The new year brings expectations and feelings of hope and renewal, all of which can be extremely beneficial as you focus on your career in the year ahead. Here are a few ways you can keep yourself on your toes during your job search:
1. Update Your Resume
Set aside some time to revise your CV. Review your resume for any necessary updates that should be included, and add those details in. Then, ask someone you trust to review your resume for areas for improvement.
2. 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 on a regular basis to provide guidance on 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.
3. Grow Your Network
It’s 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 organisation, and reaching out to others via social media.
4. 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 are a match. If not, take an online class so you can stay ahead of the curve and be more hireable in your intended field. Professional development will enhance your resume and show potential employers that you have a growth mindset and are willing to continually grow your skills.
5. Clearly Define What You Want
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.
6. Target Specific Companies
Just as you should seek a job that you’ll truly love, it’s important to target companies that will be a good cultural fit for you. Using LinkedIn can be a valuable way to seek out compatible companies. 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. If you think you’re particularly well-suited, consider reaching out and “cold emailing” them about employment opportunities.
7. Follow Up With Employers
After you apply for a job that you really 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 a great 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 organisation.
8. Practice Interviewing Skills
Even as you begin your job search, it doesn’t hurt to practice what you will say in different situations by participating in a mock interview. It also helps to ask a friend of family member to help you practice answering potential job interview questions.
9. Prioritise 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. Make a resolution 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, and remember to reward yourself for any successes, no matter how minuscule they may seem.
