Get Career Ready for 2017

It’s December and the New Year is just around the corner. A time filled with possibilities and new resolutions. ‘This year I’ll go to the gym.’ ‘This year I’ll quit smoking.’ Or, as I often hear in our industry, ‘This year I’ll get a new job’. According to Monster, the busiest times for hiring are in January and February. What if you could be career ready now so you’re at the front of the line come 2017? With these steps, that’s just what you’ll be:

1. Start your job search now.
   Remember, employers hiring for job openings in January aren’t recruiting in January. They are posting their jobs right now and already screening through resumes and contacting applicants. Check out local and national job sites to see who is hiring, what jobs appeal to you and how to apply.

2. Create your cover letter and resume and start applying.
   If you already have a resume on hand, you’re one step ahead in the game, but if not, that’s okay too. Microsoft Word offers a standard template for both your cover letter and resume. However, if you want your resume to stand out on the pile, the internet is your best bet. There are literally hundreds of sites that offer resume ideas and templates. Monster, LiveCareer and ResumeHelp.org are just a few examples of sites that offer templates and tips on how to get started. Now remember in step 1 when you were searching job openings? Consider gearing your cover letter and resume specific to each of the positions you are applying for. (If you’re applying for 5 positions, create 5 different cover letters and possibly 5 different resumes, depending on the positions). A generic resume is easily passed over. Take the time to learn about the employer and the position and build your resume accordingly. Don’t forget to get your application out sooner than later as this is the time when employers start their recruiting for the New Year.

3. Let people know you’re looking.
   We all know the old adage ‘it’s who you know’. Although not always true, it certainly doesn’t hurt either. Let friends and family know that you are looking for a new career. If you are currently employed, make them aware that your job search is confidential. But if you’re in between jobs, put yourself out there using social media and your network. You never know. And don’t forget to consider employment services like SRG. Often companies will not even advertise their openings, but instead have an employment service do the recruiting for them. You could be missing out on all kinds of opportunities.

So there you have it. You are now equipped with everything you need to start a new career in 2017: begin your job search now, get your resume ready and apply and let your network know that you’re looking for work. Next year is full of possibilities. Take the steps this year to make them happen!

Please share our posts…