Career Advice for the New Year

“New Year. New You.” The New Year is often the catalyst for changing jobs and careers. Employers typically have fresh hiring budgets, and job seekers have just received their year-end bonuses. In fact, more than 75 percent of employees are looking for new jobs this year! (Society for Human Resource Management Survey, 2006).
Resolution #1: Get a resume makeover
When was the last time you updated your resume? It is probably time to wipe the dust off your resume and give it a fresh new look. Ninety-nine percent of resumes aren’t as good as they can be! Do you have an accomplishment resume that markets your superior achievements or do you have a job description resume that merely recounts what anyone in your position would do? You need to give your resume the attention it deserves.

Resolution #2: Quit the bad interviewing habits
How do you kick those bad interviewing habits that drive recruiting directors crazy? In my experience, one interviewee baked me muffins, another one fiddled with my pen on my desk, and another one talked in third person throughout the interview. These are obvious mistakes to avoid, but you may be oblivious to some of your small mistakes that make a big difference. For example, being a perfectionist is not a valid weakness!
Resolution #3: Learn something new
How can you make yourself more marketable, beef up your resume, and learn something new all at the same time? Technology, industry trends, and job skills can all change rapidly over the course of a couple of years. Taking computer classes, getting involved with trade organizations, and staying abreast of industry happenings will increase your attractiveness as a job candidate. Learning something new gives you great skills that you can transfer to the workplace, and it also gives you new connections and more ways to network.

Resolution #4: Spend more with family and friends
How can you use your network to land a great job? Eighty percent of job openings aren’t posted, and sixty percent of candidates get a job through networking. When it comes to landing work, the old adage, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know,” couldn’t be truer. Your potential to “know” a lot of people is out there just waiting to be tapped. Where should you start? Begin with some easy ones - relatives, friends of your parents, parents of your friends, or school alumni. You may be surprised at all the connections that your cousin has or who your dentist knows.
Tackle these career resolutions, and you’ll take your career to the next level this year!
JobBound taps into the experience of Brad Karsh, a nationally recognized recruiting expert. One of the qualities that sets JobBound apart is the fact that all of our resume writers are former Recruiting Directors. Resume and interviewing advice is plentiful, but nowhere else will you gain the perspective of the Recruiting Director-the actual person responsible for making the hiring decision. You really can’t beat that. For more information please contact JobBound at or on the web at http://www.jobbound.com.

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Courtney Pike

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