A Realistic Plan

First of all define the realistic job options open to you. These should be based upon the cross referenced achievement and key skills analysis (see later), together with a thorough review of the available job market. The job market review should be done by:

• Reading the relevant job sections of the national, trade and other specialist press, a useful list showing publication names and dates is provided at www.QuantumJobs.com
• Searching the relevant job sites on the internet, again automatic links are provided at www.QuantumJobs.com

For those who do not have easy access to the internet, your job help line (01582 472400) service will, upon request, mail or fax the list of the relevant job sections of the national, trade and other specialist press, showing publication names and dates.
You should decide upon your job target. You should be able to develop a strong case to justify this objective by looking at your past achievements. This will increase your self-esteem and confidence in preparation for the job search process.

However you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your objective realistic in light of the current supply and demand for jobs?
• Do you need to improve your skills in some way to find this kind of work?
• Will you need to move to another area to get this type of job?

You should be totally honest with yourself and the people around you. Most importantly you must not lull yourself into a false sense of security. Disappointment usually stems from unrealistic expectations, both yours and those of people close to you.