This is a guest post from Cayden Stein.
With the New Year comes renewed hope, and for many, the time of year also indicates a time of change. Many strive to better themselves through New Year’s Resolutions, often vowing to lose weight or to quit smoking, but one of the most popular resolutions this year has been to find a new job or just a job in general.
The waning economy and suffocated job market has made finding a job nearly impossible over the last few years, but has also made it more imperative that people have one. The cost of living is rising and wages are staying the same which is making it difficult for the average American to get by on a day to day basis. So whether you are performing a education or medical job search daily or have resorted to handing out resumes directly to employers in order to secure a job, there is no doubt that times are tough.
However, tough times don’t necessarily mean impossible times. The new year will bring several changes into the work world, and if you are striving to improve your career or start one, here are a few tips that can help you reach your goals:
Take Care of Yourself
A few of those other New Year’s Resolutions that you have set for yourself, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, may also help you in the career field. When it comes down to it, looks are nearly as important as your credentials when it comes to making a first impression so don’t be afraid to brush up your appearance as you strive to improve your career. Not only will you be healthier overall, but you will most likely increase your chance of a second interview too.
Organize
Applying for multiple jobs day in and day out is incredibly strenuous. However, applying to all those jobs haphazardly can lead to you looking like a mess when it comes to speaking with employers. Keep a log of all the employers that you have contacted and sent resumes too so that when they do call, you know who is calling you and for what position. Nothing looks worse than an unorganized applicant who doesn’t even know the position in which they applied for.
Create Realistic Career Goals
Aside from the lack of positions, one of the biggest reasons why people are finding themselves without gainful employment is because they set unrealistic career goals. Your degree in English does not give you the job skills necessary to manage a financial firm or to work at an engineering plant. Instead of applying for jobs that are above your skill set or simply in a different field, actually assess what your skill set is and the type of positions that you are ideally qualified for. You may not be able to obtain the salary you want, but you will be more likely to obtain a position, which you can then work your way up from.
The job market is rough, but there are a few sectors that are and will continue to experience growth. If your New Year’s resolution is to find a more suitable career, don’t be afraid to make a few self-improvements and to treat job hunting like a job itself. The more realistically and dedicated you approach job hunting, the more likely you will be to find a new job in the New Year.
