Anyone who has made the transition into the work force can vividly remember all details of their first “real job”. How they got it, how long they were there, the thrill of their first big project or closing the first deal. The first job remarkably is full of- well firsts. Unfortunately the same can’t always be said of the Second Job. The Second Job often toils in anonymity, undistinguishable & underappreciated. The Second Job however is a pivotal point in your career; it often establishes a career path & sets success in motion. With the help of recent article by Elizabeth Garone & The Wall Street Journal we have put together 6 steps to planning your second step:

Step1: Seize the Day:
Coming off your first job, you're in a solid position. "You have experience coupled with recent education, a great combination," says Steve Piazzle, a career & life coach in Mountain View, CA. If you've had any opportunities to work on big projects or have tangible results to show, even on a small scale, mention it. Play up these facts in your cover letter and in your interview. You have put the skills & attributes acquired during the course of athletic play to work; you now have quantifiable results to highlight. Keep records of success i.e. if you’re in sales keep a brag book of accomplishments; if you’re a personal trainer keep client testimonials. The point is keep records of your success.

Step 2: Positive Spin:
If you haven't been in your first job for very long, it could raise questions about whether you're a "job hopper & if you’re Gen Y don’t worry companies are preparing to deal with our Job Hoppiness." You can soften the reaction by being clear about your reasons for moving, focusing on a desire for a new challenge or a readiness for increased responsibility. Or, if your first job was in a your degree field & you realize it’s not for you, be prepared to do a bit of work before you launch a job search. "Companies would rather hire someone with clear direction," says Mr. Piazzale. If you're contemplating a move to something different, give yourself that direction while still in your current job. Ask for more responsibility in areas that mirror what you'd like to be doing in job No. 2 to show potential employers you know what you want to do. Key take-aways here: If you Demonstrate focus, clarity, willingness to accept new challenges & responsibilities you can positively spin an early exit in your favor.

Step 3 Update your Style to Reflect Your New Found Experience:
It sounds like a given, but a first-timer's resume is likely to focus on internships & skills acquired during athletic play. Now you've got experience and you'll need to make sure it shows. "The resume definitely needs to change to emphasize your accomplishments," says Mr. Piazzale. "It's important to keep in mind that the best kind of resumes communicate what you can do for a potential employer." And that requires a style update, too. Your resume bullet points should demonstrate how you used your skills to solve problems and produce value at that first job. "With a first job under your belt, you can also use them as stories of value during interviews," offers Mr. Piazzale. Now that you've had bottom-line responsibility, you've also got more to talk about in an interview. Bringing up the time you helped your fraternity raise $10,000 for charity isn't as valuable an example for job No. 2 as a story about the time you saved the company $100,000 when an idea you had was implemented. Play up the on-the-job experience and leave your university days as an afterthought. Practice mock interviews with a friend, if possible.

Step 4 Don’t Burn Any Bridges:
When it comes to the second job, college or summer job references or coaches alone won't do it, either. It's important to have at least one reference from your first job, so try your best to leave on good terms. "Give them plenty of notice, provide an orderly transition," says Mr. Piazzale. "When the potential employer calls your old employer and asks (if you are) re-hirable, the answer will be yes." A peer reference is better than no reference, so, if you have to hide your job search from your manager, find a coworker who can speak to your skills. This is critical throughout your career path. The better relationships you hold with past employers the better your future prospects will become.

Step 5 Take it Slow:
If you're at your first job and simply pondering a move, give it a little time. "Try to stay in your first job – assuming it's related to your degree – for at least a few years before making the job change," recommends Mr. Piazzale. And, if you need more specific experience to get the job you want, it might pay to stay at your first job for another few months. The more experience you gain, the better off you'll be when it comes time to jockey for your next position. As they say patience is a virtue. I often see people prematurely leave a position prior to leveraging it for all available experiences or worse yet leaving without having a second step secured. This puts you at as significant disadvantage when evaluating new opportunities.

Step 6 Send Out Your Signal Flare:
Once you've updated your resume and determined your expectations, it's time to reach out to alumni, coaches, & former teammates. Let your network know you are looking to make a move. They may not be able to help you directly but will be able to connect you with members of their network who have experience or have connections with the company or industry you are evaluating. For a great place to start your 2nd step check out the career opportunities listed below.