It is customary as we end one year and head into the next to make a set of New Year’s resolutions. That is the easy part. The hard part is to keep or maintain them as January 1 fades and we are caught up in the daily grind.
2009 represented a watershed year for job seekers as unemployment rose to over 10%. This decade has brought new challenges, and we remain optimistic that things will continue to turnaround, the economy will improve and companies will sustain hiring. However, wishful thinking is not the answer to finding your next opportunity. Rather, it will take the resolve to stick with your plan and the persistent execution of each tactic.
In the spirit of the New Year, here is one word that job seekers should resolve to implement.
P – Personal Brand
Be certain that you have defined your uniqueness and value proposition and that you are consistently communicating your brand.
R-– Résumé
Review your résumé, cover letters and other marketing correspondence to make sure that the message is compelling.
O – Online Identity
Google your name and review the results to see whether your digital persona matches your brand; make sure that your online profiles are professional and consistent.
A – Accelerate
There is no time like the present. Do not wait. If you can do something today to move your search forward, do it.
C – Connect
Keep expanding your network, both in person and online. Be a contributor. Look to help others where you can.
T – Time
Allocate your time to the activities that will provide the highest return. Focus your energies on networking and direct marketing and do not rely solely on job boards.
