After Christmas, as soon as the tree gets put away, Americans turn to the new year. Several rough spots during the Great Recession have led to growing job markets and more hiring. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to find a job, it is time to land the position best for you in 2015.
U.S. News & World Report writes that you need to discover a new perspective in 2015. Remember what worked before, and what failed before, when you tried to find a job in the past. Polishing your resume, cover letter and network of people involves relevant, regular applications of job searching skills. However, use these New Year's resolutions to do more than just look good on paper.
In the growing economy, you can pick and choose what position you want. Forget "resume blasting." This time, customize each application, resume and cover letter to match your social media presence. Include relevant keywords in each document. Focus on a select few firms and target specific jobs you want. Do not settle for what you are overqualified for, and instead, go for the big enchilada when you find a job.
Reach out to former colleagues who vouched for your work in the past. If you cannot find someone's contact information, look for a LinkedIn profile or social media page. The co-worker does not necessarily have to be your former boss, especially if you left a company on less-than-stellar terms. Ask the former colleague for advice, tips and suggestions to find a job that is relevant to his acumen.
Complement information found in your resume with a cover letter. Spruce up your cover letter with active verbs, go into further details about one vital project and customize the letter for each company. A refreshed cover letter lends a new perspective to your prospects.
Learn from past errors and do not make the same mistake twice. If a company does not seem like a good fit, avoid the firm as you attempt to find a job. Do not settle. Try not to fret over when you might hear back from a potential employer after the interview. There is no need to worry in this job market. Plenty of good jobs are still out there.
Mentor another person seeking a job at the same time you search for yours. If you passed on a job that did not fit, your friend may want that position. One person's trash is another person's treasure, especially for a coveted job.
Whether you have a job already and want to move forward in your career or have not had luck in finding gainful employment for months, 2015 marks a new turn in your life. Aim high instead of settling, re-brand yourself, add a new skill to your resume and practice for that knock-out interview.
A new year means refreshing energy, a new beginning and an exciting attitude. All of this adds up to confidence as you find a job you love in the improved economy. Instead of getting a job you hate just because you have to pay bills, land a position that leads to the most rewarding career you can imagine.
Photo courtesy of Photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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