Managing Your Career

New Year, New Resolutions?

There are many reasons why New Year resolutions are important but unfortunately not everyone buys into writing them down. Well now is the time to evaluate your goals and objectives for the upcoming year and how it pertains to your current job search.

Already this year, reports indicate that there is and will be an increase in recruitment and hiring for 2011. For those who are currently job searching, the importance of this trend should spark the idea of putting together your “job search resolutions” in order. Don’t wait until next week or month to create your 2011 job search strategy; start TODAY!

Here are some tips you can start using when creating your job search strategy.

• Revamp your marketing collateral: Your resume is probably the most important marketing collateral you have, so it’s important to continuously update it. If you learned something new in 2010, add it to the resume! Also, with more and more companies using social media to recruit, it’s time for you to revamp your LinkedIn profile. Make sure the content on LinkedIn reflects the same message on your resume. Your online reputation is critical to your success.
• Rekindle past relationships: Over the years, you have been exposed to many individuals that have been influential in your career. However, sometimes we lose touch with those individuals for some reason or another. Don’t let 2011 stop you from rekindling those important relationships. Pick up the phone, send them a text message or an email and invite them for coffee or tea. Remember, networking for job opportunities is about creating meaningful relationships for all parties involved. It is also one of the most important aspects in managing your career, whether you are employed or not.
• Refresh your skills and knowledge: What have you been doing over the past year to stay ahead of the competition? Since 2011 is expected to see an increase in recruiting, those candidates that demonstrate current knowledge in their areas of expertise are more likely to land the job. There are many companies and websites that offer free web-based training and webinars are current topics and continuing education courses. Take advantage of all the resources available because the more up-to-date knowledge and skills you have, the more marketable you will be.