As the end of each year approaches and a new one arrives, you usually find yourself indulging in a bit of reflection as well as wondering what this year will bring. It is the perfect time to ask yourself: What changes do I want to make to my life? Could it be time for a new year and a new job?
This year could be the one where you find your perfect job, take the next step up your career ladder, or make the decision to move away from your current job that you just aren’t enjoying.
If your career is at the top of your resolution list for the new year, then you need to take steps to actually achieve your goals.
Take note of these 6 pointers to help you keep moving in the right direction to get the results that you want:
1. Where are you now? Where do you want to be?
Asking yourself these questions, and really giving them some thought, is the best way to help you set yourself clear new year goals. Think about whether you are happy with where you are now. If you are not enjoying your job or current field then where would you prefer to be. You may want to be aiming higher or making a complete change to something new. Being clear about what you want will help you to plan your next steps accordingly.
2. How are you going to achieve your goals?
When you know where you want to go you need to work out a plan of action to get there. If you want to find a new job then consider your strategy. You could set yourself smaller monthly goals that will help you get on your way to achieving the big ones! Without a clear plan, you may well have forgotten or abandoned your new year resolutions by February and still find yourself in an unhappy position when the following year comes around.
3. What is your online presence like? How do you want to be perceived?
Whether you are looking to make a career move or move up the career ladder you should consider how you are presenting yourself online. Is your current online presence something an employer or recruiter would be impressed by? Are you portraying the professional image that you want to? If not, then the new year is a perfect time to make some changes and make yourself look great online.
4. Qualifications
Consider whether there are any further, relevant qualifications that you can undertake to help progress your career or career prospects. You may be close to finishing a qualification in which case you should set yourself some small goals to help give you the final push in achieving them and moving forward towards the career that you want this year.
5. Review your CV
If you are ready for the new year and a new job then get started by checking that your CV is up-to-date and giving it a revamp where necessary. It’s a competitive job market out there so it’s important that your CV stands out, looks professional and shows off your skills and experience. When it comes to applying for jobs, you will still need to tailor your CV to every role that you apply for, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
6. Prepare for setbacks
It is unlikely that the new year is going to run absolutely perfectly so don’t let setbacks become an excuse for giving up on your goals. Finding a new job or jumping up the career ladder isn’t easy. Remember, the harder you work at a goal, the more likely you are to achieve it so keep going at it.
Don’t let another year slip by without making a change and achieving your goals. You possess all the power to make this next year a successful one so identify your goals, set a plan of action and get it done. Then you can celebrate all of your achievements at the end of the year!
