Positioning Yourself For Career Success In The New Year
When the seasonal festivities wrap up and the new year approaches, people start looking forward to new opportunities and the excitement of additional chances at success. In order to fully succeed at something, though, it’s time to put together a plan that can set you up to make the best of your opportunities and help keep you motivated.
Positioning for career success in the new year doesn’t have to be difficult, and with a few simple tips, you can make the most of it. Here are some thoughts to get you started.
Take Time To Reflect
Set aside some time and look at what you like about your current career and what you want your next career to look like. Ask yourself what you need from your new career in order to feel successful and why you feel the need to make a change.
Think about where you want to end up, how you want to position yourself in the market, and what skills you have that are currently in demand in your new career path. If you take time to imagine your ideal role and how your skills align with it, you can see what sort of opportunities there are that fit your ideals.
This self-assessment will help you with your career search and with future advancement, and it will help recruiters help place you in a role that fits your skills the most.
Check In On Your Core Values
Make sure you understand your core values and beliefs, both personally and professionally. Sticking to your values will help you find a job in an organisation that follows similar values, and success will become easier because you are working with your values instead of against them.
Do Your Homework
Setting up career success in the new year means doing your homework. Once you’ve figured out how your goals and values align with your future career, find a list of organisations that may be a good fit. Do your homework on the organisation and see if you can determine where and how you can see yourself being a part of that company. Then think about a pitch you can make to the recruiter at that place. List out your accomplishments, then check your resume to make sure it aligns with your list. If they don’t match, update your resume to show your accomplishments and not just the places you’ve spent time at.
Spend Time Networking
Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to start connecting with people who can help you. Identify who in different organisations can help assist you with meeting your goals and ask for 10 minutes of their time. Engage with questions about the organisation, the field, and how they are doing in their careers. Be genuine with your contact, and they’ll likely share a wealth of information with you.
Use these networking opportunities to fine-tune your message for recruiters. Understand what the organisation is looking for, and you’ll look smarter and appeal more when you meet with the hiring managers.
Focus On New Behaviours That Reflect Your New Opportunities
Create a picture for yourself of what your future success looks like to you. Describe how you will be acting and reacting differently to goals, values, and objections in your new role. Detail how the new role will change current behaviour patterns and communications. Once you understand these new behaviours, turn them into your current routine. Start acting as if you have the new opportunity now and use these patterns to move your career forward.
Create Habits That Will Help You Reach Your End Goal
Only you know what your overall end goal will be for future opportunities. Once you understand what it is, you can start positioning yourself for career success in the new year by establishing tiny habits that will work toward your end goal. These micro-goals are easily achievable and can help you break down the end goal into bite-sized pieces. Focus on working on these habits every day as you move closer and closer to your achievements.
Stay Positive
Keep in mind that big changes rarely happen overnight. They take planning, positioning, and time to achieve. Keep a positive attitude throughout your career change. Understand that while recruiters definitely need your skill set, they are also looking for positivity and resilience, and they can see that shine through in the interview process.
Stay confident in your search and articulate your values and goals in your resume and in any communications you have with an organisation.
Win The Search
With a little bit of planning, homework, and some rock-solid positioning, your winning attitude will help you land the job of your dreams. When you do, keep in touch with your network. You may be able to return the favour someday when they are on the job hunt for themselves.
And if you haven’t found the perfect position yet, don’t rush it. Know that it is out there waiting for you to find it. If you’re looking for some help, reach out to our recruitment team. We’d be happy to talk with you about some fantastic opportunities that may fit your skills.