New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers

December 27th, 2019 by ifi-admin

Phoenix Partners wishes you a Happy Holiday and great new opportunities in the New Year. We’re also delighted to share a few tips so you can hit the ground running in January.

If you’re thinking about making a career move, don’t let the holidays sideline you. There are many things you can do to prepare for the next steps in your search. Use downtime to your advantage and “resolve” to put a plan into action in the New Year.

Lest Old Acquaintances Be Forgot

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with acquaintances at functions and even online. Expanding and strengthening your network, especially at target companies, will help you reinforce your candidacy when an opportunity arises at a company you’d like to work for. According to Glassdoor research, networking increases your odds of being hired by as much as 6.6%.

Refresh Your Résumé

Does your résumé include too many references to old software or tech competencies and distant past accomplishments? Breath new life into your curriculum vitae by thinking carefully about how describing your use of an Applicant Tracking System might link your skills to a new role and what achievements would be most attractive to the type of employer you seek. Find ways to tell your “story” in order to set yourself apart from other applicants. Be sure to mention emerging technologies and languages you’ve mastered or are in the process of doing so. And also include new certifications that you have achieved or courses you are taking.

Rejuvenate Your Linkedin Profile

This is a great time to spruce up your LinkedIn profile and remove things that clutter or detract from your future direction. For example, delete incorrect, irrelevant or out of date endorsements. Remove experience that detracts from your current. Make sure that any articles you’ve contributed reflect your current views and values, and that you also “tell your story” (in short strokes!) in an engaging and captivating way.

Take Time to Redefine Your Career Goals

Do you want to work closer to home? Do you want more flex-time? Are you looking for a vibrant corporate culture? Create a list prioritizing what’s important to you for your next role. Create another list of companies you think would be a good fit, or that you’d like to research further to identify that fit. Then share these priorities and targets with your favorite Recruiter to get started on the path your new role.

Are you ready to make a career move in 2020? Contact Phoenix Partners for help.