9 New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers

January 1, 2020

Cue the long-awaited New Year’s resolution list filled with fantasies of achieving a goal weight, saving for a down payment on a house, or finally kicking that nervous nail-biting habit. But, have you considered your career goals for the year? With the glitz and glam of these common resolutions, it’s easy to overlook the changes you could make in your professional life. That’s why we’ve written up a few New Year’s resolutions for job seekers that are easy to remember and stick to.

Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for job seekers that should be considered:

1. Update your…everything.

Now’s the time to evaluate your cover letter, resume, social media profiles, websites, network, portfolio, and business cards to make sure they are the best they can be. Make sure there aren’t any typos and that your information is accurate and up to date.

You also want to ensure that your best impression is being made through your work. Having an old address on your documents and a portfolio can mean missed job opportunities.

2. Open yourself to possibilities.

When you’ve associated your professional life with a specific industry or title, it can be easy to have a closed mind when it comes to the opportunities that are available.

Don’t limit yourself in this way. Explore different industry and research various job titles that might be a good fit. Also, don’t limit yourself by geographical boundaries either. With flexible work, the world is your oyster.

3. Master a new skill.

Put the energy of a new year to good use by taking your professional development into your own hands. Give yourself a one-up on the competition by honing a desirable industry skill—one that is pertinent to your profession.

Or, if you’re looking to make headway in a new area, pick up a skill or two to get your foot in the door.

4. Work that network!

Networking is a tedious activity for most job seekers, but don’t let your lack of enthusiasm for it stand in your way. Employ the power of your network by reaching out to those you are already connected to, while also working to gain new connections.

This is a great time to reconnect with old classmates, mentors, or colleagues; re-activate your memberships with networking sites; and update your online social networking profiles.

5. Jump on the work flexibility bandwagon.

Traditional employment is making its way out the door. This year it is time to consider flexible work arrangements—part-time, remote, temporary, or contract-to-hire work—into your search.

In addition to greater work-life balance and the multitude of other benefits, flexible work can lead to some interesting new roles and career paths.

6. Solidify and live your professional brand.

To stand out from others and make an impression, you need a solid and consistent personal brand.

Evaluate your professional goals and aspirations, and then start to build something that shows who you are as a professional and why others should want to employ you. Remember to keep it consistent as an inconsistent brand can mean trouble.

7. Create a long-term plan to grow your career.

Knowing where you will be in five years is likely more of a bad joke than a real assessment of where you are going.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a long-term plan for where you want your career to go this year. Once you have your plan in place, create measurable and reachable goals so you can find success throughout the year.

8. Don’t forget social media.

Whether you love it or you hate it, social media has become a necessity to really dig into a job search.

Not only can you grow your virtual network through social media, but you can also connect with recruiters, get your name on a hiring manager’s radar, and gain access to information that will help propel your job search and career.

9. Stay positive and find ways to lose the stress.

Last but not least, don’t lose hope. The worst thing you can do for your job search is allow the stress and possible let down of job searching bring you down.

To avoid getting bogged down, set daily or weekly job search goals, allow time to participate in activities that lift your spirits, and remember to reward yourself for any success, no matter how minuscule it may seem.

Seek support from your professional network, friends, and family, and enter this new year with your head held high and with a newfound faith that this will be the year you score your dream job.

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Who is NEXTAFF? We are locally owned and operated staffing offices devoted to our communities, clients, and candidates throughout the United States. For more job tips and ideas, contact us. We are always hiring, so if you or someone you know is looking for work, check out our job board below and apply today! We are able to service all your staffing agency needs with local staffing offices in Sacramento-CA, Sonoma County-CA, Des Moines-IA, Raleigh-NC, Shawnee-KS, Topeka-KS, Detroit-MI, Kansas City-MO, Gulf Coast-MS, Phoenix-AZ, Miami-FL, Harrisburg-PA, Jackson-TN, Beaverton-OR, Pittsburgh-PA, North Dallas-TX, and Denver-CO.

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