- Jobble
- December 30, 2022
It’s almost time to make those New Years resolutions, and if you’re a job seeker that’s probably your main focus as this year comes to a close. To start the new year off right, why not focus on the four things that can have a big impact on your hire-ability throughout the year? Here’s what to consider.
Resolutions for job seekers
1. Review your experience and resume
Take some time to reflect on past jobs, and review the skills you’ve learned during the last year. There are likely to be some important traits you’ve worked hard to develop or new things you’ve learned how to do. Don’t underestimate how much knowledge and ability you have, and what you could add to your resume so you’re ready for the new year. Even if a new skill doesn’t seem that important to you, add it to your resume if it’s in your field or related to the kind of work you’re looking for.
2. Build out and contact your network
Reach out to previous employers and see if any of them are hiring workers again. If you left a good impression on a past boss or co-worker, talking to them may help you find more opportunities. Also see if there are additional job opportunities that your friends or family know about. They can be great sources for information. By letting other workers know you’re looking, and keeping an eye out for referrals, your chances of finding the job you’re looking for will be on the rise.
3. Identify areas to upskill and develop
Think carefully about the types of work you want to do and look at ways you can position yourself to get them. Consider online classes — many of which are free or only cost a few dollars — and look into specialized training that can help you become a more attractive applicant for the job you really want. If your dream job has specific requirements and you don’t quite meet them, it’s time to focus on new years resolutions that could help you get the skills you need. Whether you’re a gig worker or seeking full-time employment, there are always opportunities for adding to your skill set.
4. Vow to always be searching
Finding the right job takes time and dedication. By leaving a good impression and looking for new opportunities, you can get more from your job search in the new year. Even if you’re a gig worker and relatively busy with work, gigs come and go. When you continue searching you’ll find new opportunities frequently and that can keep you from having too much downtime. Job seekers who want to grow and develop usually keep their eyes open for anything good that might come their way, and making time to search frequently can help you land great new opportunities for the future.
It’s important to set goals, but make sure they are realistic and achievable goals. Start off with these four areas, and focus on making 2023 your best year yet. Then you can build on that momentum all throughout the year, and let it carry you forward on a great career path you can really enjoy. With these new year resolutions, you can find success in 2023.
6 ways to make your New Year’s resolution stick in 2023
1. Choose your resolutions carefully.
Before you set off on any journey, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Is your New Year’s resolution really for you? Is it because of someone else? How can you align your resolution with what you want or need? Being intentional, specific, and honest about your resolution(s) can set you up for success all year long.
2. Focus on what’s in front of you.
As you begin your journey, it’s tempting to make grand plans and statements about what you’ll do every month, every week, or every day – maybe even multiple times per day! While each step in your journey is important, thinking about too many at once can distract and overwhelm you. If you want to stick to your New Year’s resolution, keep your focus small. What can you do today to get closer to your goal? Don’t think about tomorrow, next week, next month, or six months from now. What can you do today?
3. Prioritize accountability.
No person is an island, and even the most successful achievers have some kind of accountability. As you think about sticking to your resolution long term, consider what kind of motivation you respond best to: internal or external. Let this inform how you prefer to be held accountable. Is it enough for you to use a daily checklist or do those usually gather dust on your desk? Could you enlist a friend for daily or weekly check-in calls? Think about who you can rely on this year and how accountability can help you achieve your goals.
4. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Your resolution is your own. (If it’s not, go back to step 1!) Whatever journey you’re on this year, each step is yours. If you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, think about all the ways your journey differs from theirs. What makes your resolution unique? What makes your achievements different? How are you closer to your goal now compared to last week?
5. Find joy in the journey.
Growth can be painful, but it can also be beautiful! As you progress throughout this year, remember that you set your resolution for a good reason. No matter what happens or where you end up at the end of the year, you’ll have a unique and special journey of pursuing New Year’s resolution success.
6. Be gentle with yourself.
We’ve probably all heard the saying “Fall seven times, get up eight.” Making major life adjustments (or achieving new goals repeatedly) can be full of setbacks. It’s easy to get discouraged and sometimes tempting to give up. One thing that doesn’t help? Compounding your struggles with negative self-talk. By practicing positive self-talk, you can be your own biggest supporter on your journey to achieving your New Year’s resolutions.
