New Year New Career
New Year, New Career. For many people, December and Christmas mean overindulgence leading to the January blues. Bodies rid copious amounts of alcohol and festive foods, people start staying in, saving money and getting back to reality. This January, make it your mission to stay positive and use the New Year as an opportunity for a fresh start. Whether you want to become healthier, travel more, learn more or excel in your career – get on the ball as soon as January hits.
New Beginnings
A New Year instigates the notion of new beginnings in the form of resolutions, promises and changes and among this, job-hunting begins and career changes rise. Many people feel like a career change but are unsure of where to start. Find a career that you love and an environment that you thrive in by following our guide for kick-starting your new career this December.
Set Career Goals
Think about what kind of person you are, what makes you happy, what elements of your job you like, who you want to become and what you want to achieve. Before you start off your new career, have a read of our previous blog piece and answer our questions to discover your aspirations and goals: https://recruitisland.wpengine.com/career-guidance/reach-long-term-career-goals/
Be Realistic
Set yourself realistic expectations. A lot of New Year’s resolutions can be unattainable as people set themselves too many big targets at once. If your goal is drastic, you are likely going to break the rules and cheat here and there. This can result in people feeling like they have failed and they can fall off the ladder. To help you in your new career, set smaller, more achievable goals and create a schedule/calendar/map of what is needed to do to reach them.
Switch it up
If you are unhappy in your current job it might be worth discussing the possibility of switching roles within your company. Explain to your boss how you are feeling and what you are thinking of doing. Maybe it is that you feel you can no longer excel in your role.
Job-Hunting
When you are looking for a new career or searching for new jobs, treat it seriously and set yourself a timetable as you would do if you were working. In your schedule, include things like market research on companies of interest, professionals in your chosen field etc. Only apply for jobs that you are genuinely interested in. Keep record of all the positions which you have applied for.
Aim High
Make a list of your successes, strengths and qualities. If you struggle with this ask close friends and family to help out and ask them to be honest. Ask questions like: “What could I bring to the role that others can’t?”. Know your worth and aim even higher.
Learn from others
Is there someone at work that always seems to get the job done? Every workplace has at least one, they excel at their job, they ooze confidence/motivation or ambition. Engage with these people, let their positive energy rub off on you. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you to better yourself and who encourage you to be the best that you can be.
Social Media
Update your LinkedIn account. Once your account is updated, become an active user. Join groups that are relevant to your interests. Follow companies and people that you are interested in on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and comment/share and engage in posts appropriately.
Network
Go to industry events, meet and talk to people in areas that might benefit and make sure to follow up afterwards by adding them on LinkedIn. Contact leaders/professionals in your area of interest and ask them questions or advice.
CV
CVs can determine whether or not you make it to interview stage. Review your CV carefully and make sure that it is perfect. When recruiting, spelling mistakes can give off the impression of laziness and a lack of attention to detail. Ask people you trust to critique it afterwards – work colleagues, friends etc.
Interview Preparation
The job market is becoming more competitive making interviews tougher so preparation is key. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid of trying something different. The interview process can be monotonous for employers. Make yourself stand out! See interview blog piece here: https://myhomecare.ie/career-advice/banish-interviews-nerves-bag-job/
Be Proactive
Sometimes getting the job you want may seem impossible and daunting and may even test your patience but remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Skills
When it comes to learning, you are never at the same level. You are either falling behind or growing. Keep your skills fresh and updated. Learn new skills and talents.
Good luck! 🙂
