5 Resolutions For A Better Career In 2015
The new year means a fresh chance at reinventing yourself and getting what you truly want out of life. This can ring especially true for your career. Are you one of the half of workers today that are just tolerating their current job, or even actively hating it? These numbers are according to a Gallup poll, and it is pretty disheartening. Even if you feel comfortable in your position, this can sometimes lead to complacency which can be just as dangerous in the long-run. When you become too comfortable, it will only get harder to take the risks necessary to advance in your career.
I know quitting your job can be a very intimidating option, and it should not be something taken lightly. Nonetheless, it could lead to greater reward if you have a solid plan. I myself have witnessed many similar success stories in the world of recruiting… people leaving positions where they were making amazing salaries and had that corner office, for something that could be deemed a step back in order to take three steps forward. Anyone can achieve their goals if they really put their minds to it, but you must look deep and be completely honest with yourself. It may sound cliché, but this really is an ideal time to make a change. 2015 has a great ring to it, doesn’t it?
Here are five steps you can take to get that job you covet today.
1. Ask the Right Questions
Take a close look at your current situation, and be honest with yourself. What would you rather be doing? Where do you secretly dream about working instead? What are you truly passionate about? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What professional accomplishment were you most proud of in the past year? Who has been your biggest supporter and who might be able to help champion your accomplishments during a job search?
Consider looking at someone else’s career path for inspiration as well. Pick someone you admire or someone who is in a position you covet. What did they do to get where they are? What skills do they have that you do not currently have? In order to get to the right place, you have to ask for the right directions.
2. Give your Resume a Lift
In order to stand out during your search, your resume needs to be in top form. The first step is making sure that it’s up-to-date, but go one step further by spicing it up with an attention-grabbing personal touch. Take your experience and skills to the next level by volunteering for an organization, attending industry workshops, or learning a new skill or two. Take a look at some simple training courses like Codeacademy, Lynda, or Skillshare.
3. Learn from the Past
The best way to create the future you desire is to take a look in the rear-view mirror at your past. Go to co-workers, managers, or clients you trust and ask for constructive feedback about your work. Figure out what you could improve upon to jump-start your career. Also, take a look at mistakes you have made during past job searches. What could you have done differently? What reasons can you find for not landing certain jobs? How did you end up in roles that were not right for you? Identify the red flags you may have missed during the first go-around and pinpoint ways that you could do better this time.
4. Grow your Network
While you might find it uncomfortable, networking is pretty much essential to any job search — and finding your perfect fit is worth the minor awkwardness. The larger your network, the greater your potential opportunities.
Reach out to the people with jobs you wish you had and set up a coffee meeting or a chance to shadow them. Make it a goal to meet at least one new, valuable person each week. Consider going straight to the source and reaching out to your dream company to set up an informational interview.
5. Develop a Passion Project
If you are unsatisfied with your current situation, but are not quite sure what passions to pursue, create projects for yourself (either within or outside of your role). It could be taking up drawing classes or volunteering to help with the internship program at your job. Not only could you possibly expand upon your experience and skills, giving you a leg up in your job search, but you will better understand what drives and inspires you. Who knows, maybe maybe your side-project will develop into a job itself. Think of these passion projects as helping to steer your career compass.
Are you working on your career this year? What are your tips for getting the job you desire? Share with everyone in the comments!
Disclosure: None