Make 2023 your year: New Year’s resolutions to make your job search work for you

If you’re eager to find a new job in the upcoming year, setting a meaningful and motivating New Year’s resolution can help you get started. As you consider your professional goals, it’s important to stay motivated and set smaller objectives to help you succeed. While some people abandon their resolutions a few weeks after New Year’s Eve, staying focused on your career development can help you stick to your goals all year long.

Why set New Year’s resolutions when looking for a job?

When you’re in the market for a new job, you may not know where to begin your search or what steps to take to make the most of your time. Setting New Year’s resolutions related to finding a new position can help you stay focused on your professional goals and complete tasks or projects that can allow you to advance to the next stage of your career. Identifying and setting the right goals can help you stay committed to finding a new role or qualifying for a promotion in your field.

“When deciding on your New Year’s resolutions, consider setting a goal to refine your application documents and continuously update them throughout the year so you’re ready for any exciting job opportunity that may arise.”

New Year’s resolutions for your 2023 job search

Here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions that can help you stay focused on your professional goals in the upcoming year:

Make a social media plan

There are several professional industries where you may benefit from having a significant social media presence, including creative careers like graphic design or more corporate fields, like marketing and advertising. Consider making one of your New Year’s resolutions to develop a social media plan to help you advance your career and share your work with a wider audience. Some employers may review candidates’ social media accounts in addition to their application documents, so consider setting a goal to upgrade your accounts if you think it can help you advance your career.

Develop an elevator pitch 

If you know you have networking events or opportunities approaching in 2023, you may want to refine your “elevator pitch,” meaning the brief description you give others of who you are as a professional and your career. It’s important to keep this statement brief while still making sure to highlight all of your major accomplishments. Polishing this description can help you feel prepared before meeting others in your field, which can allow you to make a positive first impression on the professionals in your network.

Take a visual approach

In the new year, consider making a resolution to update the visual elements of your professional materials, including your application documents. Depending on your industry, employers may look for candidates who demonstrate their communication skills by recording a video resume. Visual media can help you stand out from other candidates and make a positive first impression on a hiring manager, giving you an advantage in your job search.

Refine your application documents

Submitting strong application documents can be the first step to interviewing for the position you want, so it’s important to submit a resume and cover letter that accurately represent who you are and the value you can bring to an employer. Whether you want to learn how to build a resume or refine your cover letter, polishing these forms can help you make a strong first impression. When deciding on your New Year’s resolutions, consider setting a goal to refine your application documents and continuously update them throughout the year so you’re ready for any exciting job opportunity that may arise.

Organize your home office

If you have a home office, it’s important to ensure your space is neat and clean. An organized workspace can help you stay focused on your upcoming tasks, especially if you’re looking for a new job and have several applications to complete. If you notice you’re accumulating clutter, consider making it your New Year’s resolution to organize your home office space. 

Organization can make it easier to find documents, files, or other materials you may need and can help prevent distractions. It also allows you to stay relaxed while searching for a new position and helps you combat your stress. When you’re in the market for a new position, having an organized workspace can allow you to spend more time sending out resumes and spend less time looking for a particular form or certificate. 

Broaden your skill set

Employers may look for candidates who possess a variety of specific skills, making it important to possess the required competencies to qualify for the role you want. Consider making it your New Year’s resolution to broaden your skill set and develop new strengths in 2023. Continuing to develop your technical knowledge can demonstrate your commitment to growth and success, and it can show an employer that you want to stay up to date with the latest developments and skills in your industry.

Establish a personal brand

Employers may look for candidates who occupy a particular niche in their field and have an identifiable personal brand. If you know this is something companies look for in your industry, consider making your New Year’s resolution a goal to hone in on your brand and develop an elevator pitch to describe yourself to potential employers. Consider creating a personal website, online portfolio, or social media profile to display your unique contributions to your field.

Develop your time management skills

Time management can be an essential skill in a variety of industries and can help you successfully apply for jobs. When beginning your job search, you may find that it isn’t the best use of your time to apply for a large number of roles and instead only focus on the positions that align with your personal and professional goals. Honing your time management skills can help you determine where to spend your energy and how to use your time effectively to apply for positions that can contribute to your career growth.

Make volunteering a priority

When setting goals for 2023, consider making volunteering a priority. Not only can this allow you to give back to your community, but it can allow you to develop useful skills that can help you qualify for a variety of roles. Volunteering can show a prospective employer that you’re committed to serving those around you and give them a better idea of the causes that mean a lot to you. 

If you’re currently unemployed and looking for a new position, volunteering can also help you fill this gap on your resume and show an employer that you’re still pursuing personal and professional growth even while in between jobs. 

Complete a certification

Another way to focus on leveling up in your career is to complete a role-related certification that allows you to pursue advanced training and develop a broader variety of professional skills. While you’re looking for jobs in 2023, consider making it your New Year’s resolution to complete a certification course to add additional credentials to your resume and distinguish yourself from other candidates who may be interested in similar roles. 

As you prepare for 2023, it’s important to set clear expectations and goals for yourself, especially if you’re looking for a new position. Deciding on the right New Year’s resolutions can help you make the job search work for you in the upcoming year, motivate you to upload a resume, and land the role you really want to help further your career.

More tips to advance your job search:

Stay up to date with changes in the job market and gain a better understanding of the workplace then and now.

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So you have an interview, now what? Prepare to meet with a hiring manager by reviewing these seven skills-based interview questions.