Okay, we've all heard of iQ (Intelligence Quotient). Some of us have heard of EQ (Emotional Quotient). In Finding the Work You love, I've coined a new term, KQ. It stands for knowledge quotient. And, as the 21st century unfolds and the digital economy takes hold, it's something you need to be thinking about. Trust me.
If you want to be the best candidate you can be, here are some ways to boost your KQ:
Go back to school and earn another degree. This will help bolster your resume and ramp up your recareering effort. These days, degrees count for a lot and they reduce the degree of difficulty in finding new and more meaningful work.
Take job targeted classes at a university extension program, community college, or from a private organization. Certifications show that you've achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency.
Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences. Even if you can't shoehorn these into a resume, they'll make you more knowledgeable and better prepared for job interviews and future work.
Create a regular reading list. Magazines, trade publications, and online sites all provide valuable information that helps you stay current with trends and developments in any given field. Also consider setting up Google Alerts (www.google.com/alerts) to notify you when relevant topic and articles appear on the Web. When your search words match online content, you will know about it almost instantly.
Network with colleagues and build connections that count. Develop a network of friends, associates and others before you need them! Help them achieve their goals and they will help you achieve yours--even if its weeks, months, or years later. And don't overlook online sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to facilitate the process.
Attend training courses your employer offers. You may be overloaded with day-to-day tasks but keep the big picture in mind. Those who keep their skills current are more valuable in their current job and future jobs.
Negotiate tuition reimbursements before accepting a job. A substantial allowance can make learning less costly and far more accessible.
These are just a few of the tips that can help you land the career of your dreams. For more information and tips, check out my new book, "AARP Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love." It will help you put your KQ to work!
Terrific post, Sam! Lots of good, meaty stuff here, not only for those looking to change careers but also for those of us who want to make the most of our current career and to stay on top of industry trends, networking, etc.
I've reviewed AARP Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love over at Parent Talk Today:
http://tinyurl.com/6bck2q
I'm happy to recommend it to my readers!
Posted by: Kathy Sena | October 23, 2008 at 08:46 AM