I use the term "market ready" because when you try and make a career move, you are usually in competition with others, or a decision maker needs to say yes in order for you to successfully make your move. In order to win that job, get that promotion, or successfully make a career change, you need to market yourself. And that means connecting the dots between what you have to offer and what your target is looking for.
So, how do you know when you are truly prepared? How do you know when you have the Ready, Aim parts nailed?
You are ready when you have covered these 8 Steps
1. You have captured your starting position and defined your next career step
2. You have a deep understanding of your professional background, including your accomplishments, your strengths, skills and abilities
3. You understand in which kinds of jobs, teams and organizations you fit
4. You have then defined the specific kinds of position and organization you are targeting
5. You have prepared persuasive reasons, backed up with concrete proof why you make an excellent candidate for your target(s)
6. You have created an effective, focused, compelling, proof-based resume that shows the reader "why you?"
7. You have prepared for networking conversations, and have mastered interviews, including the ability to prove your candidacy when faced with behavioural-based interview questions
8. And, you have carefully defined your criteria for making a decision when the time comes.
Source.