WhAT's in YOUR "MAKE A MOVE PROFILE"?

One of the unexpected outcomes of plugging into your professional network as a conference organizer, presenter, or attendee, is attracting the attention of colleagues who are looking for new talent. Even if you are happy where you are, can you afford to dismiss the possibility of something better? Take a few minutes to revisit your personal and professional aspirations, calculate your compensation requirements, and rank the importance of perks and logistics. Bring these all together into your Make a Move Profile.

Think ahead to an upcoming major milestone in your life: maybe it’s a work anniversary, a school reunion, a child heading off to college, or a birthday. Between now and that milestone what do you hope to achieve in your career? Pick your top 5 aspirations and then rank them:

• Move up in your industry
• Lead a team, division or an organization
• Relocate to a different city, state or country
• Become an entrepreneur
• Utilize a second language, specialized skill or expertise
• Publish a blog, article or book as a solo contributor or a collaborator
• Speak at local, regional, national or international events
• Win an industry prize or special recognition
• Change your industry or specialty
• Improve the balance between work and your special interests, family . . .
• Other:

Now think about what should be included in your ideal compensation package? Fill in the blanks, pick your top 5, and rank them:

• Salary
• Bonus
• 401K Match
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Disability, other:
• Time Off: Vacation, sabbatical
• Tuition reimbursement
• Stock options or profit sharing
• Transportation reimbursement
• Parking – free, reduced rate or reimbursed
• Housing
• Childcare
• Travel reimbursement
• Other:

What about perks and logistics? Pick your top 5 and rank them:

• Short commute – not more than ____ miles
• Access to public transportation
• Onsite parking
• Freedom to bring your dog to work
• A private office
• Dedicated staff
• Free breakfast and lunch
• On-site facilities:
  • Cafeteria
  • Childcare
  • Gym
  • Yoga
  • Services:
• Other:

Complete your Make a Move Profile by listing your 5 prioritized requirements in each category. When a colleague reaches out to you and your candidacy for a job opening becomes the topic for conversation, you’ll be prepared to ask the right questions and decide whether to say no, yes, or tell me more.

Can’t recall when you last updated your resume? Thanks to Monster, here’s a 6 Step Resume Refresh

1. Find your focus. Not sure, coaching can help.
2. Research target positions and adapt to “speak their language”
3. Develop a career profile/objective statement that can serve as a personal branding statement
4. Zero-in on your specific achievements and contributions; provide details
5. Use a distinctive template.
6. Proofread it. Enlist a second or third set of eyes

​Armed with your Make a Move Profile and a resume you’re proud of, expect the unexpected at your next industry, alumni or social event.