Having a career plan is a useful tool to monitor your career progress. It cannot be overemphasized the importance of having a realistic workable career plan. The operative words here are that you work the plan. You monitor your career progress and over time you make adjustments to your career plan as circumstances change. Some important careers planning tips are given below.

Never stop educating yourself. The world is constantly changing, and most companies are looking for new ways to conduct business. Once you have confirmed that your current skills need to be enhanced, it is necessary to update your skills. Your hunger for knowledge is the key to your success.

Be a good listener. Always listen to your co-workers, subordinates and superiors. You can always learn a thing or two from their experience. Ask them about the current issues they face and listen to what they say. They can help you by teaching you how things work and what you could have done to do something better. Most people are only too happy to dispense free advice.

Identify your dreams and put them to action. Don’t let your job kill your dreams. If you have unachieved goals, put them into action now. If you have plans to educate yourself, get a better job or start your own business or anything else, do it now. Don’t let your workplace act as an obstacle, as it will only slow you down. If you have the energy, use it now to realize your dreams.

Your current job is the best place to start. It has been said that there is very little that separates the successful from the average. After all, nothing is free. A job done satisfactorily and fulfilled responsibilities indicate a good start. Suggest possible improvements to your supervisor. Talk to them about the things you can do to help the organization run more efficiently (and to help them look better). In return, ask your boss to help you build a better career. This is possible only if you have proven yourself as a valuable employee.

Improve your contacts. More than 50% of jobs are obtained with the help of networking and contacts. If you have good ones, then this is a good place to discover new careers and learn about new opportunities. Spend time building new contacts – and don’t forget to maintain the ones you already have. One of the best ways to get information is to regularly ask your contacts how they are and what is new within their sphere of influence.

Be prepared. Update your resume now and continue to update it regularly. Prepare for your dream job with a professional resume and don’t forget to market yourself as a valuable asset to anyone who is willing to recruit you. If you don’t know how to write a resume, start learning. Your dream job might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.

Online job search that involves going directly to company internet sites is a good way to introduce yourself to the company in which you think you might be interested. Typically, companies are eager to present themselves to the public online so they will have complete descriptions of their business philosophy, the services, supplies or products they promote, and a section for job hunters in which they post job openings. Generally, you can identify, through various search options, the jobs which might be appropriate for your skills and abilities. Many systems allow you to apply for specific jobs online through a system where you would complete an application and upload your resume. It will be transmitted to the Human Resources Department or function responsible for resume assessment.

Once you have completed a company’s application process, you will then become part of their database for a period of time. Some systems search their databases automatically when new jobs are posted. If your resume matches any of the job requirements, you shall get a notice and opportunity to apply for the job online.

The advantage of these online job search functionalities is that they give you access to an extensive database of job opportunities across the country. You can search by state and city, and view everything that is posted. The more sophisticated sites also allow you to narrow your search by job category, name or position level. Some allow you to specify a company name and search nationwide for job opportunities within that specific company. This online functionality puts many position descriptions in front of you quickly. You can apply for them immediately, or on the more expansive sites, you can put them in a “save” or “watch” category so you can think about it and apply at a later date.

Other sites have extensive functionality to help job searchers including: search by date posted, job profiles you can set up that alert you to jobs being posted that fit your skills. Resume posting on the job search site where employers can search resumes that match their requirements, salary calculators. Career resource links that provide services such as, coaching, education, interview tips, financial advice, etc. Career fair information, resume critique and video resume posting.

Check out the site you want to use, look for endorsements, privacy and security statements, and full disclosure about company ownership and business practices. Many online sites require you to purchase a membership, but the fees are not excessive and most have varying levels so you can pick one that suits your needs and your budget.

To be fair, there is one thing that online sites can not do: specifically, they can not put you in physical contact with a potential hiring company because most do not allow any contact outside the online service. However, the advantage of applying for a limitless number of jobs, in any category may outweigh the lack of personal contact. Searching online will certainly ensure that a far greater number of potential employers get to see your resume than if you used a single employment agency or recruiter.