Wednesday, January 1, 2020

8 Great New Years Resolutions Related to Your Job Search

8 Great New Years Resolutions Related to Your Job Search8 Great New Years Resolutions Related to Your Job SearchMost New Years resolutions are the same year after year lose weight, save money, gossip less, volunteer more, find a new job, etc. But have you considered rethinking your list of resolutions this year to focus them more on the smaller steps you need to take to accomplish those bigger ones? For example, instead of just resolving to land a new job, try coming up with a handful of resolutions for things you can or should be doing to support this end goalGame to try this out? Heres a list of ideas for job search-related New Years resolutions to consider1. I will only apply for jobs I really want.When it comes to job searching, applying to lots of jobs doesnt necessarily yield more interviews or offers. In fact, it often has the opposite effect- youll hear back from fewer employers or none at all. This tends to happen when job seekers start submitting their applications to any j ob that looks remotely interesting, rather than finding a job that really speaks to them. So look for jobs that make you excited just thinking about them- those are the jobs worth applying to.2. I will take a class.As more jobs appear in the workplace that never existed before, job seekers certainly have to stay on their toes. Relying on past education isnt going to cut it anymore, since the ever-evolving state of work means that new technologies will force workers to constantly update their industry knowledge. Look through job descriptions to see what employers in your field are looking for, and see if your education and skills are a match. If not, take a class so you can stay ahead of the curve and therefore be able to apply for positions that resonate with you.3. I will clean up my social media presence.Sure, its tedious and tiresome, but all it takes is one caustic comment or slightly inappropriate photo online to crush your chances of getting hired for a job. Start by picking o ne social media profile at a time, and go through it from the perspective of a potential employer. If something seems slightly off-color or could be easily misconstrued, delete it ASAP. While you shouldnt dedicate all your time to a social media cleanup (your focus should be finding and applying to jobs, after all), review your profiles at least once a week or monthly. Before you know it, your online presence will be more suitable for recruiters and hiring managers to view.4. I will really consider the schriftart of flexibility I want/need.The weather outside might be getting frightful, so its natural to want to work from the warm comfort of home (or if youre a digital nomad, a beautiful beach in Belize). Before you start looking for a work-from-home job, though, consider all of your flexible work options. Maybe you want to work remotely only a few days a week, and still go into an office so that you can be around your coworkers. Or maybe becoming a freelancer fits this stage of you r life. Perhaps a part-time position would work for you and your familys needs. Take the time to assess what type of work flexibility you need, and then tailor your job search to find only those jobs that fit the bill.5. I will learn how to network effectively.There are typically two schools of thought when it comes to networking. Either you really like it, or the very thought of it makes you want to cringe. If you fall into the latter category (and who doesnt?), you should make knowing how to network one of your top New Years resolutions. Since job searching is rarely a one-man show, you might need the help of some people in buchung to find a job. Expanding your professional circle via networking (either at local events or online) can greatly improve your chances of getting hired.6. I will be more organized.Many people want to purge their possessions at the beginning of a new year. And that sense of KonMari cleanliness should also apply to your home office, too (or whatever space y ou use to conduct your job search). Make koranvers that your desk is neat and tidy of any clutter, and that your files arent overflowing with unnecessary papers. Its also a good idea to clear out the digital clutter as well, and delete unimportant files and programs from your computer so that it runs more efficiently. Having a clean workspace will allow you to think more clearly as you apply for jobs, and also give you a sense of what it would be like to work remotely.7. I will focus on the follow up.After you apply to a job that you really want, make it a point to follow up with the employer or hiring manager. Reach out after a week or two to ensure that your application was submitted successfully, and see if the employer has any questions. This is also a great opportunity to reiterate how much you would like the job, from appreciating the companys culture, to feeling that you can be a true asset to the organization.8. I will create an Accomplishments Wall.Lets face it you might ge t discouraged if your job search doesnt result in a job offer right away. To help steady yourself during those tough times when it feels like employers arent responding to your applications, create a collection of all your accomplishments. Take a memo board and attach items that are meaningful to you. You can include previous professional achievements (like awards or certificates), but be sure to include some personal touches, too. You might include a pic of you and your former coworkers whom you loved as a sign to remind yourself to build strong bonds with your future colleagues. You might include a photo of a beautiful mountain scene to encourage you to use your flex to travel and work at the same time. And be sure to put a photo up of your loved ones- whether its your partner, your children, even your pet- to not only help you realize that you need work-life balance, but to remind yourself of why you work in the first place.Start Your Job Search BROWSE OPEN FLEXIBLE JOBS