What's In Your CAREER TOOL KIT?

Before we get into "What's In Your CAREER TOOL KIT", let's start with 1st things 1st . . . do you know what a career tool kit is and do you have the tools?

Definition of Career Tool Kit: (according to FAB) A ready-to-go professional portfolio that hosts a wide spectrum of career-related information, all set to showcase your tools, e.g. work/internship experience, resume, cover letter, business cards, letters of recommendation, business connections and samples of completed projects. In essence, the Career Tool Kit is your harness that displays your professional experience, organization skills and workforce background.

WITHOUT IT . . . Without your Career Tool Kit, you have not proven your dedication to taking your career to the next level. Your level of seriousness is watered down and the level at which you will be promoted and considered for positions and professional opportunities will be stunted. Your work, nor will your experience be as highly regarded. If you're lucky or are able to make a connection because of someone you know, you may score an opportunity despite your lack of preparation or organization. But either way, your professional presentation and style speaks volume. Even if you get the position, the promotion or the raise because of a personal connection, you lack the foundation to continue that rapid success. And who knows, had you been prepared with your CAREER TOOL KIT, maybe you would have progressed even further. But why take that chance and play rush and roulette with your life and your future. Instead of trying to work around the system and find short cuts to success, why not work hard to build up your reputation in a way that reflects your tenacity, dedication to succeed and willingness to go above and beyond what average workers do. If you want great results, you must display great efforts, great work and a great presentation. Often times, we underestimate the power of presentation. If we present ourselves in a way that reflects who we want to be, where we are trying to go and what we strive to attain, we can often skip so many steps because people in power will give us a chance. Not necessarily based on our resume, but because we have passion and we are willing to run, when others are simply satisfied with walking.

Career Tool Kit In Progress:
It is understandable to not have every piece completely together, but you MUST appear that you do. Remember, perception is everything. Employers do not want to hear a pity story. They want to feel that you are confident and competent to get the job done. Your personal issues must be resolved at a later time. With that said, even if you feel that you are not where you want to be in your career or feel that you have nothing to put into your CAREER TOOL KIT or that your work/projects are not viable enough to highlight, you're wrong! Anything that you have done that pertains to your career, professional goals or accomplishments is relevant and MUST be in your kit!

What does a CAREER TOOL KIT Look Like?
Every one's tool kit looks different, but bottom line is this. You have the materials! You can showcase the information in a platter of ways, but at least you have the information ready to go! That is the MOST important factor. When the opportunity of a lifetime comes knocking on your door, it is not the time to say "man, I wish I would've been prepared!" NO!!!!!!!!!! You must have your game face on at all times!

Ideas of What your CAREER TOOL KIT Should Look Like:
- In a professional binder (should be very organized and highlights the most important info)
- Portfolio
- Saved on your jump drive (all you have to do is press print when you need it!)
- In a business card holder (all you have to do is open it up and all of your contacts are there!)
- Copies of everything (you should have documentation of all the major work you have completed or worked on!)
- Saved/Printed emails (always save/print important conversations, agreements, documents, etc.)
- Folders in your email (separate emails so that your professional information is organized and easy to find)

**You may be wondering why some of the options listed above seems like common sense or very informal, but you'd be surprised at how many people have experienced, witnessed, completed and worked hard and have NOTHING to show for it! Your CAREER TOOL KIT is not literally a "tool kit" per se; it is more of a thought process and tangible way to store your professional information in a way that is easily accessible at any given time. You never want to be caught unprepared! You definitely don't want to be considered average! You have done the unthinkable, let your CAREER TOOL KIT prove it!**

If you are lost and have NO idea of where to begin, you can contact FAB directly to gain personalized guidance on how to build and maintain your CAREER TOOL KIT! Email me directly, jstyles@thefabnetwork.com.


Stay FAB and Stay Ready!