Six Keys to New Year Job Hunting Success

The start of a new year often feels like a fresh beginning, a time for reflection and setting ambitious goals. For many, this translates to career resolutions – a renewed focus on finding a fulfilling job. But setting vague goals like "find a new job" is like a novelist aiming to "write." It's admirable, but without a roadmap, it's easy to get lost.

Imagine this: You're a budding writer with a dream of becoming a renowned novelist. You set a resolution to "write a novel." While admirable, this goal lacks specificity and a clear plan for achieving it. Setting aside dedicated writing time, joining a writers' group, or taking a creative writing course would provide a more structured and achievable path towards your goal.

Similarly, career resolutions often demand significant planning, which is frequently overlooked, leading to a high rate of failure. This year, let's shift the focus from vague resolutions to a strategic career exploration.

1. Define Your "Why"

Start by asking yourself three times, "What are my true professional aspirations?"

Understanding your own professional aspirations is like finding your true north. It safeguards you from pursuing employment with organizations that do not value your contributions and from pursuing career paths that are incompatible with your personal and professional goals.

2. Reimagine Your Resume: A Hiring Manager's Perspective

Read your resume critically and ask yourself,  "Would I be interested in meeting the person described here?"

Example: Imagine you're a hiring manager for a social media marketing position. A resume that simply lists "Social Media Experience" is less compelling than one that highlights specific achievements, such as "Increased social media engagement by 20% in six months through targeted campaigns."

Remember, your resume's primary function is to attract potential employers for an interview, not secure a job offer. It's your first impression – make it count! If you have any doubts about your current resume, consider updating it.

3. Aligning Resume with Aspirations

Now, connect your "why" to your resume. Read your resume and think about your answer to question 1. Now ask yourself, "Does my resume present me as the ideal candidate for the type of role I am applying for?"

Example: If your goal is to lead successful social media campaigns, your resume should showcase your experience in content creation, social media analytics, campaign planning, and perhaps even a successful personal branding project.

If your resume does not effectively portray the ideal candidate for your desired role, rewrite it so that it aligns with your career aspirations. Note that this approach can also be applied to specific job applications you're targeting. My suggestion is to have multiple versions of your resume, tailored to different job opportunities.

4. The "Hook" Factor: Engaging the Reader

Imagine a recruiter reviewing dozens of resumes. How do you make yours stand out? Analyze your resume, assessing its ability to consistently capture and maintain the reader's attention throughout.

Example: Start with a strong summary statement that highlights your key skills and career goals. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.Instead of "Managed social media accounts," write "Increased social media engagement by 20% in six months through targeted campaigns."

This is a challenging task as it requires understanding the reader's perspective. Employers often review numerous resumes simultaneously, typically employing a "negative feedback" approach. They scan resumes for specific keywords and qualifications that match their requirements. If they encounter too many disqualifying factors, they move on to the next resume. While this approach may seem harsh, it's a reality in today's fast-paced job market.

5. Finding the Right Fit: Aligning Your Goals with Employer Needs

Now, conduct your job search with your professional aspirations in mind, but be open to opportunities.

Example: For instance, if you're a marketing professional and your goal is to lead a successful social media campaign, this aligns well with an IT company seeking to expand its digital marketing presence. However, if your primary goal is to become a renowned wildlife photographer, then you'll hardly find that matching with a job at an IT company.

Conduct your job search with your professional aspirations in mind, while remaining open to unexpected opportunities. While your ideal role may not be actively advertised, look out for companies and hiring managers that can provide a platform for you to achieve your goals.

6. Internal Growth: Exploring Opportunities Within Your Current Role

Before embarking on a job search, critically evaluate your current situation. Honestly assess whether you're fully utilizing your skills and pursuing growth opportunities within your current role.

Example: If you're a graphic designer, could you take on a new project that involves motion graphics? Could you mentor junior designers? Could you volunteer to lead a team on a special project?

Changing jobs may not always be the answer to a loss of enthusiasm or interest. In today's competitive job market, it can be a simpler path than confronting internal challenges, however, this approach may not necessarily lead to personal growth.

Beyond the Job Search: Building a Strong Career Foundation

Remember, your career journey extends beyond resume writing and job searching.

• Networking: Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and inform yourself about industry trends.

• Interviewing Skills: Practice your interviewing skills to confidently articulate your qualifications and showcase your personality.

• Continuous Learning: Embrace lifelong learning by pursuing relevant certifications, attending workshops, and staying updated on industry trends.

Don't let another year slip by without taking control of your career. Embrace these strategies, take action, and unlock your full potential. Happy job hunting!