4 New Year’s Resolutions for your Job Search

4 New Year’s Resolutions for your Job Search

The beginning of the year is widely believed to be the best time for a new position. Here are a few strategies and tactics you can use to kick start your new year job search.

The beginning of the year is widely believed to be the best time for a new position. Companies have set their budgets and plans for the year and are ready for job seekers to apply. Although it also means you’ll be up against many other candidates.

How do you stand out? Here are a few strategies and tactics you can use to kick start your new year job search.

Staying Power

Maybe you’ve already been searching for a while. A long job search can wear you out, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But with the stiff competition facing candidates early in the year, it’s important to keep sight of a few things.

It’s important to follow up but know that many times employers won’t reply. This can leave you without answers, which is difficult. Resist the urge to pester employers or demand answers, as it only damages your reputation.

Many candidates on the hunt for a job pull back their efforts when they feel they’ve had success. Don’t do that, keep up your search until you have accepted an offer. Just because you thought you aced an interview doesn’t mean you’ll get the position. Job searches are a marathon, not a sprint, keep plugging away until you have the offer you want.

Lastly, don’t doubt your talent. In the face of rejection, many people question whether their qualifications. You know what you’ve achieved, don’t let a long search bring doubt into the mix. You need all the energy you can spare to dedicate to your search, don’t waste your time with self-doubt.

Outwork Your Competition

How do you stand above the competition you’ll face for jobs? It’s not all about your qualifications, you must be ready to outwork the other candidates. Job searches are strategic and purposeful, take the time to follow multiple paths toward opportunities. It can give you the edge you need.

Merely finding an opening and submitting a canned resume and cover letter doesn’t cut it. That doesn’t mean that every position requires a custom written resume. Make sure you adapt your resume to the role you’re applying for. Many companies are using automated systems to screen resumes, make sure yours is related to the job description.

Look at the info you are putting out on the internet, take the time to update your LinkedIn profile and build your network. Often, positions may not be posted yet, an inside connection can give you a head start into the company.

Remember to work smarter, not harder. Put the time in to make thoughtful decisions in your search.

Preparation is King

Proper preparation breeds success. Getting yourself ready to start a job search can make things easier for you down the road. Take the time now to get your ducks in a row so you can hit the ground running during your search.

Look at the things that employers will see; things like your resume, cover letter and any other info you provide them. Make sure your experience is up to date and providing useful info.

The time before a search is also perfect to expand your skillset. Look at things you can learn that will add to your worth as a candidate. Learning some additional skills can go a long way toward standing out during your search.

Break Old Habits

Advice for job searches comes from many places. There are many old clichés that are taken as fact that may not be true anymore. Take a look at your job search method, are you still using outdated tactics?

For instance, you’ll need more than one resume during your search. Not every company is looking for the same skills. Highlight the skills that you have that are important to each specific employer and tweak your resume to fit.

Some people believe that you should only interview for jobs you want. While you don’t want to work in a position you don’t want, any interview experience is helpful. Make sure you take advantage of any opportunity you have to interview to keep your skills sharp. It may also lead to a different position in the same company that you may be a fit for.

Job hunting can be a daunting task, but with the proper strategies, you can start the new year strong. If you’re ready for some assistance, Reliable Resources can help you find your next position.