The process an employee goes through to help them determine the course of action they need to take in order to achieve their career objectives is called career planning. Typically performed annually, the career planning process evaluates the skills and knowledge gained to date, and identifies any remaining gaps.
Explanation
By examining workplace strengths and weaknesses, the employee is better able to make informed decisions on the training, assignments or mentoring needed to fill a skills gap. While the career planning process is usually performed by the employee, the information is normally shared with their manager so that mutual decisions can be made concerning the employee's action plan for the year.
A member of the human resources department is sometimes engaged to recommend specific training modules, or programs, that would benefit the employee.
The term used to describe the historical sequence of jobs or positions held over one's working life is career path. The term can also be used to describe the logical progression of future jobs that an employee strives to hold in order to meet their long-term career objectives.
The process or tools an individual can use to gain insights into their likes and dislikes at work is called a career assessment. Typically, this is a formal process and the career assessment is conducted by an outside service provider or administered through a detailed questionnaire.
Personal career goals, established by professionals in the workplace, are often referred to as career objectives. These are the goals an individual plans to accomplish, hoping to reach their full potential as a member of the workforce. A well-written career objective outlines the specific actions to be taken to reach both long and short term goals.
The term career coach refers to a professional that works with clients to achieve both their employment and career aspirations. Career coaches will provide their clients with advice on a number of topics, including employment opportunities, skills development, as well as how to go about changing careers.
The term career counselor refers to a professional that works with clients, and specializes in successfully helping them to find a new job. Career counselors provide insights into transitioning, managing, and advancing their client's careers.
The term resignation letter refers to a written notice an employee provides to their employer when they intend to leave the company. Tendering a letter of resignation can help employees to maintain a positive relationship with their employer, while providing notice they intend to resign.
The term job shadowing refers to working alongside another employee to learn about their organization, skills, roles, and responsibilities. Job shadowing provides an opportunity for participants to share knowledge, hone their leadership skills, and have a better understanding of their career options.
The term Occupational Outlook Handbook refers to an employment resource that provides information on hundreds of professions and trades. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; information is derived from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey.
The term placement test refers to an assessment that can help an individual identify optimal jobs and career paths. Placement tests take into consideration factors such as the individual's aptitude, interests, personality, skills, and values.
The term talent management is used to describe a set of processes that ensure a company has a high-performance workforce. A talent management organization will be part of human resources, and is responsible for processes that range from recruiting employees through performance management.