New Year’s resolutions are usually about health and wellness. But what about your career? Why not make some long-term, realistic resolutions to set you up for success?
2022 is coming to a close, and we often reflect on the last year. How do you feel as you reflect on the last year and where you are professionally? Do you feel proud, accomplished, stuck, or unappreciated? Was your work-life balance a constant stressor this last year? Do you want to change your career path? Do you have professional goals you want to achieve in the coming year? Whatever your goals are, there will always be better ways to achieve them.
It’s not too late to make some career resolutions for 2023. The best way to begin is by making realistic resolutions and deciding your professional goals in the coming year. The resolutions you make should align with your professional goals. Consider what resolutions will put you on the right path in your career journey in 2023.
- Update Your Resume
When was the last time you took a moment to refresh your resume? If it’s been a while, set aside some time to revise it. Chances are you have some new skills and experiences to add that may need to be added to your current resume.
First, review your resume for any necessary updates that should be included, and add those details in. Then, ask someone you trust or a career coach to review your resume for holes, unnecessary jargon, and areas for improvement.
And remember to customize your resume to align with each job you apply to! For example, when applying for remote positions, include the qualities you have that lend themselves well to this type of work, such as self-motivation, organization, and accountability.
- Clean Up Social Media
It’s easy to post something to social media and think nothing more about it. But when job searching or trying for a promotion, it’s essential to keep your social media pages clean. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking at social media, and a misstep could cost you a job.
Plus, social media can be a powerful job search tool, so it pays to ensure your profiles are up-to-date and professional.
- Solidify Your Professional Brand
It would be best if you had a solid and consistent personal brand to stand out from others and make an impression.
Evaluate your professional goals and aspirations, then build an online presence that shows who you are as a professional and why others should want to employ you. This is an excellent time to create an elevator pitch that can further solidify your brand and expertise. If you have past work samples to showcase, a personal website can also give recruiters insight into your skills and experience.
- Find a Mentor
A good career mentor is a person who is a few years ahead of you in your field and is willing and able to meet with you regularly to guide how to handle job search and career-related questions. Ideally, you can count on this person to be objective in a way that friends and family can’t be.
- Grow Your Network
A solid and well-nurtured network is the foundation for continued job search success. It’s also important to continually grow your network to increase your prospects. Explore the different areas where you can meet new people to add to your network. Consider attending in-person or virtual career fairs, joining a professional organization, and reaching out to others via social media.
- Spruce Up Your Skills
Search through job descriptions to see what employers in your field are looking for and determine if your education and skills match. If not, take an online class to stay ahead of the curve and be more hirable in your intended field.
Professional development will enhance your resume and show potential employers that you have a growth mindset and are willing to grow your skills continually.
- Organize Your Home Office
Many people want to purge their possessions at the beginning of the new year. And that sense of KonMari cleanliness should also apply to your home office (or whatever space you use to conduct your job search). So ensure that your desk is neat, tidy, and free of clutter and that your files aren’t overflowing with unnecessary papers. A clean and organized workspace will allow you to think more clearly as you apply for jobs.
It’s also a good idea to clear the digital clutter and delete unimportant files and programs from your computer. This ensures that your computer runs more efficiently.
- Clearly Define What You Want
Once you have all your application materials and your home office in order, it’s time to define what you want in a job so you can embark on a targeted, effective job search.
You will, of course, want to identify the fields and career categories you’ll be targeting, but you can also explore what type of schedule and flexibility you need in a job. For example, do you want to work remotely some or all of the time? Are you looking for a fully flexible schedule, or are you okay with set hours? Would you prefer an employee or freelance position? Beginning a job search with answers to these questions in mind can set you on the right path from the get-go.
- Target Specific Companies
Just as you should seek a job that you’ll truly love, it’s important to target companies that will be an excellent cultural fit for you.
Using LinkedIn can be a valuable way to seek out compatible companies. First, find a company you admire and would like to work for on LinkedIn, then look for the “Similar pages” section on the right side of the page to find related companies. This could help you uncover businesses in your industry that could be a good fit.
Create a list of companies and check their job postings often. Then, if you think you’re particularly well-suited, consider reaching out and “cold emailing” them about employment opportunities.
- Follow Up with Employers
Some job seekers shy away from following up on a job application. Maybe you don’t want to “bother” the employer, or you assume you’re out of the running. However, checking in is expected, and it could put your resume in front of the hiring manager.
After applying for a job you want, make it a point to follow up with the employer or hiring manager. If you haven’t heard anything, 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 an excellent opportunity to reiterate how great a match you’d be for the job and company, from appreciating its culture to feeling that you can be a true asset to the organization.
- Practice Interviewing Skills
Good friends and networking contacts can be invaluable in helping you hone your interviewing skills. This is especially important when you have a conversation scheduled. But even as you begin your job search, practicing what you will say in different situations by participating in a mock interview doesn’t hurt.
- Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
Job searching can take a toll, and it can be easy to feel down or stressed, leading to poor mental and physical health. Resolve to keep your spirits up and focus on your health as you job search in the new year.
To avoid getting bogged down, set aside time to participate in activities that lift your spirits. Remember to reward yourself for successes, no matter how minuscule they seem. Get yourself outdoors, even for a quick walk. Use a meditation app to put you in a mindful state and eat as healthy as possible—while still treating yourself here and there!
At the Lincoln Group, we go above and beyond for our candidates and clients. Lincoln Group is your link to executive talent and opportunities.