By: Eric Melniczek, HPU Career Advisor
We’re just a few days into the New Year. We attended holiday parties, ate delicious treats, and took some time to relax. However, now it’s time to recover from the “holiday hangover” and think about 2015 from a career success standpoint.
New Year’s Resolutions
We have heard all sorts of people make New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s quitting a habit or starting a new initiative, your resolutions should focus on career management topics such as networking, resumes, interviewing, etc. Here are just a few examples that you might want to implement:
- I will only apply for posted positions that I am qualified for and that motivate me as well as those that will help me grow professionally;
- I will learn more about social media tools and how they can serve as a valuable resource when communicating with my network;
- I will seek out help from recruiters to provide guidance and direction with regard to my resume/cover letter and interviewing strategies;
- I will look at new career industries and pursue ones that I am passionate about.
Steps for Career Success
There are several additional activities that you can engage in right now to set yourself up for success in the coming year.
First, set goals (put them in writing!) that are measurable and keep them in front of you on a regular basis. I learned in executive recruiting years ago that we have to have a plan. Perhaps, you can set a goal to close more sales, identify new clients, get promoted, write a book, swim a mile, run a half-marathon, etc. Write it down and have someone (friend, co-worker, family member) keep you accountable toward progress on that goal. Write down the steps you will need to complete to achieve that goal.
Next, develop new friendships at work, in the community, in your neighborhood, at your place of worship, etc. As human beings, we yearn for relationships with others. Networking is the most effective method to identify new career opportunities. Expand your circle of connections by volunteering with a professional organization, taking on a leadership role in the community, serving on the board of a non-profit organization, etc. If you enhance your number of contacts and these new connections know you, like you, and trust you and also believe that you are excellent at what you do, there is a strong likelihood that you could find a new career opportunity in the New Year!
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