For most of us, the holiday fog has dissipated and we’re back to full force at the office. Everyone is seemingly focused and ready for what’s in store this New Year. And let’s face it – as we also enter a new decade, it probably includes some level of change.
The fresh start to any year typically motivates individuals to make resolutions, set goals and oftentimes, reassess their career aspirations. Are you looking for a new role or project? Yearning to move into a managerial role? Nearing retirement? Whatever your story might be, now is a good time to put your concentration into your job search.
The job-search process consists of many factors and can take up much of what little extra time you might have. Plus, best practices are constantly changing. Should you initiate a follow-up with a hiring manager or recruiter, or wait for them? Can you send a ‘Thank you’ via email or must it be hand-written? Should you wear jeans to an interview if the culture is casual?
So, I thought now was the perfect time to answer some of these questions and offer tips for your job search in the New Year. Check out my 4 Tips to Starting Fresh with Your Job Search in 2020 below.
- Stop and soul search.
Take a moment to think through exactly what you’re looking for in your new role. Do you want to stay working in spreadsheets and assessing data? Are you looking to step back and manage a team? Want to be more involved in business strategy rather than execution? No matter your goals, it’s important to consider your next role (or project) from both a professional and personal perspective. If you’re nearing retirement, you might want to move into a consulting role versus looking for permanent employment. Whatever you decide is the best next step for you, jot down some short- and long-term goals, and make sure they are realistic. - Do some digging.
Once you’ve established your goals, research the position you are seeking. Learn what the expected skillset is for that role. Figure out if there’s anything you would need to study ahead of time or certifications you might need to earn before applying. Alternatively, see if there are any tools or systems you would need to brush up on. Maybe you’re more familiar with an earlier version of SAP and the norm is to work in newer versions. Be proactive so that you are prepared for your new role—once you land it! - Work with a recruiter.
One way to ease your job search is to enlist the help of a recruiter. Recruiters are great partners who not only find open positions that meet your skill set and requirements, but who can prepare you for interviews, negotiations and job offers. Recruiters have access to various networks and businesses who are constantly looking to hire new talent. As long as you vet out various recruiting firms to make sure they are reputable and specialize in your area, you will be in good hands. - Build an online presence.
We are officially in 2020, and technology is consuming our lives in nearly every facet. Professionals who might still be reluctant to use social media for business purposes including job searching and networking should really reconsider. It’s quite necessary in this day and age to leverage digital tools for your job search and other business practices. From optimizing your LinkedIn profile to set up job alerts on job boards to looking up company websites and looking for contact information, it’s crucial that you are active online in some capacity.
These are just a few tips to help with your job search. For more information, download the Brilliant Job Search 101 Guide.
Have other tips for the job-search process? Comment below and let us know!