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...you’re looking for a new job

1. Write down your career goals

a. Really if you just think about them you don’t have a record

2. Location, Location, Location

a. Discuss with your immediate family where you will be looking and where they might want to live>

3. Write a new resume

a. The old one is old use it to start from but don’t just add to it. The format and details change from employer to employer and often even the mixing of 1st person and 3rd person happens. Start fresh and make it work for you and where you are headed with your career

4. Buy a new suit

a. Yup everybody likes a sharp dressed candidate

5. Get a new haircut or hairdo

a. You always feel sharp when you have a new coif

b. Make sure the color is natural

6. Make a list of questions you ask every employer every time

a. This way you compare apples to apples

7. Check out the prospective employer with your network

a. LinkedIn profiles for the upper management folks

b. Twitters by company

c. FaceBook groups

d. Google the name of the company

8. Stay positive

a. Avoid talking bad about your old boss, company and peers

9. Look at the economics

a. Is the time right for change

b. What are your financial objectives

10. Call the CCIE Agent to make sure you get a good deal!

...you’re looking for certification

1. Make sure you have career goals that certifying supports

2. Check your wallet

a. What can you afford?

b. What will your company pay for?

c. Should you start working for a company that pays for it before you begin?

d. How long will you be investing?

e. Share your plans with your family!

3. Look at what training companies offer

a. Racks

b. Retake

      i. Is there an additional fee for it?

      ii. Has anyone in your network had a bad experience with retake scheduling?

c. Workbooks and authors

4. Locations where training is offered

a. Decide where works best and influence the vendor you like most if they don’t go there!

5. What style of learning works best for you?

a. Self passed

b. Instructor lead

6. Find a mentor!

7. Track demand

a. Do your homework and select a track in demand!

8. Consider blended networks and blended certifications

a. Consider Cisco competitors’ training!

9. Negotiate pricing!

a. Really times are tough for training companies use it to your advantage!

10. Check the CCIE Flyer for specials!

...you’re quitting your job

1. Don’t rush into it!

2. Don’t be rude!

3. Give the minimum required notice period.

4. Be prepared to be escorted out of the building with prejudice

5. Protect your CCIE number

6. Get even properly

a. Exit interview is a good way to help your friends left behind

b. Avoid tweeting and using public forums to air dirty laundry

c. Share your pain with your friends privately

7. Coach your manager

8. Don’t get emotional

9. Refuse counter offers, they are disingenuous now!

10. Call the CCIE Agent for advice

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