When it comes to pursuing your true career calling, self-awareness is the key. For some, self-awareness comes naturally, for others, it is a long journey filled with speed bumps, potholes, and dead ends. Many times, executives and professionals think the solution is as simple as getting a new key rich professionally branded resume. “Sure. That must be the answer! After all, it has been 10 years since I had a newly formatted resume.”

Putting the proverbial cart (in this case the resume) before the horse (self-awareness) may be setting you up to tumble down the spiral career staircase if you are not fully up-to-speed with trends and realities. While you may need a professionally written resume from a certified resume writer, you may first need to attend to other issues (primarily self-awareness) before you begin the resume process.

As you read through the questions, choose the answer that most closely matches how you would answer.

What do you want to do?

a)    “I have a broad background in XYZ, an undergraduate degree, and some graduate work, but since I am just starting back to work, and haven’t looked in a long time, I’m thinking either marine biology or acting…can you hold on a minute?  Ok…I’m back, my kids were fighting and, oh, I just really wanted to always work with dolphins when I was in college, but, oh, hold on…..ok, I’m back…it’s been so tough since I am a single parent and how much did you say that would cost? Oh, yeah…it’s marine biology…that’s what I want to do! I think that is the most practical even though I live here in Michigan.”

b)   “Ah, well, that’s a good question. I always thought that I would be doing XYZ, but I got sidetracked. I have to be practical, but I still want to pursue my XYZ career.”

c)    “I have been preparing for the past 2 years to work in the field of XYZ.”

What are your accomplishments in your current or most recent position?

a)    “I’m a great parent, I’m always helping everyone with everything. I’m sorry, what was the question again? Oh, yeah, I think I’d be a really good marine biologist because I love working with aquatic animals. I volunteer at the local aquarium.”

b)   “That’s a good question. I suppose I am a good relationship person, people like me and I know how to talk to everybody.“

c)    “I won the XYZ of the year award in 2011 and 2012. My supervisor recognized my results in a recent survey which ranked my in the top 10% of XYZ’s company-wide.”

Why do you think you need a new resume?

a)    “It’s been so long. I just need to fill in recent gaps, the past 10 years. It’s not much, just some of my volunteer work. How much will that cost? Really, I don’t need a lot done to my resume. I would do it myself, but I just don’t have time. It won’t take you long. Maybe an hour.”

b)   “Oh, it’s been several years since I had one done. At least since mid-90’s.  I’m not even sure how to look for a job.”

c)    “I have been conducting research in recent months and understand that resumes require a targeted focus with a format that will grab the attention of the recruiter and hiring manager. I know that my content needs to be updated. Technology has also become a variable and I am unsure of how all of this factors into a current resume.”

If you answered (a) in most of the questions above, you may need to seek a therapist prior to a career coach or resume writer.  Life can get hectic and stretch us in many directions, however, without first plugging into oneself and being focused, counseling is always a great start! It is perfectly healthy to seek professional counseling to sort through emotional issues, stress, or scattered random thoughts.

If you answered (b) in most of the questions above, chances are you need a career coaching session (or two) prior to hiring a resume writer. If you cannot answer definitively, you are not ready to start the strategic resume writing or design process.

Many people think that going through the resume process is the time to sort out their issues, soul search, and quite frankly, bend an ear along the way. It is not.

If you answered (C) in most of the question, you are most likely ready to start production of your resume. You are focused, have done your research, and know the value of time.

A career coach is not the same as a therapist or counselor. Your resume writer may, however be a certified career coach in addition to being a resume writer. Always ask for certifications and gain understanding of credentials while conducting research!

Still not getting it?

If you find yourself disagreeing with this post, are getting agitated, or feeling unsettled, this may be a trigger for you to gain further insight into you.  One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is to gain self-awareness well before you start the resume process. Gaining self-awareness will bring you into reality with the current workforce challenges, set you up for success, and save you time and money in the long run.

Focused or Unfocused? 

Lets take a look at what focused and unfocused look like. As we dive deeper into the questions, we can clearly see the difference as we listen to the answers from both a focused person and unfocused person. While this may sound like an exaggeration, it is fairly common with people who are desperately clinging to anyone that will listen and in need of either counseling with a trained therapist or concentrated coaching session to conduct career exploration.

What do you want to do next in your career?

Example A:

“I want to go to become a marine biologist or maybe work behind the scenes in one of the labs. Even though I don’t have any formal training in marine biology, I know people in the industry that can get me in. The CEO of our aquarium knows me and I’m sure he would help me get an interview for the Lead Dolphin Trainer. I love dolphins. Did I mention that to you? Hold on, those darn kids are fighting again! ok…I’m back.  Yes, dolphin trainer or something like  Public Relations Manager at the aquarium. That would really be great. I’m so good at getting people hyped up especially in party planning!”~Unfocused

Example B:

“I have been preparing to apply for a position as a Marine Biologist for the past 2-years, by acquiring practical skills in animal husbandry while working at Sea World. I earned my degree in Marine Biology and I graduated with a 4.0 while working at Sea World. I also volunteer at the Miami Marine Center one weekend a month helping with rescue efforts.”  ~Focused

Believe it or not, example A is very common. It is natural to feel pressure, uncertainty, and unaware with so many demands placed upon us during a struggling economy. There is no logic in the thinking, random thoughts are peppered, and the verbal filter is off. Clearly, self-awareness is not prevalent. This person may be referred for career coaching or even counseling sessions with a certified therapist as stress factors appear to be at play.

Example B, reflects a clear thinking individual with a purpose, mission, and clear plan of what they have done to prepare for their targeted position.

Do yourself a favor, sit in silence and really plug in to what you have done, who you are, and what you are seriously skilled to do. If you are:

• Feeling off kilter, emotionally unbalanced, experiencing scattered focus, feeling false sense of security, or grasping at straws, seek out a therapist before you consider getting a new resume.

• Feeling secure but not sure of next steps, hire a career coach before seeking a resume writer. You will be surprised at how much you can gain with one hour of career coaching.

• Able to answer simple questions, with straightforward answers, you are ready to hire a resume writer!

Regardless of where you are in the process, pushing through the proverbial pain of hunting for your next position can be as easy as getting back on the horse.  The key to self-awareness is putting forth the effort to get into reality by investing in you.  Make yourself a priority when looking for work, getting back into the workforce, or changing careers. Sure, it is hard work prepping to look for work, but with a proper path, you will gain clarity, confidence, and support towards a bright future!

Self-awareness. Treat yourself to a dose of it today!