New year, new me… new job? If taking the next step in your career in a new position or at a new company is one of your main goals for 2019, you need to put the work in to making it a reality. That doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own, but it does mean it’s time to make your resolutions more specific and really go after the opportunities for employment that are a good match for your skill set and that will allow you to move to the next professional level.
Trying to find a new job can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure of the best steps to take for your own success. But if you keep these three resolutions in mind, you should be able to achieve those goals you’ve set for your career in 2019.
Spruce Up Your Resume
If you plan on applying to any new employment opportunity, you’re going to have to go over your resume and update it. Although 22% of new hires leave their jobs within 45 days of being hired, it might have been a lot longer since you’ve been a job-seeker. Make sure to include all of the current responsibilities involved in your current position and delete any job experiences that are more than five years old (unless you’re relatively new to the workforce or are re-entering after a long absence). Many staffing companies will be happy to help you strengthen your resume, which can be extremely beneficial if you feel like yours is mundane or is somehow missing the mark. Once your resume looks its best, you’ll have no qualms about applying to open positions.
Focus on Quality
When your aim is to find a new job, you may think that any new job will do. It can definitely seem that dire if you’re desperate to get out of a bad employment situation. But it’s usually much better to apply to fewer and better jobs than it is to apply to every job that’s available on every platform. Why? Because you won’t waste your time applying to positions that aren’t a good fit or employers that aren’t in line with your goals. It actually pays to be a little bit choosy. Don’t get hung up on how many resumes you send out in a day; instead, make it your goal to apply only to those jobs that truly interest you and that seem like an excellent fit for your experience and skill set. Don’t forget that staffing companies can help connect you with these opportunities more readily than scouring job-posting websites will!
Ask For Help
You might believe that in order to build a successful career, you have to do it all on your own. But the truth is that every successful individual needed some help to get where they are today — and to get where they’re going tomorrow. There is no shame in asking for help during this stage. Network with people in your industry to find new connections or mine for interesting opportunities. Ask a trusted professor or family member to look over your cover letter or reach out to a former employee you might know to give you an honest assessment of a given company. Seeking out help from staffing companies can be immensely valuable, as you can obtain priceless advice and make connections with people who believe in your talent and your drive. Plus, their established relationships with reputable companies can allow you to get your foot in the door instead of struggling to find a way to impress. Don’t be too proud to accept the help that can make you a stronger candidate in the long run.
These resolutions may seem rather small, but that’s why they’re actually achievable. When you make it your goal to improve your resume, apply only to high-quality openings, and ask for help from staffing companies and other resources, you’ll be much closer to finding the job you really want in 2019. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.