as a portfolio of projects, each illustrating your problem-solving prowess or your knack for innovation. This narrative isn't just a list of accomplishments; it's a testament to your ability to drive results, making you a valuable asset in any strategic role you aim for.

Craft Your Career Constellation: Picture yourself as an astronomer mapping out the stars of your career aspirations. Set ambitious yet achievable goals for your professional journey, and chart your course towards the brightest constellations of success. Use tools like Trello or Monday.com to plot your career trajectory and track your progress towards your celestial goals.

Set Goals: Setting goals isn't just about envisioning a destination; it's about charting a course to get there. These goals should stem from a blend of your ambitions and the reality of your skills and experiences. They act as a compass, guiding your job search and helping you evaluate opportunities not just for their face value but for their alignment with your career blueprint. It's about finding the right fit for your skills and your soul.

Market Yourself Like a Boss: Step into the shoes of a savvy marketer, crafting a compelling brand story that showcases your unique value proposition. Create a standout resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio that grab attention and leave a lasting impression. Whip up visually stunning marketing materials with tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to dazzle potential employers or clients.

Market Yourself: Imagine you're not just a candidate, but a brand. Your resume and cover letter are your marketing materials, and every networking event is a pitch meeting. It's about showcasing not just what you've done, but how you think and what you believe in. This self-marketing extends online too; ensure your LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms tell your story consistently and compellingly, making you irresistible to potential employers.

Identify your unique strengths and expertise, then tailor your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters to highlight them. Showcase quantifiable achievements and relevant experiences to attract employers' attention. Network actively, attend industry events, and engage with professionals to expand your reach. By effectively marketing yourself, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the job market, paving the way for strategic career advancement.

I love to help my clients come up with ideas for posts they can write on LinkedIn. Being present and having a fully updated, optimized profile is important. But activity matters, too. And I find that helping clients tell their relevant stories helps them become stronger interviewees.

Effectively promoting yourself in the job market involves showcasing your distinctive value proposition to prospective employers. It's not just about listing your skills and experiences; it's about articulating how you can solve their problems, meet their needs, or contribute to their success in a way that sets you apart from other candidates. This entails crafting a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths, accomplishments, and relevant attributes. Utilize various platforms and channels, such as your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and networking events, to strategically communicate your value proposition and establish your personal brand.

Embark on a Career Safari: Imagine yourself as an intrepid explorer venturing into the wilds of the job market, in search of exciting new opportunities. Explore different industries, roles, and possibilities with a spirit of curiosity and adventure. Dive into the jungle of job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, armed with the tools of research and a sense of adventure.

Explore Options: The job market is an ocean of opportunities, some hidden beneath the surface. Dive into different sectors, consider roles outside your traditional path, and don't be afraid to look in less obvious places. Sometimes, the perfect role for you is the one you never thought to look for. Embrace the unconventional; what seems like a detour today might be the fastest route to your career peak.

Plot Your Course with Panache: With all the pieces of the puzzle laid out before you, it's time to make your move with confidence and flair. Trust your instincts and make the choice that feels most aligned with your passions and aspirations. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so embrace the adventure with gusto!

I love how my fellow coaches are talking about your inner voice as well as the practical considerations of money and responsibility level. Truth is that many people do not consider their own preferences and values when making career decisions. It's possible you've been in the wrong job! Listen to your gut! If something feels "off" about the interview, or if the requirements don't excite you completely, this is a sign!

Decision Time: This is where strategy meets soul. Evaluate each opportunity not just on the role itself but on how it fits into the bigger picture of your career and life. Consider the culture, the growth trajectory, and the learning opportunities. It's like putting together a puzzle where the pieces are your goals, values, and aspirations. The right decision feels like a click—a moment of clarity where everything fits.

Keep in mind that your career path is a dynamic and ever-evolving adventure. Stay open to new opportunities and be prepared to pivot as needed along the way. Seek guidance from mentors, peers, and industry experts who can offer valuable insights and support as you navigate the twists and turns of your career journey.

??Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. ??Decide what you want to achieve in your career in the long term. ??Look into different jobs and companies that match your skills and interests. ??Connect with people in the field you're interested in for advice and support. ??Keep improving your skills to stay competitive in your job. ??Look at job offers carefully to see if they fit with your goals and skills. ??Ask others for their thoughts on your strengths and weaknesses to help guide your career decisions.

Here’s what else to consider: Beyond the concrete steps and strategic decisions, remember to listen to your gut. Sometimes, the best opportunities are those that feel right, even if they don't tick all the boxes. Also, don't underestimate the power of a break or a detour; these moments can provide unexpected clarity and opportunities for growth. Your career is not just a series of roles but a journey of becoming—who you are today is not who you will be tomorrow, and every decision, every experience, is a step on that journey.