With the New Year just around the corner, you’re probably thinking about making some big changes to improve your health, happiness, and professional goals. If one of these changes involves your career, you’ll want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before hitting the job market.
That said, here are a few tips for making sure you launch your job search on the right foot.
Figure out why you’re considering a career change.
Maybe you’re a recent graduate stuck in a job with little fulfillment. Maybe you’re an intermediate-level candidate looking to improve your status. Then again, maybe you’re a senior-level candidate who’s struggling with career burnout. Whatever stage you’re in, before you begin your job search it’s important to dedicate some time to determine your motivation and aspirations for finding new employment. That way you can avoid a lateral or negative move that only further stagnates your career.
Decide what type of company you want to work for.
Whenever you’re looking for a new employer, one of the most important things to consider is if their values align with yours. How do they operate? Are they focused on things like sustainability and social responsibility? Do they offer every person, no matter their position in the company, an opportunity to contribute and have their voice heard? How are they involved with the local community? What’s their commitment to diversity and inclusion? Knowing these things can help you find a job where you’re both professionally and personally fulfilled.
Update your employment history materials and online profiles.
Nothing derails a successful job search like a lackluster resume or unprofessional online presence. If you can afford it, hire a professional to help you supercharge your resume and make sure there aren’t any typos or grammatical errors. And I know they say you should never Google yourself, but you can bet potential employers will. So, make sure to review your social media accounts and remove anything that’s less than complimentary.
Good luck in your career journey, and best wishes for 2023!
_____
