Let's get right to the heart of one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make, so that you can avoid it.

Often, when someone decides that they want or need to a new job, they assume the first step is to create or update their resume.

And don't get me wrong, having a current and compelling resume is incredibly important. But having a goal and a plan before you get going is going to make every part of this process so much easier.

It'll make it easier for you to position yourself as a strong match if you understand who you're talking to and what skills they'll likely value the most.

It'll also make it easier for you to plan how you're going to spend your time and figure out the specific things you'll do every time you sit down to work on this.

Not to mention … if you know where you’re heading, you’ll be able to create milestones, set deadlines for yourself, think through who in your network you need to reach out to and who you need to build connections with.

It's kind of like this:

Would you ever leave for a road trip or a vacation without a plan?

Probably not.

So don't set off on this journey without one. Or, if you're already well into or stuck on your journey, pull off at the next exit for a hot minute and think things through.

My mom used to tell my sister and I, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." It drove me nuts back then but she was 100% right.

I've worked with job seekers all over the world and no matter their level, their industry, or where they're located, there's one very loud common denominator. The most successful ones?

They're the ones who made a plan and followed it.

So, as tempting as it may be to dive right into creating or updating your resume, resist the urge.

It’ll be so (so so so) much easier to decide what to include (and what not to) if you understand where you’re pointing yourself and what will compel your intended audience to say, “Oh, heck yes.”

We’ve got a brand-new course that’ll help you cook up your plan

My latest course on LinkedIn Learning, “A Career Strategist’s Guide to Getting a Job” just launched.

It’s a self-paced video course for anyone looking for help with:

Creating a career plan
Identifying a target job
Finding the right job postings
Working with recruiters
Preparing to apply for a job
Crafting your professional brand
Writing a cover letter and resume
Succeeding in a job interview
Following up after an interview
Negotiating salary and benefits

If you already have a LinkedIn Premium membership, you’ll find the course right here.

If you don’t (yet) have a LinkedIn Premium membership, sign up for a free, 30-day LinkedIn Learning membership to access this course. It’ll also give you immediate (free) access our additional job search courses:

Job Seeker Tips
Writing a Cover Letter
Resume Makeover
Expert Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions
Cover Letter Tips
Video Interview Tips

I want a free month of LinkedIn Learning

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