Is finding a new job at the top of your New Year’s Resolution list? Maybe your ambition goes even further to finding THE job — the one that will provide the challenges, growth opportunities, salary, benefits, and work culture you’ve always wanted.
As with any other job search, reaching your goal requires effort and planning. Here are some tips to maximize your search.
Here are 6 Ways to Find Your Dream Job in the New Year
1. What Do You Really Want?
Some people just seem to fall into their careers. For others, finding the right career isn’t so easy. If you don’t have a clue what you want to do, take time for some internal reflection. Work through some important questions, including:
- What do you like and dislike about your current (or previous) job?
- What do you want to get out of your new job?
- What work environment do you prefer?
You may want a remote job or one with flexible hours to accommodate family needs. Maybe you’re looking for a career that allows you to make a measurable difference for people or the world around you.
Maybe you need an entire career change, but you’re not sure where to start. Ask yourself:
- What do you love to do?
- What can you do better than a lot of other people?
- How can you use your passion and skills to fill a need?
For additional guidance, check out personality tests, like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, or a career aptitude test that can help pinpoint your preferences and recommend possible appropriate career choices.
2. Update Your Information
Before you start applying for jobs, focus on cleaning up your social media accounts and refreshing your resume, LinkedIn profile and portfolio. If you don’t have a portfolio and need one as part of the job application process, start compiling the best examples of your work to include in a well-rounded presentation. You can create an online portfolio through several website platforms or “feature” posts, media, websites and documents within your LinkedIn profile.
3. Work on New Skills
Will the job you’re reaching for require skills you need to acquire or improve? Upskilling might involve taking classes or earning certifications through in-person learning or online. Think creatively. You might be able to learn these skills as a volunteer or intern, which could help you gain insight about the type of organization you’d like to join.
4. Research
Now’s the time to start hitting job sites – for information. Study job descriptions for any knowledge gaps you need to fill. You’ll also learn more about the expectations for the role, work experience required, and the typical salary and benefits offered for this type of work.
While you’re online, research the companies that may potentially hire you. Read employee reviews and conduct an online search for recent news about the organization.
5. Reach Out
Next, take your research a step further. Contact some of the companies you researched. Talk to people who have the kind of job you want and ask them how they got there.
“Use your connections on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other networking sites to discover whom you know at the company,” recommends The Balance.
These contacts can provide insight, information and possibly an inside scoop on day-to-day details about the job. If you hit it off with your contacts, they may even be willing to refer you to the hiring manager or reach out when an opening occurs.
6. Go for it!
Reaching career goals takes perseverance. Once you’ve identified the career you want and started taking steps to achieve it, you’ll be on your way to new and fulfilling employment.
If you need additional help, contact Pro Resources Staffing Services. Their knowledgeable placement specialists understand the needs of local businesses in order to pair them with the right candidates.