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Labor Day Resolutions II: Preparing For Your Job Search

In the previous article, Labor Day Resolutions I: Making the Most of your Career, we discussed how to achieve the most at your current position. In this installment we’ll provide a blue print if it’s time to move to a new opportunity.

Figure out what you want Before you start your search you should determine what you really want to do (that you have at least some qualifications to do).

Get your resume ready– Have trusted friends look over your resume. They will find grammatical errors, logical errors, confusing text errors and many other errors- do not get offended- they are only trying to help! Try to look at your resume objectively and see if there is merit to their complaint. Sometimes you know exactly what you are saying but it doesn’t come across on paper. Even If you are absolutely sure that their suggestions don’t apply, thank them anyway.

Structure your resume so you answer a companies question “what can you do for me”.

Prime your network– Be on the lookout. You have built a informal network of friends and acquaintances- contact them and try getting leads to help you in your search. Networks are one of the best sources for new jobs.

Don’t Burn Bridges– Always be courteous to employers and coworkers, you never know if they will be your future boss or client.

Good Luck

Labor Day Resolutions I: Making the Most of your Career

New Years Day i.e. January 1st is a time for physical reflection- many people make resolutions to work on their weight etc. With Labor Day here, it’s time to reflect on our careers.

With summer vacation/relaxation over, now is the time to determine how to take your career to the next level. You should think about how to achieve the most at your current position or decide if it’s time to move on.

Action Steps to achieve the most at your current position

  • Look back at your last review to see what to work on.
  • Inventory all that you’ve accomplished recently and try to finish up any lose ends.
  • Take some initiative, so you can begin building major accomplishments for your year end review.
  • Make sure your accomplishments are known. Be sure that your boss etc know what you’ve accomplished without showing off. Look to your praise list for some of your accomplishments.

Enjoy your Labor Day! In Labor Day Resolutions II (coming this week), you can read how to best position yourself for a new job.