Is Your New Years’ Resolution to Find a New Job?

Have a look through our list below for tips on actions you can start now, that will help set you up for success in the New Year.

1.     MAKE REGULAR ‘CAREER PLANNING’ APPOINTMENTS WITH YOURSELF

These could be to action items from this list or anything else that will help you progress your career journey. Treat the time as precious because it is! Your future self will thank you.

2.     DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Think about what kind of role, sector, or cause area you are keen to move into. What is your why?

Additionally, identify what else is important to you in your next role – flexibility, salary level, location, etc. Knowing what you are looking for will help target your search, but also when the time comes, your ability to articulate to a potential employer why this role with their particular organisation is appealing.

3.     GET YOUR CV IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

Here are Gembridge’s best practice tips for preparing a standout resume.

4.     WRITE OUT ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Even if you don’t need to supply Key Selection Criteria with your application, simply by doing this exercise, you will uncover demonstrable examples of your knowledge, skills, and attributes that you can share in your cover letter and interview/s.

The SAO methodology might be useful when approaching this exercise:

·      Situation – where and when did you do it?

·      Action – how and what did you do?

·      Outcome – what was the result of your activities?

5.     PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS

There are plenty of resources online of example interview questions. Select a few and practice them out loud. We encourage you to seek a wide audience, from obliging friends and family members to beloved pets. If you’re too nervous for an audience, try practising in front of the mirror! The more you rehearse, the better you’ll be able to tap into that muscle-memory when the time comes for your real interview.

6.     REFRESH YOUR LINKEDIN, SEEK AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

Make sure your profiles are up to date. This includes updating your jobseeker preferences which makes it easier for recruiters to find you with the right kinds of opportunities. Whilst doing this, think about the impression your profile might have on potential employers and people in your network. Are you putting your best foot forward if one of them looked at your profile?

7.     GROW YOUR NETWORK IN THE SECTOR YOU WISH TO WORK IN

There are many ways to get involved in your desired sector. For example, join LinkedIn groups, register for in-person or virtual networking events, and find opportunities to volunteer.

8.     GET SOME REST!

After a busy year, if you’re able to, make sure to stop and have a break. You deserve it!

This article was originally published at Gembridge.com.au