With 2020 finally ending, everyone is entering the new year looking for a new start. Now is the time to start refocusing on your career and decide if you’re on the trajectory for success.
If you’ve already started looking for a new job, you’re ahead of the game. The beginning of the year is a peak time to secure a new role since a large portion of openings become available during the first quarter.
Here are some new year’s resolutions for job seekers that will help you secure your next big role.
Take LinkedIn seriously
If you’re trying to find a new job, LinkedIn is your key. Most recruiters use LinkedIn and if they can’t find you online, they’re not going to be able to reach you. Creating a profile isn’t enough. You need to have an updated headshot and detailed work history. LinkedIn is a platform where it pays to be proactive. If you see a recruiter posting details on searches that are pertinent to your career, you can message them requesting for more details. Even without a public-listing, you can message contacts about potential roles with companies that are relevant to your interests.
Find a mentor
Depending on where you’re at in your career, it benefits to have someone in your field that is years ahead of you. It helps to have someone that will be able to provide career guidance when you’re looking for a new job. If not, you should still have a network of people that are in your line of work. Not only can they serve as referrals, but you can share insights on ways to leverage a new opportunity.
Prioritize your health
Mentally, physically…. job searching takes a toll after a while. Even if you haven’t been on the job hunt for long, this year alone has kicked most people down. You may have spurts of motivation that drive you to apply for multiple jobs in a single day, but don’t overdo it. If you enter the burnout stage, you won’t perform as well in an interview as you would in your normal state. Remember to prioritize your health.
Establish a brand
Your brand is essentially another form of an elevator pitch. Without going into a deep investigation, what is your brand at a first glimpse? Your brand needs to be evident in your website, resume and work portfolio.
If you’re not sure how to get started with this, ask yourself – why would someone hire you? What separates you from other candidates? What part do you play in a team setting?
Volunteer
If you’re out of work, or even if you’re at a job, volunteering is important for some employers. It’s a way of giving back to the community and it reflects your character. It’s a fantastic way of filling resume gaps, while showing that you are hardworking, even outside of the workplace.
Create a workspace
Whether you’re working remotely or just applying for jobs, having a designated work area can help you stay organized in the midst of chaos. Dedicate some time to clearing out clutter, getting rid of unnecessary documents and organizing the papers you actually need will allow you to think more clearly.