When you’re in the throes of a career change or job search, a new calendar year may just feel like another month in your efforts. However, the month of January (and capping off the holiday season) carries advantages that are worth looking at and planning for. As you turn the page on the calendar, prepare for a fresh new start with these tips:
1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Amend any dates, skills, timeframes and mentions of dates on your profile. For example, if your separation date from the military is this year, you can consider changing it from “next year” to “available” when you describe your work availability.
2. Commit to a More Intentional and Robust Networking Strategy
Perhaps the holidays caused you to pause your networking. Now’s the time to be intentional, focused and strategic. Look through your contacts -- is there someone you haven’t reached out to in a while but should? Consider initiating new connections on LinkedIn then offering to do a virtual or in-person meeting to learn more about their industry, company or career and share your goals. Your network will be invaluable to your job search.
3. Scan for New Job Openings
Perhaps your ideal employer held off posting job openings during the holiday season. It may use the new month of the new year to update the “Careers” page of their website with lots of opportunities. Apply directly on their site whenever possible.
Read More: Is That Job Posting Read? 10 Ways to Spot a Scam
4. Re-stage Your Virtual Environment
Did you have holiday décor in the background of your work-from-home setup? Did you neglect your environment over the holidays, letting kids’ stuff and family items clutter the view? Now’s the time to prepare your background to reflect your seriousness for a job search and new work.
5. Reset your Mindset
Perhaps the holidays were filled with overindulgence and ignoring your job search. Or maybe you spent the time reflecting on the uncertainty of what’s coming as you exit the military. Either way, now’s the time to focus on what’s possible, making a job search or career change your job. Leave the past few weeks behind and reset how you’ll approach the new year, focusing on opportunity, growth and a positive outlook.
6. Try on Your Clothes
Simple as it sounds, perhaps you indulged in too much eggnog over the holidays. If you’ll be doing virtual or in-person meetings and interviews, ensure you have clothes that reflect your professional demeanor and career goals. And that fit!
7. Build Up Your Support System
Let your friends and family know how they can support you. Refrain from always acting stoic, and share your feelings, fears, hopes and goals with them. Let them know how often to check in with you, how much empathy and sympathy you like, and advise them on how best to react when you get frustrated. The more you can prepare your support system, the better empowered they’ll be.
8. Set up Your Job Search Tracking Systems
Create a networking contact spreadsheet, wherein you’ll list your priority and less-priority contacts. Note when you talked to them, what was discussed (including any job leads or prospects) and what the follow up is. Similarly, create a spreadsheet for all the jobs you’ll apply to. List the company, contact name, any networking contacts you have who’ll advocate for you, when you applied, and the outcome. Keeping this information organized and visible is valuable as it’s very easy to lose track of where you applied and the outcome.
9. Take Time for Physical Health
Be careful not to ignore your exercise and diet during the job search. Build regular workouts and healthy eating into your job search plan. Start now and give yourself acceptance if you “slip.” Consistency is important, not perfection.
Read More: A Step-by-Step Plan to Get Started on Your New Year Fitness Goal
10. Be Mindful of Your Mental Health
Lean on your support system when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated or sad. All the feelings you’ll have are normal and expected. Don’t isolate or bury those feelings, as sharing them can garner support, encouragement and the relief you need. If the feelings get too big, seek professional support.
A new calendar year offers a sort of re-set. We can reframe, rethink and reapply our beliefs and outlooks in new and healthy ways. In a job search or career change, the new calendar year offers a chance to reset your perspective on the new chapter in your life and career.
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