If Your New Year Resolution Is To Get A Job… January 1, 2008
Posted by Reginald Johnson in Business, Culture, Jobs, Networking.1 comment so far
New Year’s Resolutions are always made at this time of the year – hence the name. These resolution; which range from losing weight, running more, dancing more, enjoying life more, or even finding true love. If your desire is to get a new job, join the club. Every year thousands of people are looking for new jobs or new careers.
Many of you may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. You dread that ride to work and dread those that you will see in the office place. You don’t find what you do challenging. You come in on Mondays and already cannot wait until the weekend. Most people attribute this to a lack of motivation.
You should try to do what you love. But we know that sometimes that just isn’t possible. If you are in a job that doesn’t inspire and motivate you, it’s up to you to change it. You have to drive your own career.
Below are just a few tips from various people who spend a majority of their time trying to employ people – or help other find jobs.
Improve Your Skills
Professionals should resolve to continue enhancing their skill sets and marketability. Start by determining where you want to be at the end of 2008 and list action steps you’ll need to take to achieve your objective. Also identify the attributes in short supply in the marketplace, and build your abilities in these areas. This will help you not only stand out during the job search but also thrive once you’re on the job. By continually strengthening your abilities and gaining new expertise, you will move forward on the road to success.
– DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International
Stick With Your Values
Seek out an organization that has the culture and values that are important to you. All too often, we focus on the job itself and don’t pay enough attention to the organization. If you’re starting a job search in 2008, make a commitment to find an organization that aligns with your personal needs. In the long term, you’ll be much happier in your new role and a greater asset to your organization.
– Janice Renock, vice president of North American recruiting, the Capital Group Companies
Do Not Burn Bridges
Do not let a company check your references and make you an offer if you know you will not take the job. It leaves a very negative impression about your professionalism and intentions. Every person you meet in your job search is a new connection and you mustn’t burn bridges in the process. Today’s interviewer could be tomorrow’s employer, customer, or competitor.
– Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing
Present Like a Pro
Join your industry association and volunteer to be a greeter at the next event so that you can meet all the movers and shakers in your field. Join a local Toastmaster’s Club and learn how to present like a pro. By the end of the year you just may be the featured speaker at your next industry association event. Invite your boss to the event and see what happens at review time!
– Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter’s Studio
Align With Your Strengths
I would like to see job-seekers stand for happiness in the job by searching for a job that corresponds with their strengths and personality. We see that’s where it goes wrong. Do not accept jobs (or colleagues) that do not correspond with who you are. Furthermore do not engage in activities that are not aligned with your strengths.
– Yves Lermusi, CEO, Checkster
Speak Up!
Don’t be afraid to say to the recruiter that something’s not working or talk about concerns or questions that you have. Even if you’ve decided that you don’t like something about the company, the role, or the process, it behooves you to communicate that as clearly as you know how. And I want to echo my statement from last year: Hold out for your dream job. Either you’ll find it or it may find you!
– Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures
