As the year ends, time to set new goals and think of new beginnings
As the old year ends and the new year beckons it could be a time of new beginnings, a time for a change, and even a time to set new goals. This is a time when many people start thinking about looking for a new job or a career change.
For those who are thinking of a job or career change, this is the ideal opportunity to reflect on past experience and to think which direction to go in the future. If you’ve been thinking about changing your career, the start of the year is one of the best times to do it. The new year is traditionally a time to make a fresh start, and it’s a good time to take advantage of that positive energy.
Career change won’t happen unless you are actively engaged and using career resources. Reflect as the old year closes and start the New Year with an active campaign to find new career options.
Here are some tips to help with that new resolution.
Believe that Changes can Happen
Start by believing a career or job change can happen. Visualize yourself already in the dream career and keep reminding yourself that you can and will make a move.
Set Goals
Before starting a job search, or looking at new careers, take time to think about your personal and professional goals. Think about how you would like to develop your career and what interests you. Consider if there is any career you’ve always been curious about but felt afraid to try. If you what to stay in your current field, what salary, position, location are you looking for.
Reflect
First take time to consider your career path to date. If you are dissatisfied, try and think why, for example Is it due to the work itself, or something about the workplace – lack of opportunity for you, poor management structure or not getting on with the boss. If you are happy in what you are doing, and it’s outside factors that are limiting, tor you are ready for more responsibilities then maybe consider a new position.
Take time assessing what you like and dislike about your current situation. Also reflect on where you see yourself in several years in your job and career.
Take Stock of Your Skills
Review your work experience as well as outside experience including volunteering and extracurricular, as well as academic qualifications. Identify the things that you enjoy and do well at and make a list of what you would like in a new job or career.
Transferable Skills
Identify your transferable skills which can be applied to a new job or a new career in a new industry. Consider your Interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills that you may have gained while doing volunteer work and extracurricular activities like playing a team sport.
Research
Research about careers you are interested in pursuing. Identify and measure the careers against your skills so that you can fully appraise the suitability of that career for you.
If you chose to stay in the same field, but get a new job, look at companies in your current industry and look at positions available.
Check with Friends
Think about the work lives of friends and people you know. Reflect on the roles of colleagues, suppliers, or clients and ask them about the nature of their work. Ask your contacts for introductions to people they know who are in fields that interest you, and inquire about the possibility of meeting for an information meeting.
Volunteer
Volunteer to Gain Experience in positions within your chosen field. You will get relevant experience to add to your resume and you might be able to turn your volunteering into job.
Take a Class
Take a class or go back to education. If the options of your choice require further education, take a class in person or online to boost your skills set. Get a qualification in a career that interests you to boost your employability. Taking and completing a new qualification can be done and it can make a huge difference to opportunities.
Update the Resume and LinkedIn Profile
It’s time to revamp your resume and make sure that it’s up to date. The resume is a crucial tool when looking for a new job. Also, update your LinkedIn profile. Many employers may offer the option to use your LinkedIn profile when you apply for a job, rather than attach your resume. Also they may check it out before inviting you in for an interview.
Network
Start building your network, and reach out to people within a company you’d like to join or in a career you would like to move into.
Work with a Professional Recruiter
Professional recruiters can assist in finding the right company and career fit. They can also advise on skill sets needed if you wish to make a change.
