I had lunch last week with a colleague who is currently in between jobs. After a number of years in a fast-paced environment, she is now ready to focus on a new career path that provides better balance in her life. While waiting for her to arrive, I jotted down a few basic suggestions on places, processes and people for her to follow up. However, once she arrived and we began to talk, I realized that we first needed to address the career transition basics. I love the opportunity to help others, especially during career transition.

More often than not, job seekers tend to focus on the steps and processes and follow diligently all potential leads, all in hopes of exploring opportunities that lead to that perfect job. However, the road map to a successful career path starts within, with finding your passion.

• Step 1: What is it that you love to do? What are your strengths? What makes you happy? On average, we spend more time at the workplace than at home. Finding your calling will certainly make the perfect ingredient for a successful career path. It may take a few conversations with friends, family or colleagues to help you focus on your talents. (Yes, we are our worst critics.) However, as you fine-tune your interests, the vision becomes clearer and evaluating opportunities become easier.

• Step 2: Energize your network and get in touch with those who can help you. Now that you have a clearer idea of what industry or career path you want to pursue, it is time to get the network to work for you. Set aside one or two days per week to make appointments and phone calls and reconnect with your network. Get the word out that you are ready to explore new career opportunities. Give your network the ammunition: be clear to let them know what kind of position you are interested in. Be direct: Ask for suggestions, leads, information and permission to use them as references.

• Step 3: Follow up with your network and their leads, and be ready to act upon the leads provided. Your résumé should be updated to include your latest accomplishments, certifications and contact information.

• Step 4: Once the updated résumé is ready for its debut, share it with the corresponding leads and post it in the appropriate employment websites. The options are plenty: local, niche or industry specific, associations, alumni, government and national websites abound. Do your research, and use the appropriate medium for your career path. Another option includes connecting with local recruiters or staffing companies to explore opportunities.

• Step 5: Set aside time for yourself. Being in career transition can be stressful, and having time on your side is a great asset. Visit a bookstore, the beach or a friend or volunteer for a project. This is your chance to recharge your batteries. Besides giving you the time to unwind and relax, it will also give you an opportunity to expand the network.

Having a clear idea of your interests and the type of industry or career opportunity you are looking for will certainly get your network to work for you.

Janet Perales is Community Relations Manager for Jobing.com

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