7   Steps to an Effective Career Plan

1.    Identify Your Career Options. Develop a refined list of career options by examining your interests, skills, and values through self-assessment. Narrow your career options by reviewing career information, researching companies, and talking to professionals in the field. You can further narrow your list when you take part in experiences such as shadowing, volunteering, and internships.

2.    Prioritise. It's not enough to list options. You must prioritise. What are your top skills? What interests you the most? What's most important to you? Whether it's intellectually challenging work, family-friendly benefits, the right location or high income, it helps to know what matters to you -- and what's a deal-breaker. We provide skills and values assessments -- set up an appointment with a Career Advisor to take advantage of this service.

3.    Make Comparisons. Compare your most promising career options against your list of prioritised skills, interests and values.

4.    Consider Other Factors. You should consider factors beyond personal preferences. What is the current demand for this field? If the demand is low or entry is difficult, are you comfortable with risk? What qualifications are required to enter the field? Will it require additional education or training? How will selecting this option affect you and others in your life? Gather advice from friends, colleagues, and family members. Consider potential outcomes and barriers for each of your final options.

5.    Make a Choice. Choose the career paths that are best for you. How many paths you choose depends upon your situation and comfort level. If you’re early in your planning, then identifying multiple options may be best. You may want several paths to increase the number of potential opportunities. Conversely, narrowing to one or two options may better focus your job search or graduate school applications. 

6.    Set "SMART" Goals. Now that you’ve identified your career options, develop an action plan to implement this decision. Identify specific, time-bound goals and steps to accomplish your plan. Set short-term goals (to be achieved in one year or less) and long-term goals (to be achieved in one to five years).

§  Specific -- Identify your goal clearly and specifically.

§  Measurable -- Include clear criteria to determine progress and accomplishment.

§  Attainable -- The goal should have a 50 percent or greater chance of success.

§  Relevant -- The goal is important and relevant to you.

§  Time bound -- Commit to a specific timeframe.

7.    Create Your Career Action Plan. It’s important to be realistic about expectations and timelines. Write down specific action steps to take to achieve your goals and help yourself stay organised. Check them off as you complete them, but feel free to amend your career action plan as needed. Your goals and priorities may change, and that's perfectly okay.

What is a CV?

A CV, which stands for curriculum vitae, is a document used when applying for jobs. It allows you to summarise your education, skills and experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities to potential employers. Alongside your CV employers also usually ask for a cover letter.

How long should a CV be?

A standard CV should be no longer than two sides of A4. That said one size doesn't fit all. For example, a school leaver or recent graduate with minimal experience may only need to use one side of A4. Although not used as often, a three-page CV might be needed for those in high-level roles or for people who have gained a lot of experience or worked in multiple jobs over the last five to ten years. While it's important to keep your CV concise you should also avoid selling your experience short.

To save space only include the main points of your education and experience. Stick to relevant information and don't repeat what you've said in your cover letter. If you're struggling to edit your CV ask yourself if certain information sells you. If it doesn't cut it out. If it's not relevant to the job you're applying for delete it and if it's old detail from ten years ago summarise it.

What to include in a CV

·         Contact details - Include your full name, home address, mobile number and email address. Your date of birth is irrelevant and unless you're applying for an acting or modelling job you don't need to include a photograph.

·         Profile - A CV profile is a concise statement that highlights your key attributes and helps you stand out from the crowd. Usually placed at the beginning of a CV it picks out a few relevant achievements and skills, while expressing your career aims. A good CV profile focuses on the sector you're applying to, as your cover letter will be job-specific. Keep CV personal statements short and snappy - 100 words are the perfect length. Discover how to write a personal statement for your CV.

·         Education - List and date all previous education, including professional qualifications. Place the most recent first. Include qualification type/grades, and the dates. Mention specific modules only where relevant.

·         Work experience - List your work experience in reverse date order, making sure that anything you mention is relevant to the job you're applying for. Include your job title, the name of the company, how long you were with the organisation and key responsibilities. If you have plenty of relevant work experience, this section should come before education.

·         Skills and achievements - This is where you talk about the foreign languages you speak and the IT packages you can competently use. The key skills that you list should be relevant to the job. Don't exaggerate your abilities, as you'll need to back up your claims at interview.  

·         Interests - 'Socialising', 'going to the cinema' and 'reading' aren't going to catch a recruiter’s attention. However, relevant interests can provide a more complete picture of who you are, as well as giving you something to talk about at interview. Examples include writing your own blog or community newsletters if you want to be a journalist, being part of a drama group if you're looking to get into sales and your involvement in climate change activism if you'd like an environmental job. If you don't have any relevant hobbies or interests leave this section out.

·         References - You don't need to provide the names of referees at this stage. You can say 'references available upon request' but most employers would assume this to be the case so if you're stuck for space you can leave this out.

CV format

·         Avoid titling the document 'curriculum vitae' or 'CV'. It's a waste of space. Instead let your name serve as the title.

·         Section headings are a good way to break up your CV. Ensure they stand out by making them larger (font size 14 or 16) and bold.

·         Avoid fonts such as Comic Sans. Choose something professional, clear and easy to read such Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 10 and 12 to make sure that potential employers can read your CV. Ensure all fonts and font sizes are consistent throughout.

·         List everything in reverse chronological order. Then the recruiter sees your work history and most recent achievements first.

·         Keep it concise by using clear spacing and bullet points. This type of CV layout allows potential employers to skim your CV and quickly pick out important information first.

·         Name the document when saving - Don't just save as 'Document 1'. Make sure the title of the document is professional and identifies you, such as 'Joe-Smith-CV'.

Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine.

·         If you're posting your CV, print it on white A4 paper - Only print on one side and don't fold your CV - you don't want it to arrive creased.

How to write a good CV

·         Use active verbs when possible. For example, include words like 'created', 'analysed' and 'devised' to present yourself as a person who shows initiative.

·         A good CV doesn't have any spelling or grammar mistakes. Use a spell checker and enlist a second pair of eyes to check over the document.

·         Avoid generic, over-used phrases such as 'team player', 'hardworking' and 'multitasker'. Instead, provide real-life examples that demonstrate all these skills.

·         Tailor your CV. Look at the company's website and social media accounts, look to see if they've recently been mentioned in the local press and use the job advert to make sure your CV is targeted to the role and employer.

·         Create the right type of CV for your circumstances. Decide whether the chronological, skills-based or academic CV is right for you.

·         Make sure your email address sounds professional. If your personal address is inappropriate create a new account for professional use.

·         Don't lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application. Not only will you demonstrate your dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too.

·         If posting your CV online don't include your home address, as you could be targeted by fraudsters.

·         Always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise. It will enable you to personalise your application. You can draw attention to a particular part of your CV, disclose a disability or clarify gaps in your work history.

If you need a bit of inspiration to help you answer some of the trickier job application form questions look at our example responses to get you started

While some sections of a job application form only need straightforward, factual answers, such as your personal details or education history, others will demand you work a little harder.

You may be asked to write a personal statement, or be asked competency-based questions. These require you to discuss specific times when you've demonstrated the essential skills and qualities for the role, referring to the job description and person specification outlined in the advert.

While the precise wording of questions may vary between job application forms, they tend to cover similar ground. Here are ten typical application form questions and answers to help you.

Why do you want to work here?

The employer is trying to figure out your motivations and whether you've given serious consideration to your application. You need to show that you've done your research and understand exactly what the job entails. Explain how it fits into your long-term career plans.

Example answer:

Your company stood out when I was researching the leading electronics companies in the country. I am aware of your dedication to the development of innovative consumer products and I believe that this role would be the perfect fit considering my strong design background.

Why do you think you are suitable for this role?

You need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience match the job outline, while also explaining your motivation and goals.

Example answer:

I have always wanted to work as an exhibition designer for a museum that embraces cultural changes and provides a sensory experience for its visitors. My degree helped me to develop key artistic and organisational skills, while the experience that I gained from working at my local museum has been the ideal preparation for a career in this field. I would relish the opportunity to be part of the team that works on the concepts for your upcoming exhibits and collections.

Briefly outline your relevant skills and experience

Even if you haven't had any direct experience, you can still highlight any transferable skills that relate to the role. Turn your answer into a positive one by making it clear that you want the job to gain experience in the area.

Example answer:

Although I haven't had the chance to gain work experience at an advertising agency yet, I have already created high level concepts that have been used by leading brands such as Marks & Spencer. At university, I was the copywriter for a number of students' union marketing campaigns and have generated interest in my work through my website, which I designed myself.

Give an example of when you have worked under pressure

You need to prove that you've handled deadlines successfully in the past. Describe how you overcame obstacles that you had no control over.

Example answer:

During my work placement last year I faced various conflicting demands on my time due to the fact that my role was inter-departmental. One particular week, the pressures did threaten to get overwhelming as a number of key staff members were off sick. However, this allowed me to show that I could rise to the challenge. I left the company with praise from my peers as I always gave my best no matter what.

What is your greatest achievement?

Choose something outside of your academic life that's uniquely significant to you. This is an assessment of your attitude and motivations, to find out whether your values are compatible with those of the organisation.

Example answer:

When my mother was diagnosed with a serious illness last year, it was obviously a traumatic and stressful time for the whole family. Even though I hadn't done any sport since school, I decided to sign up for a run and raise money to increase awareness of the disease. I trained hard for a number of months and kept to a strict eating regime. I managed to raise nearly R30,000 for the charity and finished the race in a time I could never have dreamed was possible.

Give an example of how you made a positive contribution to a team and what the outcome was

The employer is checking that you have experience of working in a cohesive team environment. Describe a scenario where you had to draw on strengths and qualities in order to accomplish a group task. Explain your particular role, how weaknesses were overcome and what you learned.

Example answer:

During my time in the university film society, we decided to run a series of workshops for the local community. My role involved planning the daily activities, ensuring that the intensive course covered everything we wanted to include. While some tasks did overrun, the event was a resounding success with attendees remarking on how well it had been organised.

Describe an occasion when you've had to communicate complex information

This is a test of your ability to analyse complicated information effectively, and communicate it in a way that the audience can understand. Set the scene and describe your thinking process in a step-by-step way.

Example answer:

For my scientific research project, I had to present the ideas behind my thinking to the rest of the class. While presentations were common at university, this was a particularly complex proposal. I had to filter the relevant information and summarise my work, delivering this at a level the other students could appreciate and understand.

What is the biggest challenge that you've faced and how did you handle it?

The employer will be looking to find out about your attitude to challenges, as well as your ability to problem-solve and overcome obstacles, so you need to provide a significant example that demonstrates your adaptability in this area.

Example answer:

In my summer job working in a busy aftersales department I inevitably had to deal with some tough customers. This was my first real job, and I had to learn to successfully negotiate and interact with many people throughout the working day. On many occasions, I was the only staff member manning the desk so I had to cope with the pressure that this role demanded. I now feel that I am better equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Describing your strengths may come more naturally, but when it comes to your weaknesses, it is important to be honest and reveal things you are genuinely looking to improve on. Your answers need to be well-considered and tailored towards the role you are applying for. Show them that you are actively looking to learn and grow.

Example answer:

I'm a driven person who works hard to attain my goals. The ability to overcome obstacles and follow things through to completion has always been a strong point of mine, which is why I've managed to thrive in such a competitive degree subject. However, I am aware that as a perfectionist my delegation skills could be improved. I would welcome training in conflict management as well as any other opportunities to develop in this area.

Discuss a time when you failed to complete a project by the deadline

Your response should adequately justify the reasons for missing the deadline. While there are various ways to approach this, you'll need to give a good explanation and demonstrate that you've learned from this setback. The employer is looking to determine whether you'll manage your time effectively in the future.

Example answer:

In my first year, I failed to hand a history assignment in on time as I had underestimated how long it would take to complete the project. I got carried away with the gathering of information and left the write-up to the last minute. I lost marks on my final grade, but fortunately still managed to pass the year. This has never happened since, as I've made a point of allocating sufficient time to each task. I certainly learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

Please provide further information in support of your application

This will usually be placed at the end of the form and is similar to a personal statement, making it one of the most important sections to get right. Never leave this section blank, thinking that it’s enough to just answer the questions. It is an opportunity for you to show the employer why you are the best candidate for the job, kind of like a cover letter. You'll need to relate your skills directly to those outlined in the job description.

Despite the large number of applications per job, recruiters are struggling to find candidates with the right skills. But what skills do employers look for and how can you sell these on your CV?

Here are some of the most common key skills that employers expect you to demonstrate. It's vital that you understand these skills, and how you can show that you've developed them, in order to write a successful job application.

Resilience

This refers to your ability to deal with setbacks and is something that graduate employers have increasingly started to consider. How well do you cope with stressful situations or when something goes wrong? How do you react to unexpected changes or problems that occur during a project?

You aren't expected to be unaffected by these events, but you need to be able to show that you react to them positively and are able to develop strategies to deal with them.

Commercial awareness

Also known as business acumen, this is all about understanding how an industry or particular organisation works - where it sits in the market, who its competitors are and having knowledge of current developments in the field.

To exhibit commercial awareness you'll need to show you've done your research on the company and the sector it sits in. Membership of a professional organisation or relevant work experience can also be used to illustrate this skill.

Good communication

This is about how clearly you put across your ideas and your ability to listen to others. Employers will be keen to see how you build rapport, persuade and negotiate.

Use your CV or application form to outline specific written and verbal examples of when you've put these skills into practice. This might be any public speaking you've done, or writing for a student newspaper, for example. Show how you tailored your message to the target audience.

Effective leadership and management

Even if you're not applying for a management position, you'll still need to demonstrate to employers that you have the potential to motivate and lead others in order to achieve common objectives. It's also important to evidence the skill of self-management - demonstrating a situation where you've managed your own time successfully.

On application forms, detail situations where you've had the opportunity to plan and coordinate tasks during your degree or in extra-curricular activities such as university clubs and societies. The ability to solve problems and conflicts is always highly valued by recruiters.

Planning and research skills

To accomplish certain work tasks, you may need to come up with a suitable strategy and plan of action. This could involve seeking out relevant information from various sources. How you analyse, interpret and report these findings is what's important here.

Highlight the relevant skills that you've developed during your degree - reading around a subject and analysing that information before writing an essay, for instance, or interpreting the results of a scientific experiment.

Adaptability

Organisations want to stay competitive so it's essential to show employers that you're able to adapt to new situations and learn new skills in the workplace. Possessing this skill also tells employers that you're a good leader who handles challenges well.

To evidence this in your application you could use examples of a time you've learned new skills or processes at university or an instance when you've adapted to a new or challenging situation in your part-time job.

Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Most graduates will have had the chance to work in teams during their time at university and in part-time jobs or work placements. Employers will be looking at your individual contribution towards achieving common goals.

This isn't just about times when you've led a team successfully, but also when you've been an effective team member taking instructions and direction from somebody else.

Relevant work experience

Having some work experience related to the job you're applying for is increasingly important given the competition for roles. It is something that most employers will look for when assessing candidates.

For advice on how to secure a placement and make the most of the opportunities available, see work experience and internships.

Like any other growing thing, all businesses have lifecycles, and although many factors influence growth, there are 6 specific stages of a startup as they develop. Though the time spent in each stage will be different for every growing company, there are six main phases. Why does it matter what start-up stage your company is presently in? “Knowing where you are in your journey will help you manage your time and resources efficiently,” writes Rahul Varshneya in “4 Definitive Ways to Grow Your Startup.” With a sense of what’s to come, you can effectively plan for success in later phases. Here’s a look at the six stages of a start-up and what you can expect from each one.

Stage 1: Concept and Research

It seems everybody has (what they consider) a million-dollar idea, but making an idea into reality is very rare. Rarer still is the “great idea” that not only gets off the ground, but finds its perfect audience. A huge factor in a start-up’s success comes before the company itself ever launches. Before you do anything else, carefully research your target audience and your offering’s potential product-market fit Do people really need your product or service? What problem does your offering solve? Is your idea already out there, being sold by an existing company? Answering these questions entails a lot of research into your potential competition and industry, but it also takes talking to hypothetical customers about how your offering might help them. Research in hand, create a business plan and mission statement. Set goals for your development over the coming years.

Stage 2: Commitment

Here’s where you move from a concept to a company, putting your research into practice. Create a prototype, develop a process, and start building a team. Secure funding. Continue to refine your business model. Work towards a minimum viable product, begin initial marketing to drum up some word of mouth, then launch.

Stage 3: Traction

Traction, or validation, is typically the first year of a start-up. This is the stage where you begin to get the word out about your product and gain your first customers. Here you find out whether or not your company is truly viable. “Before their companies start to grow, most entrepreneurs mistake traction for growth. Both come at different stages in the lifecycle of the startup and play very different roles,” says Varshneya. At this stage, focus on growing your customer base and attaining the product-market fit you researched earlier.

Stage 4: Refinement

In the refinement stage, typically year 2, you are receiving—and soliciting—feedback from early adopters, then using that feedback to continue refining your product or service. How can you improve your offering? What about your customer experience? Concentrate on expanding the aspects of your product that are most beneficial to customers. Your early interactions with customers go a long way toward establishing your credibility and building customer trust. Show that you are taking customers’ concerns into account as you continue to develop your offering. Refinement also means refining your process, making it more efficient. How can you streamline your process? Are there parts of the workflow you can cut out altogether? Is product performance matching your projections, and if not, where is it getting derailed? Test your strategies and track conversion rates, social media analytics, and any other data you can to inform your decisions.

Stage 5: Scaling

The next stage of a startup is scaling, or growing—further growing your customer base, your offerings, and your company itself. In this stage, which can start at year 2 to 3 and last for years, you iterate on what’s working and put processes into place to iterate faster. Continue optimizing your marketing strategies to efficiently pull in customers and increase your conversion rates. Build out your staff and infrastructure to support your growing workload. For the smoothest scaling up, build scaling mechanisms into your business plan from the beginning. How and when will you hire more employees? How will you expand your marketing? What about growing your physical premises and technological infrastructure? Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to stay agile as you grow—the process can be unpredictable. Like refinement, scaling requires considerable awareness about your process. As a founder, this likely means limiting or delegating any non-essential tasks you are performing. “While scaling up, there may be many tasks on a daily or weekly basis that hold you back or slow you down,” advises Varshneya. “While scaling up, you want to channel all your focus on just one thing—growth.”

Stage 6: Becoming Established

Congratulations—your company is no longer a start-up, but an established enterprise. In this stage (likely year 3 or after), you may see considerable growth, although not at the dramatic rate you did while scaling up. Focus on increasing customer retention and loyalty, testing and refining your marketing strategies, and further developing your strengths.

What You Need to Know to Make the Most of Each Startup Stage

Of the 6 stages of a startup, which stage of start-up growth best describes your business’s current incarnation? Wherever you are on the start-up timeline, keep these tips in mind as you work toward the next.

• Be patient. Regardless of where your start-up falls in the stages of development, it can be difficult to fully embrace that stage without wanting to jump ahead. Resist the temptation to cut corners. Each stage needs to play out fully…which may take years.

• Remember that every company is unique. Comparing your progress to other start-ups’ trajectories can be productive—to a point—if you are learning from their mistakes and triumphs. But take care that this comparison is inspiring you, rather than dragging you down.

• Keep your customers at the center of everything you do. Your customers’ needs and experience are all-important; after all, without customers, your company can’t survive.