Q: I recently visited a job resource center and attended a couple workshops.  In both sessions, the facilitators stressed the need to have an employment plan.  I had never heard of an employment plan before and asked about it.  Their answers didn't shed much light.  I gathered that it can help focus and streamline job search efforts, but how do I actually write an employment plan?

A: You're right - employment plans can help focus your work search efforts.  Well thought-out plans can eliminate wasted effort, keep you moving in a linear direction and even provide inspiration.  Local job resource centers are usually pretty good places to get help on writing employment plans, too.  From what you wrote, though, it seems like there was a communication disconnect.

While employment plans can be as complicated and detailed as you want, it's usually a good idea to keep them simple.  Let's take a look at the categories every employment plan should have:

Mission statement.  Most businesses have mission statements and, as the CEO of your job search, it's a good idea to include one in your employment plan.  Your mission statement should provide motivation, highlight your job search goal and a time frame to reach that goal.  Some even include a few words about personal ethics.  Place your mission statement at the top of your employment plan so it'll be the first thing you see every time you look at it.  This constant reminder will help provide inspiration and focus.

Target companies.  Inspiration without focus is pointless.  As such, your employment plan should also include the companies - and the departments within those companies - you would most like to work for.  This requires research, but the time invested up front can save you much more wasted time and effort later on.  Check out the companies' web sites, read the local business publications and do a little networking.  You may discover the companies you thought you wanted to work for may not be a fit.  You may also discover other companies you never thought of working for that may prove to be better matches.  Include two categories on your employment plan: the primary companies you want to work for, and the secondary.

Who you know. Do you have contacts in your primary and/or secondary companies?  Write their names and contact information in your employment plan.  Do you know people who might have contacts in your target companies?  Put their information in your employment plan, too.  This list of contacts will help you focus your networking activities.

Goals, quotas and dates.  Determine what you want to do and how many you want to do by specific dates.  There are a few categories you may wish to consider putting in your employment plan: resumes, cold calls, developing new contacts, informational interviews, and reaffirming your current ties.  Then set quotas for each category and assign due dates to the quotas.  For instance, if you want to send out five resumes everyday to leads you dug up online or to send 35 every week, put that in your employment plan.  If you want to develop three new leads per day or conduct one informational interview per week, or even contact 15 former college class mates every month, then put that in your employment plan.  Every category should have quotas and due dates.

Tracking report.  As you apply, contact, interview, etc., record your actions in the tracking section of your employment plan.  This will help you measure your success.  If you're easily meeting all of your self-imposed quotas, then you'll know you're not pushing hard enough.  If you can't come close to meeting your quotas, then you were probably too aggressive in setting your goals.  You'll also be able to tell who to follow up with and when.  You could keep your tracking report on paper or on a spreadsheet, but many prefer the free tracking service at JibberJobber.

IN THE CARAVAN: An employment plan should have a mission statement, a list of primary and secondary companies to target, contacts who can help you network within those companies, quotas and time lines, and a tracking section.

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